Prince George’s County DUI Trial Process
The Prince George’s County DUI trial process can be a difficult process to undertake alone. That is why it is important for individuals who face DUI charges to seek the services of a skilled DUI attorney. People can prepare for their DUI trial with the help of a lawyer. Whether they are going to testify and/or present evidence themselves, they should speak with a capable legal advocate who could advise them on what steps to take next and fight for them.
Preparing for Trial
Preparation for the Prince George’s County DUI trial process depends on whether it is a district court or circuit court trial for a jury. Preparation for the trial should have commenced long before the actual trial date. The trial is just the forum for when the parties put on the case that has been prepared in advance. Based on whether it is a jury trial or trial before a judge dictates the difference between how it proceeds in jury selection or otherwise.
Opening and Closing Statements
The opening statements are introductory statements to the trier-of-fact, whether it is a judge or jury, as to what they expect to present, what evidence they plan to show, and how the trial occurs. It is almost like a preamble. Whether it is a district court trial or a circuit court trial, both parties, the state and the defense, have the opportunity to provide an introduction. It is not evidence, but it is an introduction that could be helpful in laying the foundational groundwork of explaining how the facts or evidence should be perceived.
The closing statement is the opposite of an opening statement. It is the summation of the trial. It is the opportunity for the state and defense to tie together its theory and its argument regarding why the jury should find, one way or the other when it comes to finding guilt or innocence.
Prosecution of DUI Trials
During DUI trials in Prince George’s County, the state always presents their first. The state’s case against the driver is always represented by someone from the office of a district attorney, otherwise known as a prosecutor or assistant district attorney.
The kind of evidence the state presents in DUI cases circles around testimony from a police officer, what they saw, what they heard, what they observed, and what was said to them. Typically, the officer is the crux and backbone of the entire state’s case. While the state presents its case, the defense listens attentively and makes any objection when appropriate.
Defending DUI Cases
During the Prince George’s County DUI trial process, the defense follows the state’s presentation by making an opening statement. The state calls each of its witnesses to have what is called direct examination. After each direct examination, the defense is entitled to cross-examination of the state’s witnesses. Once the state has finished calling all its witnesses, the defense may put on its own case-in-chief and call its witnesses if they are appropriate to call.
The kind of evidence the defense presents in DUI cases is anything that could refute the state’s case, including testimonies for outside witnesses, defendants testifying, photographs, videos, and medical records. While the defense presents its case, the state listens and objects to anything they deem is inappropriate in choosing the evidence.
Consulting a DUI Lawyer in Prince George’s County
DUI trials in district court take a couple of hours to the whole day, if necessary. A circuit court trial could be longer as the jury process takes up a lot of time. The Prince George’s County DUI trial process can long and difficult, which is why it is important for individuals to get in touch with a capable attorney that could help. A knowledgeable attorney could answer questions that an individual may have, and build a solid defense for them.