Not Guilty at Trial

Last Modified: February 8, 2022

Not Guilty at Trial

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By far the most satisfying result of a criminal case is the Acquittal of a client after trial. While the American criminal justice system is one based on plea agreements, there are many instances in which a trial is necessary. The decision to proceed to trial rests solely on the defendant himself, however, a timid attorney will greatly influence your decision and may not possess the confidence, knowledge and experience of trial work.

The decision to proceed with trial, often, has nothing to do with the truth. The axiom of “just because you did it, does not mean you are guilty” sheds light on which cases can and should proceed to trial. The decision is based on two factors:

• Amount and quality of evidence against you
• Proposed plea agreement if any compared to exposure

Trials consists generally of eight parts:

 

• Motions in Limine – These are motions to be heard outside the presence of the jury that relate to admissibility of evidence, testimony and other issues the parties anticipate to arise at trial.

• Voir Dire or jury selection – Depending on circumstances, the prosecution and defense each have a certain number of preemptory challenges as well as challenges for cause such as bias or inability to follow the court’s instructions.

• Opening statement – Each side outlines the evidence they believe will be presented at trial. Note, unlike the Closing Argument, an attorney is not generally allowed to make arguments at this stage.

• The people’s case – direct and cross examination – At this stage, the prosecutor will call witnesses and introduce evidence meant to convince the jury that defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

• The Defendant’s case – direct and cross examination – The defense is allowed to produce evidence and testimony to rebut the prosecutor’s case and convince the jury that the people have not met the burden of proof. The defense does not need to prove anything.

• Closing argument – The prosecutor begins with his or her assessment of the facts and evidence presented at trial and arguments to convince the jury that the people have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant is guilty. The attorney for attorney than makes the contrary arguments. Usually, the prosecutor is allowed some time to rebut defense arguments and thus gets the last word.

• Jury instruction – the court instructs the jury about the law, the presumption of innocence, burden of proof and other legal matters that may have come up during the trial. Each side can request specific instructions.

• Verdict

Our Team of Attorneys are ALL battle tested and we encourage our clients to fight each case. We will never force you into a plea agreement. Your case deserves an attorney with a reputation for aggressive trial work and a winning record:

I don’t normally say this, but Mr. Reilly, you are always welcome in this courtroom. I thought you were a consummate professional. You were prepared, you were intelligent. You represented your client perfectly. And you squeezed everything out of this case that you possibly could and I think the defendant is lucky to have you.

 

– Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge (April 20, 2011, San Jose)

Meet The Team
With over 120 years of cumulative and exclusive Criminal Defense experience, our reputation for aggressive and results oriented performance, whether in State court or Federal Court, has been documented by several Bay Area news channels and vetted by hundreds of satisfied clients. Our success and industry recognition is the result of our EXCLUSIVE FOCUS on criminal defense; we don’t accept personal injury or family law cases. This single-minded focus allows us to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of legal doctrine and provide you with the best results possible.
our attorneys
James Reilly
Attorney at Law
RABIN NABIZADEH
Attorney at Law
DEEPTI SETHI
Attorney at Law
MARIO ANDREWS
Attorney at Law
COLLIN MOORE
Attorney at Law
ALISON MINET ADAMS
Attorney at Law
SCOTT MOSSMAN
Attorney at Law
PATRICIA CAMPI
Attorney at Law
TENNILLE DUFFY
Attorney at Law
ROSS PYTLIK
Attorney at Law
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