Trial

If your attorney and the prosecutor can't reach a disposition, or settlement, of your case
outside of court, your case will go to trial. Keep in mind that the cost of a trial can
begreat.

While attorney fees range depending on your location and your lawyer's skill set. Expect
to pay as much as $2,500 for a misdemeanor case and $3,500 for a felony without a
trial. If your case goes to trial, attorneys may charge around $1,500 for every day of the
trial. Criminal trials usually last a few days, but some can last up to several weeks.

Typical stages of a trial include:

1. Voir dire. Also known as jury selection, the attorneys on both sides choose the
jurors.

2. Opening statements. Both sides are invited topresent an outline of their arguments.

3. Presentation of evidence and witnesses. The state will first present its case, and
the defense cancross-examine the state's witnesses before putting forth its own.

4. Closing arguments. Both sides summarize the evidence presented and points
made.

5. Jury instructions and deliberation. At the end of closing arguments, the judge will
give the jury instructions on the law and how to reach a verdict. The jury reviews the
evidence during deliberations.

6. Verdict. Assuming the jurors could reach a decision, the jury will return a verdict of
not guilty or guilty. A not-guilty verdict means that you are acquitted of the crime and are
free to go. A guilty verdict moves the proceedings into the sentencing phase.

7. Sentencing. The judge can sentence you at the trial or set sentencing for another
date.