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DUI Trials

Not all clients require or want a trial. On the other hand our office handles many drunk driving trials each year. While it is literally true that trial preparation begins from the moment we first meet you, preparing for and presenting a full trial on the merits takes considerable time and effort.

In most instances, there are many trials set on the same date. On the court date, the court will select which case is to be tried. The others will be reset for another "trial date." Because of this practice, as your Michigan DUI attorney, we must be prepared for each trial date and block off time for the case to be tried. A typical trial will last one to two days. This time may vary depending on your facts and the court where your case is tried. There are also two types of trials, "jury trials" and "bench trials."

Jury DUI Trials

The purpose of a jury is to perform a specific and unique task, that is, to determine what the true facts of the case really are. Lawyers like to say that juries are "fact-finders". In the context of a drunk driving case then, the jury will make such determinations as whether or not you were in fact intoxicated, and will also decide the importance to give evidence such as a breath or blood test.

This task can be distinguished from the role of a judge in a trial because judges also perform only a single unique and important task. Judges are there to act as referees. They make sure that the jury is applying the proper law and that the attorneys are not violating the rules in their attempts to assist the jury in interpreting the facts.

Bench DUI Trials

Now, when you think of a bench trial, think of the judge performing both functions, that is, acting both as a legal referee, as well as determining the true facts of your case. In Michigan, there are only a small handful of judges throughout the entire state that we would trust to act as a fact-finder in a drunk driving case because it is so rare for a judge to find that you were not intoxicated. Having said this, we have won bench trials in the past. Nevertheless, bench trials are rarely an option in Michigan.

While we are in court, we have no other clients. We will be with you from beginning to end. This helps many clients as trials are an anxious time if you have never been through one before. Trial skills are learned through experience and training. All attorneys with my office are "trial lawyers". They have been specifically selected for their above-average performance in the courtroom.

The Phases of a DUI Trial Jury Selection

If you have selected a jury trial, then the trial begins with jury selection. In Michigan a first or second offense drunk driving will be decided by a jury of 6 persons, while a felony drunk driving will be decided by a jury of 12. The questions that are asked during the jury selection process are called "voir dire". The purpose of voir dire is to determine if the jurors have an opinion, bias, state of mind or conscientious scruple that would prevent them from being fair and impartial.

After voir dire the Judge will ask your attorney if he or she has any challenges "for cause". These are specific challenges based on answers one or more of the potential jurors gave to the questions asked. In making a challenge for cause, your attorney must articulate the specific reason he or she believes the juror is unqualified. If the Judge agrees that an appropriate basis to discharge the juror has been demonstrated, then the Judge will "grant" the challenge, and the potential juror will be excused.

A new juror will then be selected from the jury pool, and will be seated in the spot vacated by the excused juror. If the Judge disagrees with the arguments, then the challenge will be denied. There is no limit imposed on the number of challenges for cause that your attorney may exercise. The prosecutor also has the ability to ask for jurors to be excused in this way.

The other type of challenges called a "peremptory" challenge. With a peremptory challenge, your attorney can ask for a juror to be excused without stating a reason. The Court must grant these challenges, but they are limited in number to three for each side (the prosecutor and defense.) After all the challenges have been made by both sided, the jury selection process concludes, and the trial continues with opening statements.

Opening Statement

This is where the attorneys get to tell the judge or jury what they believe the evidence will show. They may not argue, and because a defense attorney has no burden of proof, he or she is not required to make an opening statement. Opening statements are often waived by both parties for bench trials.

Witness Testimony

Next will come witness testimony. Again, because defense attorneys have no burden or proof there is no requirement to call witnesses. You should discuss with your attorney whether or not witness testimony, including that of expert witnesses, will be helpful in your drunk driving case.

Closing Arguments

This is where both parties tell the judge or jury what they believe the evidence did or did not show. This is where the attorneys can "argue" the facts, meaning tell the jury why they believe the facts and evidence are important to their theory of the case.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.