Thousands of arrests are made on a daily basis all across the U.S. and many of these individuals are required to have their case taken before a judge shortly after being detained. In some cases, a jury is also required to be present and this group of people helps the courts to derive at an outcome that establishes whether the defendant is guilty or not. But, there is more to the jury and things you might want to be aware of if you are currently facing criminal charges that are expected to be heard by a judge as well as a jury.
If you have yet to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney and your charges are documented in Lansing, East Lansing, Dewitt, Charlotte, Grand Ledge, St. Johns, or Okemos, The Law Offices of Stuart R. Shafer can provide that legal representation for you. Stuart R. Shafer is a qualified and skilled defense attorney who will review all aspects of your case to ensure you aren’t being wrongfully charged, help prepare you for the court hearing, and provide you with the advice you need to get through this while working to get your charges reduced.
How Does the Jury Work?
After a jury listens to each party and the final arguments, they go to a jury room where they begin deliberating. One person may be selected as the “foreperson” or “presiding juror” and their role is to “preside over discussions and votes of the jurors, and often to deliver the verdict” [Source: ABA, American Bar Association]. During jury deliberations, no one is to communicate with the individuals until they have finished the process or have stopped for the day. While the judge is permitted to communicate with the jury, you should also have your criminal justice attorney be aware of the content being discussed. This is yet another benefit of having Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. working for you as he can keep you informed on what is going on.
In the event a jury is unable to arrive a decision by the end of the day, the jurors may be sequestered, or housed in a hotel or able to go home where they are expected to return the next day where they will pick up with their deliberations. If the jury cannot agree on a verdict, it is considered to be a hung jury, which leads to a mistrial, according to the ABA. This means your case will either be tried again at a later date or the plaintiff or government may decide to end the pursuit of your case.
What You Should Know About Jurors
When your defense lawyer is pleading your case and explaining your side of the story, the jury is there listening. You need someone who is capable of providing the necessary evidence in a manner the jury can understand and is willing to consider. Being a criminal defense attorney in Lansing, Michigan isn’t an easy task which is why you need someone with experience and skill. We encourage you to contact our firm today by calling 517-487-6603 to speak with a legal professional.
