Monday, July 18, 2011

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lawrenceville

here are two types of trials: bench trials and jury trials.  The reasons for agreeing to a bench trial, where a judge sits as the jury, are so few that I won’t waste any time discussing them, but instead turn my attention jury trials.

JURY TRIALS

The defendant’s role is very significant in the trial of his case. As a defendant it is important to remember that you will be the center of attention. Everyone in the courtroom will be watching your movements, facial expressions, gestures and conduct.  Your role during the trial is to make the jury like you; to give them a reason to rule in your favor.  Many will agree that the trial of a case is not reality. It is a fantasy period in which the jury will perceive what the truth is; which may or may not be the same thing as the actual truth.  As such it is essential that you make the best impression possible upon the jury. You must leave them with feelings of honesty, trust worthiness, and goodness. You must be someone the jury wants to help. The following are areas you should consider in the presentation of yourself to the jury.

THE COURTROOM

While your attorney will explain the characteristics of your particular courtroom, some characteristics are common to most every courtroom. As you walk in you will notice several very distinct divisions of the courtroom. First, the gallery will be a large area for public sealing. This is where observers and the jury panel will be seated. Second, the front part of the gallery will be divided from another section by a "bar". Across this dividing line will be an area where the attorneys will sit and work. It`s generally accepted that clients are not permitted in this area unless they are accompanied by their attorney. Third, is the Judge`s Bench. The Judge`s Bench is usually elevated and is the focal point of the Courtroom. The court`s staff will generally sit to the Judge`s sides. Lastly, there is the jury box. The jury box is where the members of the jury sit. The "box" is generally located to a side of the courtroom and between the judge and counsel tables. The jury box is also generally next to the jury deliberation room and doorway. This doorway gives the jury easy access in and out of the courtroom without much contact with litigants.

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Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lawrenceville

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About Me

I hung a shingle in February 2000, because I saw that individuals charged with criminal offenses were being underserved by the attorneys practicing criminal law. Since February 2000, I have represented more than two thousand criminal clients. I only practice criminal law, but I do everything from violations of probation to Supreme Court appeals. There are few attorneys under the age of sixty that have my level of experience. I have tried more than two hundred major felony jury trials. I have tried more than fifty misdemeanor jury trials. In Philadelphia as a prosecutor, I tried more than two thousand bench trials. I have conducted more than three thousand preliminary hearings and bond hearings. Yet, I still have the energy at forty-five to serve my current clients. There is nothing that will occur in a courtroom that I have not experienced before. When you are looking for an attorney, experience is everything.