The trial process in Los Angeles and Ventura the same process used in most courts. The participants in the trial are going to be a judge, a jury, a defendant (you), a prosecutor, witnesses, a court recorder, a deputy sheriff and a clerk. The trial process itself involves five steps: selecting the jury, opening statements, presenting the evidence, closing arguments and the jury selection.
Many of you have seen the trial process portrayed on television through such shows as Perry Mason, L.A. Law and most recently Boston Legal. Unlike the television shows, there is very little humor in a trial and the difference between a not guilty and guilty verdict is the difference between being free and going to jail.
The Judge is the legal referee between the defendant (you) and the prosecution (District Attorney). The Judge will ensure that the proper trial procedures are followed, he will issue ruling on points of law and if there is no jury, the Judge will give (render) the verdict.
The Prosecutor is the one who wants to put you in jail. The Prosecutor represents the People of the State of California and when you as the defendant are brought before a judge or jury for prosecution, the Prosecutor believes that you have committed a crime and should be punished. They will do everything they legally can to convict you.
The Defendant (you) are entitled to legal representation. Your attorney will do everything in their legal power to see you receive a verdict of not guilty. It is their job to see that the evidence presented to the court has been brought their legally, that the evidence is untainted, that the evidence is in fact the truth.
The Evidence is going to be presented by witnesses in the form of personal statements, photographs, x-rays, video tape and paper documents. The Prosecutor will present evidence that makes the defendant appear guilty. Your Malibu Criminal Defense Attorney will show that the Prosecutor’s evidence has more than interpretation and they will also have the opportunity to introduce evidence that demonstrates a not guilty verdict is the only appropriate verdict in your case.
Closing Arguments will be presented by the Prosecutor and your Malibu Criminal Defense Attorney before the Jury gives its verdict. Your attorney presents their case first and the Prosecutor has the last word before the Jury.
The Jury will then deliberate and render a verdict.
