Inside a DUI Trial

• Decision on judge or jury. The defendant has the right to proceed with a jury trial or a bench trial. A bench trial is where the judge acts as the jury deciding the verdict of guilty or not guilty. There are some positives and negatives to having both types of trials and this decision is usually made based on the facts of the case, as well as the specific judge who your case is before.
• Jury selection. If the trial will be held before a jury, the defense and prosecution select the jury through a question and answer process called “voir dire.”
• Pre-Trial motions. The defense and prosecution make arguments to the judge, in advance of trial, to admit or exclude certain evidence. These requests are called motions “in limine.” These are extremely important in DUI trials as the ability by the defense to exclude certain evidence such as breath test results, can significantly damage the prosecutions case.
• Opening statements. These statements provide an outline of the case that each side expects to prove. The defense attorney may reserve opening argument until the conclusion of the defenses case.
• Prosecution’s case. The prosecution presents its main case through direct examination of witnesses. Generally, this consists of testimony by the arresting police officer and a state expert to testify on any chemical test results.
• Cross-examination. The defense may cross-examine the prosecution witnesses. It has been said that there is no greater mechanism for the finding of truth then a vigorous cross-examination.
• Prosecution rests. The prosecution finishes presenting evidence.
• Defense’s case. The defense has an opportunity to present its own evidence. The defendant has the right to testify and/or any expert or civilian witnesses the defense wished to call.
• Cross-examination. The prosecutor cross-examines the defense witnesses.
• Defense rests. The defense finishes presenting its case.
• Prosecution’s closing argument. The prosecution makes its closing argument.
• Defense’s closing argument. The defense makes its closing argument.
• Jury instructions. The judge instructs the jury about what law to apply to the case and how to carry out its duties.
• Jury deliberations. The jury deliberates and tries to reach a verdict which must be unanimous.
• Post-trial motions. If the jury produces a guilty verdict, the defense often makes post-trial motions requesting the judge to override the jury and either grant a new trial or acquit the defendant.
• Sentencing. Assuming a verdict of guilty, the judge either sentences the defendant immediately or sets sentencing for another day.