Have you been charged with a criminal traffic offense? You are not alone, as many people deal with criminal traffic offenses in the state of Maryland every year. However, it isn’t always obvious what the best path forward for you is. What are some of the important decisions that you must make as a defendant in your criminal traffic case?
Plea or Trial?
As an American citizen, you have the right to a fair trial if you elect to do so. However, many criminal traffic offense cases never end up making it to the trial stage, as the defendant chooses to take a plea instead. Taking a plea offer can be one way to decrease the severity of your sentence or get a better deal than you might be offered otherwise. When you are determining whether or not to choose a plea or a trial, we will walk you through the upsides and downsides so that you can feel confident about your decision.
Judge or Jury?
Next, if you choose to move forward with a trial, you will need to decide if you would prefer a bench trial, trial with just the judge, or a jury trial, which will use a jury of your peers. Jurors are people from your local community who will be chosen to hear the case of your criminal traffic offense. If you choose a jury trial, the decision must be unanimous amongst all the jurors. If you elect for a bench trial, the outcome will be in the hands of one judge who you do not get to choose.
Testify or Plead the Fifth?
If you do move forward with a trial for your criminal traffic offense, you will also need to choose whether or not you would like to testify. As this is a criminal case, you do have the right to remain silent. Additionally, everything that you say can be used to prove the plaintiff’s case in court. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, testifying might work for or against you. We can help you make a decision that feels right for your situation and the increases your odds of a favorable result.
Learn More About Preparing for a Criminal Traffic Offense Trial from The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you or a loved one are concerned about going to court for your criminal traffic offense, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.