Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Jury Trials – When & Why?

Jefferson County, Colorado, Jury Trial

Having a jury for a criminal case in Denver, Broomfield or Jefferson County could make the difference between winning or losing. In most cases where jail is a possibility, you are entitled to have a jury decide your guilt or innocence by a unanimous verdict. This is normally your best option, since most judges are prejudiced in the favor of the prosecutor.

Felony Jury Trial In Arapahoe County

For felony cases like internet luring, C.R.S. 18-3-306 or theft, C.R.S. 18-4-401, you are entitled to a jury of 12 persons in Arapahoe County. You receive this large number of jurors because prison is a possibility if you lose. They must all decide you are guilty or innocent. If they can’t do this, your case will eventually be declared a mistrial. If a mistrial occurs, the government will then have 90 days to retry your case. At that new trial, they will have to re-present their entire case to a new jury.

Misdemeanor Jury Trial In Douglas County

With misdemeanor cases, you are entitled to six jurors. Again, they must all decide your guilt or innocence unanimously, or you will be subject to a mistrial. The worst that can happen to you upon a guilty verdict in a misdemeanor case is a sentence of up to 24 months in the Douglas County jail.

Municipal/City Court Jury Trials In Adams County

In municipal or city court cases, you can get a jury provided your case carries the possibility of jail. But, unlike county felony and misdemeanor cases, you must pay a $25 fee for your municipal court jury and make your request in writing shortly after your first court appearance in Adams County. It is very important that you make your written request timely and pay the jury fee. Otherwise, you will not get a jury. Always ask for six jurors in your written request.

It is always best to seek the largest jury possible.

Why Our Lawyers Think You Should Get A Jury Trial In Denver County:

Judges work for the people of the state of Colorado or a political subdivision, like a city. The prosecutor works for the same entity. Judges and prosecutors work together daily. As a result, they begin to like each other. We have also heard it said that judges are trained to side with the prosecutor when in doubt, and that such a position is safer for a judge’s career. A jury, on the other hand, has never met the prosecutor and is not concerned with who knows who. They are charged with deciding the case “beyond a reasonable doubt” and generally do a good job at this. The bottom line is this:

You have a much better chance of success at winning your criminal case if you have a jury trial.

If you are facing criminal charges and a trial, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call our experienced criminal defense attorneys at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.

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