Should I have a Jury or Bench trial?

This is our favorite question! As we have said before, "the jury trial is the great equalizer." Taking 6 to 12 citizens from the community and asking them to listen to the evidence and apply the law, is truly the best part of our legal system. The few cases when a jury doesn't do what some people expect get much attention and overshadow the thousand and thousands of trials where the system worked and justice prevailed. It's true, jury trials are more time consuming and more difficult to prepare for — and that is why many attorneys don't like to do them. They may even try to talk clients out of their constitutional right to a jury trial. Not at The Law Office of J. Patrick Nelson, PC. Our criminal defense attorneys pride themselves on their skills picking jurors, cross-examining witnesses, and making opening and closing arguments. It is where we are at our best.