Posted by duijim in on March 12, 2024
Juror selection involves lawyers on both sides conducting interviews to select jurors as fair and impartial as possible.
1. Focus on the Jurors’ Character
Your Atlanta DUI attorney should select jurors that are sympathetic to the defense themes in your DUI case, such as medical conditions such as arthritis or broken legs that caused field sobriety tests to fail. Such jurors could help explain why drivers might fail the tests.
Potential jurors are prescreened through a process known as voir dire, in which both your attorney and prosecutor conduct interviews with prospective jurors regarding their beliefs and biases, using peremptory challenges to eliminate those whom might be biased against.
A final jury typically comprises 6 to 12 individuals for misdemeanor cases and 12-member juries for felony trials, who will then decide whether or not a defendant has committed criminal acts.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Jury selection (voir dire) is a crucial aspect of your DUI trial. Potential jurors will be interviewed by both sides as part of this process and decisions are made regarding their suitability as members of your jury panel.
Your prosecutor and DUI lawyer each wish to find jurors that will favor their arguments; each has different criteria for doing this. Your DUI attorney might ask potential jurors whether or not they have donated any money to Students Against Drunk Driving as a way of screening potential jurors for compatibility.
Your Atlanta DUI attorney will also attempt to ascertain whether any potential juror distractions that might interfere with their ability to focus on the evidence presented in your case, such as spouse and children; work obligations; vacation plans; illness; etc, could impede them in being fair jurors.
3. Ask for a Persuasive Opening Statement
An attorney’s opening statement provides their first opportunity to present their client’s story and enthrall jurors. A powerful opening should contain language and imagery that resonates with viewers of all backgrounds.
Start strong by setting the scene with an opening statement that establishes your theme or message to the jury and sets an enduring impression throughout the trial process.
Make sure not to overstate your case; overstating can backfire and create expectations in the jury for more than what your evidence can deliver. Furthermore, try being likeable; jurors are more likely to rule in your favor if they like you!
4. Ask for a Persuasive Defense
As soon as possible, consult a qualified DUI attorney in Georgia in order to assess all available defenses and secure expert witnesses as quickly as possible. Doing this will ensure that your case can be settled quickly and correctly.
Your lawyer can use the jury selection process to question potential jurors to assess if they lean towards prosecuting or defending, using peremptory challenges to eliminate anyone they perceive to be biased against their client.
An experienced DUI attorney may be able to exclude evidence from trial through pre-trial motions. They could file a motion to suppress chemical test results or argue that field sobriety tests aren’t reliable indicators of intoxication – saving both time and money for you, the judge, and jury members alike.
5. Ask for a Persuasive Closing Statement
Your Atlanta DUI lawyer will have an opportunity during jury selection to question potential jurors, known as voir dire, and assess their ability to remain impartial. Your attorney can also use this process as a chance to identify any jurors with hidden biases against law enforcement or corporations that might affect the verdict.
Your attorney needs a jury that understands and will sympathize with their cause – someone who understands that just because the state says you are guilty does not mean they are accurate in their assessment.
Once a jury has been selected, your trial can commence. The prosecutor will first present what they anticipate being evidence against you before giving way for your attorney to give their opening statement.