What Happens if Your DC Criminal Defense Lawyer Goes to Trial?

What Happens if Your DC Criminal Defense Lawyer Goes to Trial?

Getting arrested is scary. Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. The criminal justice system can seem cold and confusing. But having an experienced DC criminal defense lawyer on your side makes all the difference.

Many criminal cases end in plea bargains. But sometimes the prosecution refuses to offer a reasonable deal. Sometimes the stakes are so high that trial is the only option. This article explains what happens if your case goes to trial – and how a skilled DC trial lawyer can protect your rights every step of the way.

The Trial Process in DC Superior Court

DC Superior Court handles both felonies and misdemeanors in the District. The trial process has several key phases:

• Jury selection
• Opening statements
• The prosecution’s case
• The defense case
• Closing arguments
• Jury deliberations
• The verdict

This process applies whether your facing simple assault or armed robbery charges. Your lawyer’s trial skills impact each phase.

Jury Selection (Voir Dire)

Jury selection comes first. This process is called voir dire. The lawyers and judge ask potential jurors questions to uncover biases. Each side can strike biased candidates. They’re trying to seat objective jurors who’ll fairly weigh the evidence.

An experienced trial lawyer excels at voir dire. They identify stealth biases that could hurt you. They get a feel for which jurors might be receptive to the defense theory. And they build rapport with the panel through thoughtful questioning.

Opening Statements

After picking the jury, each lawyer gives an opening statement. The prosecution goes first. Their opening lays out the charges and evidence against you. The defense opening follows. Your lawyer explains why the evidence doesn’t prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A compelling opening starts persuading the jury to see things your way. It’s a chance to humanize you and poke holes in the prosecution’s case. Strong trial lawyers craft memorable openings that frame the story in your favor.

The Prosecution’s Case

After openings, the prosecution puts on its case. Prosecutors call witnesses and introduce evidence to try to prove your guilt. Police officers often testify about the investigation and arrest. Forensic experts may testify about DNA, fingerprints, or other scientific evidence.

Your lawyer’s job is to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. Their goal is to point out inconsistencies and credibility problems. They want to show jurors the witness testimony doesn’t prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Defense Case

After the prosecution rests, it’s the defense’s turn. Your lawyer can call witnesses and introduce evidence that supports your innocence claim. For example, eyewitnesses may testify you weren’t the perpetrator. Or your lawyer might show the weapon wasn’t yours.

You have the right to testify in your own defense. But testifying is risky. The prosecution will cross-examine you. An experienced trial lawyer will advise you about the pros and cons of taking the stand.

Closing Arguments

After all the evidence is in, the lawyers give their closing arguments. This is their final chance to persuade the jury to rule in their favor. The prosecution goes first, then your defense lawyer.

An impactful closing weaves together all the evidence in a compelling narrative. It shows jurors the prosecution failed to meet their burden. And it urges the jury to find you not guilty.

Jury Deliberations and Verdict

Next, the judge instructs the jury on the law. The jury retires to deliberate in private. All felonies and most misdemeanors require a unanimous verdict. If the jury can’t agree, the judge may declare a mistrial.

If the verdict is guilty, your lawyer can file post-trial motions arguing the conviction should be overturned. If those fail, they’ll begin advocating for the lowest possible sentence.

Why DC Criminal Trial Lawyers Matter

An experienced DC trial attorney tilts the scales in your favor every step of the way:

• They conduct smart voir dire to seat favorable jurors.
• They tell persuasive stories in opening and closing arguments.
• They skillfully cross-examine prosecution witnesses.
• They effectively present defense evidence and call compelling witnesses.
• They advise clients about testifying to avoid missteps.
• They object to inadmissible evidence so it never reaches jurors.
• They craft persuasive post-trial motions if you’re convicted.

Less experienced lawyers often lack these skills. But an exceptional DC trial lawyer’s expertise can win even seemingly unwinnable cases.

Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome

The stakes are high when a criminal case goes to trial. Your life and liberty are on the line. You need a battle-tested DC criminal defense lawyer fighting for you inside and outside the courtroom.

At some firms, junior lawyers handle trials with little supervision. But at Price Benowitz LLP, clients have the entire team’s support. Founding partners David Benowitz and Rammy Barbari have over 50 years of combined trial experience. They bring deep knowledge of DC courts and judges. And they use proven trial strategies to fight for the best possible outcome.

If your case may go to trial, choose the lawyer who will be in the trenches with you. Call Price Benowitz LLP at (202) 417-6000 for a free consultation.