One of the most fundamental individual rights involved in a criminal case is the right to a jury trial in criminal cases. While the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a jury trial in serious criminal cases, Utah law also provides for the right to a jury trial even in lesser misdemeanor cases. If you are facing criminal charges, having an experienced defense attorney on your side is critical. As a Utah criminal lawyer based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard has conducted jury trials on cases ranging from aggravated murder to DUI. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted of a crime. Until or unless the prosecutor can prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt and convince each member of the jury of the defendant’s guilt, a criminal defendant is constitutionally entitled to be presumed innocent. But while the constitution places the burden of proof on the prosecutor, having an experienced criminal attorney on your side is still vital to achieving a successful outcome in your case.
The processes and rules involved in a criminal jury trial are complex. While no website can provide an adequate substitute for the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney, the following webpages provide general information regarding jury trials in Utah criminal cases.
- Jury Selection and Voir Dire
- Preliminary Instructions to the Jury
- Opening Statements
- Prosecution’s Presentation of Evidence and Cross-Examination
- Defense Case
- Defendant’s Testimony
- Prosecution’s Rebuttal Case
- Jury Instructions
- Closing Arguments
- Jury Deliberation and Verdict
If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, you have a right to take your case to trial. But the decision to put your case in front of a jury at trial is a serious decision that should only be made after consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney. In many cases, there are alternative ways to resolve your case and give you the guaranteed results that you need without taking the risks that are inherent in taking a case to trial.
As an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.