What to Expect at Trial
A criminal defense trial is a process designed to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant charged with a crime. The criminal justice system in Oklahoma is governed by state laws, local rules, and constitutional protections, which allow the prosecution and defense to present their cases.
Defendants are entitled to a fair trial, where they’re presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Handley Law Center can help provide an overview of what to expect during a criminal trial in Canadian County, Oklahoma.
Keep reading to learn more about the various stages of a criminal defense trial, the key players, trial strategies, and how defendants can prepare for trial.
Pretrial Preparation
Before the actual trial begins, there are several important steps that occur in the criminal justice process. These steps are crucial because they set the stage for trial and influence how the case will unfold.
Arraignment and pretrial hearings: Defendants are formally charged, informed of their rights, and asked to enter a plea. The defense may file motions such as to dismiss charges or suppress evidence.
Review of charges and evidence: Defense attorneys thoroughly review the case, gather evidence, and conduct witness interviews to build a solid defense.
Negotiations and plea bargaining: The defense and prosecution may reach a plea agreement, reducing charges or sentencing to avoid trial.
If the case proceeds to trial, the next step is jury selection.
Jury Selection (Voir Dire)
In Oklahoma, in our experience, a criminal defense trial is usually decided by a jury of 12 citizens who are randomly selected from a pool.
During jury selection, both the defense and the prosecution have the opportunity to question potential jurors about their backgrounds, biases, and beliefs. This process, called voir dire, is aimed at selecting a fair and impartial jury and goes as follows.
Questioning potential jurors: Attorneys question jurors about biases and beliefs to determine a fair trial. This process helps to make sure that the jury can impartially evaluate the evidence presented during the trial.
Challenging jurors: Both sides can remove biased jurors through challenges for cause or peremptory challenges. This allows attorneys to make sure that the jury is free from any undue influence or prejudice.
Final jury selection: Once jurors are selected, the trial officially begins. The judge will provide instructions on the legal standards and the process for deliberating on the case.
Once the trial begins, both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses to the jury.
The Trial Process
A criminal defense trial in Oklahoma typically follows the same basic steps, although there may be variations depending on the specifics of the case.
Opening Statements
The trial starts with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense. These statements provide an overview of the case, and each side outlines the evidence they'll present and what they hope to prove.
Opening statements aren’t arguments, and attorneys are prohibited from making statements about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Rather, they set the stage for the evidence and arguments to come.
For the defense, the opening statement is an opportunity to frame the case in a way that helps the defendant. For instance, the defense attorney might emphasize weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or suggest alternative explanations for the events in question.
Prosecution’s Case-in-Chief
Following the opening statements, the prosecution presents its case. The prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution will call witnesses, introduce evidence, and present professional testimony to support its case.
During this phase, the criminal defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses in order to challenge the reliability of their testimony or expose inconsistencies.
The defense will closely watch the prosecution's evidence to identify weaknesses that can be exploited later. Criminal defense attorneys may also object to the introduction of certain evidence if it’s deemed inadmissible, irrelevant, or prejudicial.
Defense’s Case-in-Chief
Once the prosecution has rested its case, the defense has an opportunity to present its case.
The defendant isn’t required to testify, and it’s up to the defense attorney to decide whether the defendant will take the stand. In many cases, defendants don’t testify because of the potential risks involved, such as the possibility of being cross-examined by the prosecution.
During the defense’s case, the defense attorney may call witnesses, introduce evidence, and present professional testimony that contradicts the prosecution's version of events. The defense will try to raise doubts in the minds of the jurors about the defendant's guilt.
After the defense presents its case, the prosecution may offer rebuttal evidence to challenge the defense’s arguments or witnesses.
Rebuttal and Closing Arguments
Rebuttal evidence is meant to address any new facts or claims raised by the defense. Following rebuttal, both sides deliver closing arguments.
In the closing arguments, the attorneys summarize the evidence and argue why the jury should rule in their favor. The prosecution will remind the jury of the strength of its case and urge them to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defense, on the other hand, will highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence and argue that the defendant should be acquitted due to insufficient proof of guilt.
Once the closing arguments are finished, the jury is instructed by the judge on the law and the specific elements that must be proven in the case.
Jury Deliberation and Verdict
The jury then begins its deliberations, which can take hours, days, or even longer, depending on the intricacy of the case.
During deliberations, the jurors discuss the evidence and attempt to reach a verdict. The jury must reach a unanimous verdict to convict or acquit the defendant. If the jury can't reach a unanimous decision, it may result in a mistrial, and the prosecution may choose to retry the case.
If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the defense may seek a new trial, file an appeal, or argue for a lesser sentence. If the defendant is acquitted, they're free to go.
If the defendant is convicted, the next phase is sentencing.
Sentencing and Post-Trial Issues
In Oklahoma, sentencing can take place immediately after a conviction, or the judge may schedule a separate sentencing hearing.
The judge will consider various factors, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Defendants may have the opportunity to speak during the sentencing phase and present evidence regarding their character or the impact of the crime on victims. Depending on the crime, the defendant may face prison time, probation, fines, restitution, or other penalties.
If the defendant isn’t satisfied with the outcome of the trial, they may file an appeal to a higher court. An appeal challenges errors made during the trial, such as improper rulings by the judge or violations of the defendant's rights. An appellate court can overturn the conviction, order a new trial, or reduce the sentence.
Seek Legal Support for Your Trial Today
Defendants should trust their attorneys and be prepared to face a difficult but fair legal process throughout Oklahoma, including in Custer County, Blaine County, Kingfisher County, and Caddo County. Contact The Handley Law Center today defendants so our attorneys can help you contest charges.