DUI & DWI - JUDGE or JURY TRIAL ? : Maryland and Washington "BEST 10" Defense Attorney [AIDUIA]

www.charlesjeromeware.com   "Here to make a Difference. Locally-based, Nationally-respected."
Premier DUI and DWI defense attorney Charles Ware is highly-respected by his many satisfied clients as well as his legal peers as one of the  top DUI and DWI defense attorneys in the United States.  Specifically for the State of Maryland, defense attorney Charles Ware is recognized as " one of the BEST 10 DUI and DWI Attorneys" [AIDUIA].  For an initial courtesy consultation, contact Attorney Ware at (410) 720-6129 or (410) 730-5016. He can help you.

Although the vast majority of drunk driving cases are resolved pre-trial, there are occasions (and I have  been involved in too many to count) where a jury or judge trial becomes necessary. At that point, a serious discussion with the client is had regarding the choice between a judge trial or jury trial. On occasion, this can be a tricky decision --- judge or jury.

Although there are some judges that I have had the pleasure and privilege of representing DUI and DWI clients before them in Court, most of us DUI and DWI defense attorneys will most likely advise the client that the jury trial is probably the better choice (depending, of course, on the circumstances).
One obvious and significant reason is the fact that more than one person must agree if you are found guilty of the crime. But, there are other factors to consider when making this important decision.  A few are as follows:

(1) More experienced prosecutors are usually assigned for jury trials.
(2) Judges presiding over jury trials  are usually more strict or by-the-book  regarding adherence to evidentiary and procedural rules.
(3) Juries  (be they 6 or 12 members, etc.) are mostly drivers themselves. That can be both good and bad for the defendant, depending upon each of their moods and attitudes about "drunk driving".
(4) Jury trials tend to be more involved, and just take longer to happen and finish (more time-consuming), than judge trials in drunk driving cases. Therefore, in general, they cost more --- for the defense and the state.
(5)  Jurors (who are usually laypersons to courts) tend to be more impressed with " dramatically convincing presentations" than judges.

Hope these few factors help in your consideration and decision whether to have your DUI or DWI case litigated in a judge (bench) trial or jury trial.