legal matters
CRIMINAL LAW
QI am awaiting my criminal trial – what are some things I should consider when electing between a judge and jury trial versus a judge alone trial?
ADepending on what offences you are charged with, you may or may not have to make an election between proceeding with a judge and jury trial and proceeding with a trial by judge alone. Assuming you are charged with an offence that allows you to elect between the two trial settings, there are some important things you should consider before making your decision. Two determining factors to weigh are: the length of time and cost. A judge and jury trial can significantly add to the length of trial time, causing you to wait longer for an end result. The trial time must now accommodate selecting a jury, instructing a jury, and all the necessary procedural safeguards that are implemented to ensure the jury is impartial, unbiased, and properly informed. As the length of time increases, so does the cost. Jury trials are expensive and you will have to pay for the additional time your lawyer needs to complete the matter, which include added trial preparation and days spent in court. Before making your election, speak with your lawyer about what considerations he or she feels are important for you to think about in your circumstances so that you can be fully informed and comfortable with your election. With 45 lawyers and multiple practice areas the legal team at Ross & McBride LLP can assist you with just about any legal matter. We’ve been calling Hamilton our home since 1894. We’ve watched our city grow and there’s no other place we’d rather work and play. We love our city’s spirit, genuine demeanour and it’s unabashed charm. When you need a lawyer in your corner, we hope you’ll let us serve you with the passion, pride and professionalism that we have become known for. Providing legal services in:
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