If you're facing a Los Angeles DUI charge, you may believe a common misconception - that there is no point in facing a jury because you're going to automatically convicted. However, that perception is far from true. There are often excellent reasons to take your drunk driving case to trial with the help of an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney. Understanding how jury trials are conducted may help allay your fears about fighting your Los Angeles DUI charge in court.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to a speedy and public trial. Because many courthouses are overburdened, specific guidelines have been drafted to ensure that your rights are protected. In California, your Los Angeles DUI trial must begin within 30 days of arraignment if you are incarcerated. If you are free on bail or on your own recognizance, your trial must begin within 45 days of arraignment.

Only you can waive these time limits, and many Los Angeles DUI defendants do just that on the advice of an attorney. The extra time you gain allows your defense team to perform a thorough investigation into every aspect of your case and file any necessary pretrial motions.

Once your trial date has been set, it is referred to as a "0 of 10 date" meaning that your right to a speedy trial will not be violated if the trial begins within 10 days of that date. If your Los Angeles DUI trial doesn't begin by the last day for trial, your case must be dismissed. However, if the last day for trial falls on a weekend day or holiday, your case can be extended to the next court day.

There are several phases of your Los Angeles DUI trial that must take place before evidence is heard. The process begins with pretrial motions, also known as motions in limine; and jury selection, where 12 impartial jurors are selected.

During the jury selection process, both the prosecutor and your Los Angeles DUI attorney will examine the prospective jurors, known as voir dire, to determine each juror's qualifications for service. Some potential jurors will be excused "for cause" or at the discretion of the attorneys - known as a peremptory challenge

After a jury of 12 of your peers has been chosen, both the prosecutor and your Los Angeles DUI attorney will give opening statements. Once opening statements have given, the jury will hear from prosecution witnesses and experts and defense witnesses and experts. Once all of the evidence and testimony has been introduced, both the defense and prosecution will give closing arguments. After that the jury will deliberate and, finally, they will announce their verdict. A defendant who is found guilty will then be sentenced.

You're probably understandably nervous about facing a jury in your Los Angeles DUI case, but it's important to remember that it is possible for you to prevail at trial. A skilled Los Angeles DUI attorney from Lieber, Williams & Labin will be at your side through every phase of your court proceeding, and will advise you about whether it is better to take your case to a jury trial or negotiate a plea bargain