DUI Jury Trials in California
This is an essential question regarding the driving under the influence (DUI) case pending in Los Angeles County because it will usually dictate how your attorney will handle your case. If the issue goes to a jury trial, the attorney does not have to discuss the case with the prosecutor and prepare the case and you for the test.
Should your case not proceed to trial, rest assured that our legal team will employ a comprehensive defense strategy to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Your Los Angeles DUI attorney plays a crucial role in discussing the case with the prosecutor and possibly the judge. This discussion is aimed at identifying strategies to minimize the consequences of the case.
In the negotiation process, the attorney can bring things to the prosecutor's attention related to character letters, your job, your family, and your lack of record and discuss the circumstances of your case that are favorable to you.
Reviewing Your Drunk Driving Case
When I speak to clients for the first time about their cases, other law firms' salespeople who answer the phone sometimes give them misleading or straight-out false information, mentioning defenses that have nothing to do with their factual scenario.
These salespeople are given scripts to follow and need to be more sophisticated to go off the script to deal directly with that particular person's situation.
Getting the road map from the beginning is crucial for adequately defending your case. Concepts like “rising blood alcohol and calibration of the breath machine” can be used to protect you under the right circumstances. Still, only a seasoned, savvy DUI attorney should advise you and predict how your case will go.
As your lawyer, we do everything we can to get your case dismissed or submit a plea bargain, but if, for some reason, your DUI case goes to trial, we can help you.
Jury Trial Process
Before the trial proceeds, there is a motion in a limited period when actions are brought up before the court to allow the judge to rule on specific evidence to admit during the trial.
During this process, our lawyers will conduct a meticulous investigation of all the evidence presented against you, identifying any inconsistencies, ambiguities, or weaknesses, and preparing a motion to exclude such evidence.
Jury Selection
After the motions in limine are resolved, a jury selection takes place. Jury selection is important because they decide on your innocence or guilt.
As your DUI lawyer, we take the jury selection process seriously. We will question potential jurors to ensure they will be fair and impartial, as their decision will determine your innocence or guilt.
DUI Trial and Opening Statement
When the trial begins, we will have an opening statement that will be powerful and convincing.
The prosecution will go first because they have the burden of proof. After that, we, as your defense attorney, have the option to present our opening statement immediately or wait until the prosecution is done with their case. We will make a wise judgment call. Either way, our opening word will be persuasive and favorable to you.
Witness Testimony
Next, the prosecution brings forward the case first. Witnesses generally include the arresting officer and experts on blood alcohol content.
As your attorney, we cross-examine all the witnesses to expose any ambiguities or insufficiencies. After the prosecution has presented its case, we offer evidence to the jury, make motions to dismiss the case based on insufficient evidence, and proceed with our aggressive defense strategy.
Closing Arguments
Then, the closing arguments are presented. This is our last chance to persuade the jury to find in favor of you. We point out any ambiguities or holes in the prosecution's case and place every effort to convince the jury in your turn.
The judge then instructs the jury, and the jury then deliberates, and to find you guilty, there must be no doubt. The prosecution must have proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, the jury is “hung,” and your case is dismissed.
Our experienced legal team will do everything to get you the best possible results. We prepare for your trial efficiently, persistently, and zealously.
We want to protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation. If you are charged with driving under the influence and your DUI case will be tried, contact our law firm and set up a free, face-to-face consultation.