Criminal Jury Trials
Trials have become more and more publicized in recent years. Cases have been presented live on major networks and dramatized extensively in reality television productions. The public has grown more interested in the legal process involving cases dealing with criminal allegations. As a result, attention has been drawn to the final stage of some cases... Trial. So, what does a criminal jury trial mean or look like in Texas?
Understanding Your Constitutional Right to a Jury Trial
The 6th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States holds that in all criminal proceedings the accused shall have the right to “an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.”
The right to a jury trial is a way to prevent government oppression by having impartial “peers” decide the fate of an accused. It safeguards against heavy-handed and unfair prosecution as well as judges that may have bias. It prevents unchecked power and helps ensure an accused receives justice.
It is important to remember that the role of the juror is to be the trier of fact. The judge's role is to instruct jurors on what the law is in each case, and following those instructions, the jury is to render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.
The right to a jury trial in the 6th Amendment only applies to criminal matters. The 7th Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by jury in certain federal civil matters, but it does not apply to state courts.
Contacting Law Office of Anthony Ray Smith should be one of your first steps if you have been arrested in the Counties of Harris County and Galveston County. Call us at 713-242-8917 today.
Benefits & Risks of a Jury Trial in a Criminal Case in Texas
Jury trials, while guaranteed in criminal cases by the Constitution, do not come without advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits of a trial by jury include:
- Judges are prevented from having complete control over the outcome of a trial. While still in charge of the law that is applied in a case, the judge is no longer the trier of fact.
- Having a jury means the odds are in favor of the defendant as there are more chances for a favorable outcome. The only options are not just “guilty” and “not guilty,” as there may be a mistrial.
Disadvantages to a trial by jury include:
- Jurors are laymen, not trained in the law, and if the defendant's best defense is based on a complex legal concept, a jury trial may not be the best option.
- Jurors, while in theory are to be impartial, come to the courtroom with their own feelings, thought patterns, and biases. Whatever they hear and see during the trial will be processed based upon their own life experiences and beliefs.
- A jury is a group of people that is thrown together, and having a large, varied group come together and pay attention to every critical detail is a difficult task.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Counties of Harris County and Galveston County Uses Voir Dire Strategically
A defendant has a right to a jury that is fair and impartial. To ensure this right is protected, there is a process known as voir dire which is utilized to screen prospective jurors. An effective criminal defense attorney will know how to use this process to find jurors that may be more sympathetic to their client's situation. They are able to do this by asking questions of potential jurors which exposes any prejudices or preconceived conclusions they may have.
The defense attorney is not the only counsel allowed to use voir dire to determine who may be on the jury. The prosecution is allowed to do the same to keep the process fair to both parties.
At Law Office of Anthony Ray Smith, we have successfully defended our clients and preserved their rights. Learn how we can help you today by scheduling a free initial consultation either online or by calling 713-242-8917.
