When I first became a lawyer in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, I was shocked to discover that judges don’t like jury trials. This confused me – after all, the U.S. Constitution and Colorado Constitution guarantee the right of a jury trial to people charged with crimes in Greeley, Evans, and Erie. But, regardless of this right, judges don’t like jury trials. Now, with over 20 years of experience under my belt, I understand why. Let’s take a look at the reasons judges don’t like jury trials, and how it affects your situation as a criminal defendant.
Reason Number One: Control
Judges are people, and they aren’t immune to the same emotions we all experience. When a lawyer becomes a judge, they are proud to be in such a noble position in our criminal justice system. They have worked hard for years to get to this place, and now they have arrived. But, something changes as time passes. They quickly realize they can’t control everything, so they grow frustrated. With experience, they develop their own sense of right and wrong. They are able to exercise this power when there is no jury involved – they can find them guilty and sentence people according to their own sense of justice. But, when a jury comes into the equation, they lose their ability to control the situation and enforce their own moral guidelines. In a sense, they have a “god complex” which a jury eliminates.
Jury trials take much more time than bench trials.
Reason Number Two: Time
Judges like to control their docket. A docket is a list of the open cases a judge is overseeing. Unfortunately, our society is growing more lawless, and as a result, more and more cases are being added to each judge’s docket. In order to keep up with the increased cases, judges have to cut corners. Jury trials take much more time than bench trials. The jury must be selected, given breaks, and taught about the rules of a court. There are certain rules which specify which evidence juries can and cannot see. All this takes time. A court trial without a jury takes about a third of the time of a jury trial. Judges try to cut corners and keep cases from going to a jury so they can save time. When a judge is required to perform a jury trial, they resent it because they simply don’t have the time.
The Pros and Cons of a Jury or Court Trial
The problem with judges not liking jury trials is apparent when it comes to sentencing. If a defendant forces his case to a jury trial, a judge might be resentful of the time it took and could hold it against the defendant when it comes time for sentencing. For example, let’s say a man has been charged with Internet Luring of Child. If he accepts a plea agreement, he will be guaranteed probation with no jail time. But, if a jury trial finds him guilty, he faces open sentencing, which can include jail or prison time. Judges prefer plea agreements for the same reasons they hate jury trials: Plea agreements allow them to be in control, and they save time.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Criminal Case
Each criminal case is different. Each person involved has a unique story and personality which affects their case. This is why you need a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense lawyer working on your case as soon as possible. It can be difficult to discern whether or not you should choose a judge or jury trial – whether you should accept a plea agreement or take your case to trial. The best criminal defense attorneys at our office have over 30 years of combined experience in the courtroom. We have successfully defended hundreds of families in Colorado. We will be able to give you advice about your unique situation, and how best to proceed. Don’t stand alone in court – work with a lawyer who fights to win.
Judges don’t like jury trials, which is why you need a lawyer on your side in the courtroom. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at our office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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