Ohio Jury Trial Process and Examples
In our experience, a jury trial is not just about the facts, as odd as it might sound, it’s often a popularity contest. Jurors are everyday people who come in with preconceived notions, some of which are influenced by the way a person presents themselves, and how they speak. The challenge is that jurors might decide a case not only based on evidence but also on their perception of who the defendant is as a person. It’s important to be ready to face a jury when going to trial and having a criminal defense lawyer on your side that is experienced in jury trials is key.
At the Joslyn Law Firm, we have helped thousands of clients facing criminal charges, including those that will be tried by a selection of their peers. If you have been charged with a crime in Ohio, we urge you to reach out to our firm to schedule a free case consultation. (614) 444-1900
Preparing for a Jury Trial
One of the key things we emphasize with our clients who will be having a jury trial is the importance of coming across as likable. Even in the heat of a courtroom, a person who can stay composed, polite, and respectful will often win over jurors. If a defendant responds in an explosive or defensive manner during cross-examination, it can backfire, what the jury will see is someone who cannot control their emotions, which might cast doubt on their credibility.
We also advise our clients to look as presentable as possible. This means wearing nice clothing, having your hair washed and looking clean and orderly. The way you look plays a very important role in your defense. If a prosecutor is trying to paint our client’s one way but the way they present themselves in court contradicts that picture, it helps to cast doubt on the prosecutor’s case and makes it look like they are casting unfair judgments on our client.
Recent Jury Trial Example: The Importance of Proper Communication
We had a client recently who faced charges after violating a protection order. It was a tough case involving ex-spouses who were battling over custody issues. There was strong evidence against our client. However, we focused on her ability to stay calm and answer questions succinctly, which won the jury over. The outcome? An acquittal. Had she gone into the trial with anger or self-righteous indignation, things would have turned out differently.
The Role of Emotion in Legal Decisions
Juries tend to empathize with victims, especially when children are involved or in emotionally charged cases. It’s crucial to know when to push for a jury trial and when a bench trial, where a judge makes the decision, might be the better option. In some cases, particularly where facts are tricky, or the emotional impact is high, a judge may be more objective than a jury. When we are crafting our closing statements, we take into account how the emotions of the case need to be pressed upon the jurors to get the most desired outcome possible.
A criminal defense attorney’s job is to protect their client’s rights and to present their case in the best possible manner for a fair response. They have expertise in dealing with juries and can provide their clients with the necessary advice and tools needed to present the most positive version of themselves that they can in a courtroom. If you have been charged with a crime in Ohio contact the Joslyn Law Firm for a free case consultation where we will discuss your legal options and help you determine the best path forward. (614) 444-1900
