How Do I Protect My Rights During a Jury Trial?

Going into a jury trial in Minnesota is a little intimidating, even when you know you have done nothing wrong. There are a lot of rules in a courtroom, and one little misstep can drastically change how the jury views you or even disallow crucial evidence. 

“Trials are not just about the truth. They are about what you can actually prove, and how you present yourself matters just as much,” says Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Omeed Berenjian, founding partner at BK Law Group.

Keep reading to understand fundamental strategies for navigating the high stakes of the courtroom.

Jury Trials and Your Rights 

A jury trial means a group of ordinary people like yourself sits in a courtroom, hears all the evidence, and then decides whether someone is guilty or responsible. You have the right to a jury trial in Minnesota if you face criminal charges or if you are involved in a lawsuit related to money or a personal injury.

There is another way to go to court: a bench trial. A bench trial is where the judge hears all the evidence and makes a decision. If you want to have a bench trial instead of a jury trial, you are intentionally waiving your right to a jury trial. Your criminal defense lawyer can really help you out by either writing it down or saying it out loud in front of a judge to make sure that you really know what you are getting yourself into.

What Goes in Jury Selection?

Minnesota uses voter registrations and driver’s license records when selecting a jury that represents a cross-section of society. When selecting a jury, a process called voir dire begins: both sides ask questions, and can remove jurors who seem biased. 

Your lawyer gets involved in this stage, making sure no biased individuals are allowed on your jury. You also have a few “peremptory” challenges, which allow you to eliminate a few jurors without even stating a reason for removal. Jury selection is very important, as it is where you play a role in ensuring your jury is fair and unbiased.

Jury Deliberation and Verdict 

After both parties have finished presenting their cases in court, the jury goes into a room to deliberate. They cannot Google anything and must rely on the evidence presented in court and the judge’s instructions. Also, all jurors must express their views, and they continue to deliberate and vote until they reach a verdict. 

Your rights do not go away just because the deliberation room is closed and you and your lawyer are not in the room where the deliberation is taking place. The judge reminds the jury to be fair and that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. If they break the rules, it could be grounds for appeal by your criminal defense lawyer. Although your lawyer does not sit in the deliberation room with the jury, in case things go awry, they can quickly intervene.

Your Right to Counsel 

A criminal defense lawyer is your true shield when you go to a jury trial. The Sixth Amendment is behind you, and Minnesota is right there with you, too. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the court will provide you with a public defender. Your lawyer will level the playing field, call foul if the other side is cheating, and ensure you understand what is going on so you are not in the dark.

The right lawyer will make all the difference. You want someone familiar with the Minnesota court system, someone who listens to you and will not back down when things get tough. Be sure to check the lawyer’s record, including jury trials, not just plea bargains. Meet the lawyer in person, and make sure they talk straight and make sense. The right lawyer will fight for you, fight for your story, fight for your rights, and fight to keep the system from rolling right over you.