Pre-trial Conference
Any person wanting to speak with the prosecutor before entering a plea or who enters a plea of not guilty will be set for a pre-trial conference. At the pre-trial conference the prosecutor may make recommendations or offers prior to going to trial. This saves time for all parties involved.
Bench Trial
A bench trial is a trial where the judge decides your guilt or innocence.
Jury Trials
A jury trial is where six persons, selected by you and the prosecutor, decide your guilt or innocence. If you decide to have your case heard by a jury, you have the right to question the jurors about their qualifications to hear your case.
If you think that a juror will not be fair, impartial, or unbiased you may ask the judge to excuse the juror. The judge will decide whether or not to grant your request. You are also permitted to “strike” three members of the jury panel for any legal reason.