What happens at a jury trial in a DUI case?

Once the members that make up a jury (known as the jurors) are made to go under oath by the judge or a court clerk, there is really not much of a difference between a trial in front of a judge and a jury trial. Hartford, CT DUI lawyers such as Melocowsky & Melocowsky (http://www.melolegal.com/) highlight the order of events that occur in a DUI jury trial.

Opening Statements in a DUI Trial

Connecticut DUI lawyers tell us that opening statements are often considered an unnecessary custom or procedure in traffic or ticket related trials before a judge. However, this is not the case when a jury is involved and it would definitely not be wise to skip or waive away your right to an opening statement in a jury based trial.

The reason for this is that the opening statement essentially allows you to make a first impression with the jurors and gives you the chance to earn their empathy and get them on your side from get go. If you are able to make a sincere and effective opening statement then you will find that it will help you immensely at a later stage in trial.

You can be contrite without admitting guilt. You can show respect without acquiescing. You can even win something while the other side believes they have won too. If you are written up for a DUI, you need a Hartford, Connecticut lawyer and this is where Melocowsky & Melocowsky come into the picture. This tremendous and prominent law firm can be found right here: http://www.melolegal.com/. There is not any guarantees, but if you do not have strong legal representation you are just gambling with your DUI court case.  

Some tips to follow when it comes to making a good impression with the jurors during your opening statement are as follows. Never be sarcastic or insulting. Dress formally and look presentable and do not smile or have an angry expression and try to keep your facial expressions as neutral as possible. Another awesome tip is to avoid being hostile towards the arresting officer. The best approach would be to behave as if the law enforcement officer was acting in good faith and just made an honest mistake.

This will make the job of your legal representative much easier. Melocowsky & Melocowsky have tried many cases and they know that attacking the police or disrespecting them unnecessarily is not the way to go.

The Prosecution’s Testimony

In a jury trial, a mandatory part of the trial is the prosecutor’s testimony where the arresting law enforcement officer will take the witness stand and testify against you. Hartford, CT DUI attorneys know that you do have the right to object to anything that the officer might say. However, a poignant way to cope with the DUI testimony is not to object too much.

Just listen to your legal representatives such as Melocowsky & Melocowsky since they have been in this situation before. In fact, they probably even know the judge and the prosecuting attorney. This law firm has won many cases and has long list of satisfied clients. Your best bet is to just take their advice. This is why you hired them.

Only contest critical points and not everything the officer says because jurors tend to rule against someone with several objections as they feel he or she could be attempting to hide evidence or information from them.

Your Testimony

This is the part of the trial where hiring the services of a professional Connecticut DUI lawyer will help a significant deal. Make sure to talk firmly yet calmly and establish eye contact with jurors as necessary. You want them to see you for the law abiding citizen that you are. Make sure you have rehearsed what you are going to say with your legal professional beforehand.

Closing Arguments

Once the witnesses, if any, have testified, the trial will draw to a close with closing arguments. This is yet another opportunity for you to remain composed and calm as you make irrefutable points and invalidate the evidence the prosecution has against you in an effective manner.