Trial
The Trial is the part of the criminal justice system
that people are most familiar. This is the
opportunity for the prosecutor to call forth her
witnesses and display her evidence in the attempt
to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the
defendant is guilty of the crime.
Trials can be held before a judge or a jury,
depending on the request of the defendant.
The defendant and his attorney will have the
opportunity to cross examine all of the prosecutor's
witnesses. The defendant and his attorney will
make a opening argument to the jury or judge. The
defense can subpoena any witnesses which would
provide evidence to assist the defendant's case.
The defendant will have the opportunity to testify or
"take the stand" if he wishes, but if he declines the
jury will be told that no inference of guilt can be
taken from that fact. Finally, both the prosecutor
and the defense will have the chance to give
closing arguments.
Then the judge or jury will deliberate and announce
the verdict.
If the verdict is not guilty, the case will end and the
defendant will be free to go. If the fact-finder
renders a guilty verdict, a Sentencing Hearing may
be set.
Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law
220 Lafayette Street
Suite 120
Iowa City, IA 52240
ph: (319) 354-1630
fax: (319) 887-2537
mark@thompsonjustice.com
The information contained in this website is not intended to be legal
advice. With any criminal matter, you should seek the advice of a
lawyer practicing in criminal defense.
Copyright, Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law, All Rights Reserved.
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that people are most familiar. This is the
opportunity for the prosecutor to call forth her
witnesses and display her evidence in the attempt
to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the
defendant is guilty of the crime.
Trials can be held before a judge or a jury,
depending on the request of the defendant.
The defendant and his attorney will have the
opportunity to cross examine all of the prosecutor's
witnesses. The defendant and his attorney will
make a opening argument to the jury or judge. The
defense can subpoena any witnesses which would
provide evidence to assist the defendant's case.
The defendant will have the opportunity to testify or
"take the stand" if he wishes, but if he declines the
jury will be told that no inference of guilt can be
taken from that fact. Finally, both the prosecutor
and the defense will have the chance to give
closing arguments.
Then the judge or jury will deliberate and announce
the verdict.
If the verdict is not guilty, the case will end and the
defendant will be free to go. If the fact-finder
renders a guilty verdict, a Sentencing Hearing may
be set.
Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law
220 Lafayette Street
Suite 120
Iowa City, IA 52240
ph: (319) 354-1630
fax: (319) 887-2537
mark@thompsonjustice.com
The information contained in this website is not intended to be legal
advice. With any criminal matter, you should seek the advice of a
lawyer practicing in criminal defense.
Copyright, Mark Thompson, Attorney at Law, All Rights Reserved.
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