| Opening Statements during a Criminal Trial |
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| In a criminal proceeding each side has the opportunity to present an opening statement to the judge or jury. The prosecution presents its opening statement first and then the defendant presents his opening statement. In some states, the trial judge permits the defendant to defer giving his opening statement until the close of the prosecution's case. If there are multiple defendants being tried in one case, each attorney may give an opening statement for each defendant. More... |
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| The Process of Becoming a Juror |
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| Serving as a juror in a criminal matter is an important job. Americans have a constitutional right to a jury in some criminal instances. The number of jurors depends upon whether the criminal action is in state or federal court. States vary on the number of jurors required to serve on a panel. There must be at least six jurors on the panel.More... |
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| RELIEF FROM JUDGMENTS REGARDING COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL |
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| A defendant does not generally have a right to appeal a judgment from a hearing on the defendant's competency to stand trial. The defendant only has a right to appeal his or her conviction for the offense with which he or she was charged. More... |
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| DUI Defenses |
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| If one is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), or driving while intoxicated (DWI), or operating under the influence (OUI), there are numerous defenses one could raise prior to trial by way of a motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss the charges or during trial. Some of the most common and potential defenses are discussed below in more detail.More... |
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| A DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO BE PRESENT AT TRIAL |
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| Under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a defendant has a right to be confronted with witnesses who testify against the defendant. In addition, under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the defendant has a right to due process. Included in these rights is a defendant's right to be present at his or her trial.More... |
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