What occurs during the trial process?
With a plea of not guilty in a misdemeanor case, the case is scheduled for trial. The trial is either a bench trial or a jury trial. In a bench trial the case is tried and presented to the Judge to determine guilt or innocence. In a Jury Trial the case is tried and presented to a jury of peers from the community to determine guilt or innocence. Trials proceed in the following manner: • Opening Statements: Both sides of the case give statements as to the evidence and testimony they will be presenting during the trial. Opening statements are not evidence. • Prosecutor’s Case-in-Chief: The prosecutor will call witnesses and present evidence in the case. The prosecutor will ask questions of the witness and the court will then allow the defense to cross-examine the witness. The defense may question the witness and enter evidence as to this witness’ testimony. The prosecutor may then ask follow-up questions in redirect examination of the witness. When the prosecutor is finished with this pro
