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What to Expect From The Trial Process

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Part 5 - What to Expect From The Trial Process

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After working with your criminal defense attorney for weeks, or even months, following your arrest, a criminal trial will be the next step in the process. The trial process is very structured and allows for both sides to present evidence and arguments to the jury in order for them to make a decision about whether or not the defendant is guilty of the charges against them. If you are facing criminal charges and have not resolved them outside of court (such as with a plea bargain) here is what you can expect from the trial process.

Jury Selection

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Jury selection, also known as Voir Dire, is a critical part of the U.S. Court System. In Colorado, serious criminal cases have larger juries of 12 jurors while less serious crimes have juries of 6 jurors. “Alternate jurors are selected in some cases to take the place of jurors who may become ill during the trial. Alternate jurors hear the evidence just as the other jurors do, but they don’t participate in the deliberations unless they replace an original juror.” Alternate jurors do not know they are an alternate until the end of the trial, right before the jury is set to go back and deliberate.

Jury Selection begins when the court’s clerk calls 12 individuals on the jury list to take a seat in the jury box. The judge will make a statement regarding the type of trial and whether there is any reason the potential jurors cannot serve. The judge and attorneys will ask the potential jurors whether they have any knowledge of the case that would render them to be biased. The attorneys will ask other questions to see whether any jurors should be disqualified. Most jurisdictions in Colorado also have the jurors fill out juror questionnaires beforehand as well so that the attorneys have a starting point from which they can ask the individual jurors questions about their answers.

Each side has a certain number of preemptive strikes that they can use to kick off potential jurors from the jury, and both sides can ask to dismiss any juror if they believe that they can have the person dismissed for cause. Dismissals for cause can happen when jurors say that they cannot follow the law or if they have a relationship to anyone involved in the case. When each side has agreed on the jury, the clerk swears in the jurors and those not selected are excused.

Sample Questions and Weeding Out the Jury Pool

Both attorneys will ask the potential jury members questions to determine whether they will be biased and whether they can serve on the jury. Some of the questions include the following:

  1. Background questions about the juror including their occupation and educational background.
  2. Whether the potential juror has any knowledge about the case.
  3. Whether the potential juror personally knows anyone involved in the case (including the judge or the legal team on either side).
  4. The potential juror’s knowledge and attitude toward the criminal justice system.
  5. Whether the potential juror has been a juror before and if so what the outcome was.
  6. Questions regarding the potential juror’s beliefs on controversial topics that may come up in the case.

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Opening Statements

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The opening statement happens after jury selection. Opening statements are the beginning of the trial and they provide the attorney the first opportunity to address the jury in a trial. In an opening statement, the attorney will give the jury a preview of the case, how they believe the evidence will come out during trial, describe the parties, nature of the dispute, and preview evidence that will be used. The attorney will indicate what they intend on proving.

“Generally, the party who bears the burden of proof (plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case) begins the opening statements, followed immediately after by the adverse party (defendant).”

Prosecution’s Opening Statement

The prosecution will generally indicate what their burden of proof is and tell the jurors what is at stake for the defendant and to keep an open mind when listening to the evidence.

Your Defense Attorney’s Opening Statement

The defense attorney will often provide a narrative that presents the defense’s theory of the case to the jury.

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Your Defense Attorney’s Role In The Prosecution’s Case-In-Chief

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Objections

There are various objections the attorney can make during examinations in Colorado courts these can include the following:

  • Irrelevant
  • Prejudicial
  • Hearsay
  • Leading
  • Prior Bad Acts
  • Beyond the scope of direct
  • Asked and answered
  • Assumes facts not in evidence
  • Compound question
  • Misstatement of the record (misquoting the witness)
  • Argumentative
  • Improper impeachment

Cross-Examination

When the prosecuting attorney or the lawyer for the plaintiff has finished questioning a witness, the defense attorney may then cross-examine the witness. Cross-examination is generally limited to questioning only on matters that were raised during direct examination. Leading questions may be asked during cross-examination since the purpose of cross-examination is to test the credibility of statements made during direct examination.

Cross-Examination Is a Key Part of Your Defense

Cross-examination may be helpful to your defense to show the witness’s inability to identify or recollect evidence, impeach (or reduce the credibility) or witnesses, or show that there is bias. Some common cross-examination techniques include:

  • Challenging the witness’ credibility with prior inconsistent statements
  • Exposing a motive to lie (such as a deal with the prosecution)
  • Challenge the factual basis for their opinion (in the case of an expert witness)
  • Questioning the contents of the police report (when examining the arresting officer for example)
  • Challenging the facts of an eyewitness account

The Defense Case 

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Potential Defenses

  • Self Defense
  • SODDI (“Some Other Dude Did It”)
  • Consciousness of Innocence
  • Good Faith
  • Alibi

Should You Testify?

There are various reasons why a defendant would choose to testify, or not to testify. Some of the reasons are listed below. Your attorney will help you determine what is the best way to proceed with your case.

  • No Inference of Guilt
  • Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty
  • The Rigors of Cross-Examination
  • Otherwise Inadmissible Evidence
  • Your Theory of Defense
  • Jurors Want to Hear from the Defendant
  • Your Credibility as a Witness

Closing Arguments

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Closing arguments are presented by each party and provide a summary of the case and an explanation as to why the jury should decide in favor of the presenter’s position.

Your Defense Attorney’s Role During The Prosecutor’s Closing Argument

Your attorney can object during the prosecution’s closing argument if the prosecution brings up any of the following in their closing statements:

  • Appeals to Passion
  • Comments on the Defendant’s Silence
  • Reliance on Racial or Ethnic Stereotypes
  • Misuse of Evidence Admitted for Limited Purposes
  • Misstatements of the Evidence

Your Defense Attorney’s Closing Argument

Your attorney will then get to close the case with your theory of defense and ask the jurors to find you not guilty. Often, defense closing arguments involve the following:

  • Telling a Story
  • Showing Jurors How To Apply “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”
  • Educating Jurors on Their Role
  • Using Physical Exhibits and Demonstrative Aids

Jury Instructions, Deliberations, and Verdict

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At the end of the case, the jury will hear final arguments and receive jury instructions. The jury will go to the jury deliberation room and select an individual to be the foreperson to preside over discussions and deliver the verdict.

When the jury reaches a decision, they will notify the clerk who will notify the judge. Everyone will reconvene in the courtroom where the decision is announced.

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

What is the sentence for misdemeanors in Colorado?

  • Class 1

  • 6 to 18 months in county jail, and/or
  • $500 to $5,000 in fines
  • For extraordinary risk class 1 misdemeanors, the maximum jail sentence is 24 months.
  • For 3rd-degree assault (CRS 18-3-204), the maximum sentence can be 48 months if the victim was on duty as a:
    • Peace officer,
    • Emergency medical provider,
    • Firefighter, or
    • Mental health professional at the Department of Human Services.
  • Class 2

  • 3 to 12 months in county jail, and/or
  • $250 to $1,000 in fines

What are Colorado felony penalties?

  • Class 1

  • Life imprisonment
  • No Colorado crime carries the death penalty.
  • Class 2

  • 8 – 24 years in Colorado State Prison, and/or
  • $5,000 – $1,000,000
  • 5 years of mandatory parole if the offense is a crime of violence. Otherwise, 3 years of mandatory parole.
  • Class 3

  • 4-12 years in prison
  • Fines of up to $750,000 but not less than $3,000
  • 3 years of parole
  • Class 4

  • 2 – 6 years in prison, and/or
  • $2,000 – $500,000
  • 3 years of mandatory parole
  • For extraordinary risk class 4 felonies, the maximum sentence is 8 years in prison.
  • Class 5

  • 1 – 3 years in prison, and/or
  • $1,000 – $100,000
  • 2 years of mandatory parole
  • For extraordinary risk class 5 felonies, the maximum sentence is 4 years in prison.
  • Class 6

  • 1 – 18 months years in prison, and/or
  • $1,000 – $100,000
  • 1 year of mandatory parole
  • For extraordinary risk class 6 felonies, the maximum sentence is 2 years in prison.

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Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney

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At Right Law Group, we understand the stress you are under. Our Criminal Defense Law Firm is here to guide you down the right path to your legal challenge. Whether you are facing your first DUI, a drug charge, need a restraining order, or are facing another type of criminal charge, our firm is committed to your well-being and protecting your rights the right way.

What are the 7 steps of a trial?

In general, a criminal trial will follow this structure:

  1. Jury Selection
  2. Opening Statements
  3. Witness Testimony (and Cross-Examination)
  4. Closing Arguments
  5. Jury Instruction
  6. Jury Deliberation
  7. Announcement of the Verdict

What is the purpose of a criminal trial?

The purpose of a criminal trial is to determine whether or not someone is guilty of the charges against them. The trial process allows for both the prosecution and the defense to argue their case to the jury who will then make a determination based on the facts they were presented with.

Who decides if the defendant is guilty?

In a criminal case, a jury is responsible for deciding whether or not a defendant is guilty. The jury will listen to the facts they were given and then deliberate amongst themselves. In order to convict a defendant, they will need to decide that the evidence provided by the prosecution proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney Near You

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Our team of Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyers has defended clients against all types of criminal and DUI charges and can provide you with the staunch advocacy you need. Right Law Group is committed to diligently defending your legal concerns.

A criminal charge — no matter what it is — is serious. You want an experienced Colorado Springs criminal law attorney who can offer the legal support you need. We are happy to provide an initial legal consultation at our Colorado Springs office or remotely via video call.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

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