Expectations run high for Virginia criminal trials- Here are ideas for defendants from a Fairfax criminal lawyer

Expectations run high with Virginia criminal defendants for their trials. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that just as a sports game’s outcome cannot be known until the game proceeds to completion, nor can a trial outcome be known in advance. At the same time, few Virginia cases should proceed to trial before the criminal defense lawyer pursues a favorable settlement, which may or may not be a plea deal, or else a negotiation for an immediate or ultimate case dismissal, for instance. Criminal defendants fall into the camps of those not wanting to settle and proceed to trial, and those not wanting the risk of a trial. First find out if going to trial is any more or much more risky than proceeding with the last guilty plea (or no contest or or nolo contendere plea) deal that the prosecutor was ready to agree to.

How should handle their trial date expectations mentally, physically and spiritually?

Great performances are backed up by sufficient quality practice. Make sure that your Virginia criminal defense attorney has the experience needed to deliver strong trial performance (in terms of potential results) and will devote themselves to being fully prepared for your trial. Ask your criminal lawyer what you should do to prepare for trial. Here are my essential articles for my clients on preparing for your court date and handling your court date. Your expectations for your Virginia criminal defense attorney are justified to be strong, while also understanding the realities of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the state of the governing law, and the identity of your judge and the composition of any jury in your case.

Should I blame my Virginia criminal attorney for trial curveballs that are beyond my lawyer’s control and expectations?

Trials can be messy events that challenge a defendant’s expectations, just as is military warfare. The Virginia assistant commonwealth’s attorney / prosecutor in your case will love nothing more than for the prosecutor’s or judge’s actions to create a wedge between you and your criminal defense lawyer. If you feel concerns about the trial events or your lawyer’s performance, you are free to let your attorney know. At the same time, your lawyer needs to minimize their distractions during trial, so talk with your lawyer about the ideal way to communicate with your attorney during trial, whether in writing, with brief oral sentences, or otherwise.

Your judge and jury observe your every action and step

As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know that the judge and jury observe your every action and step. Therefore, start with the basics of appearing in court well groomed and on time, and I suggest avoiding any scents that might distract your judge and jury (whether that be fragrances from skin products or smells from vaping or smoking). If you do not feel fully healthy when you wake up on the day of your trial date, let your lawyer know right away (and let your lawyer know that timely if your illness precedes your court date). Maintain your teamwork with your Virginia criminal attorney. Beware of microphones recording and amplifying what you and your lawyer say at counsel table, and make sure that you know how to push the husher button on the counsel table microphone. If damning-sounding testimony or other evidence is presented by the prosecutor at trial, the solution is not to poke nor elbow your lawyer, but instead to work cooperatively with your attorney about how to handle that. As with military warfare, even when some battles are lost, your eyes must remain on the prize of winning the war of trial, where evidence suppression, acquittal, hung jury (sometimes) or dismissal are important goals. Part of your managing your expectations for your trial date is to do your part in how you appear and sound in front of your Virginia criminal judge and jury.

Fairfax criminal lawyer Jonathan Katz knows that the idea of a simple criminal defense is a rarity if it even exists at all. Virginia criminal defendants need to assure that their criminal attorney is fully ready, able and eager for the task of effectively pursuing as much justice as possible for them. To schedule your free initial in person strictly confidential consultation with Jon Katz about your court-pending Virginia DUI, felony, or misdemeanor prosecution, contact us at 703-383-1100, Info@KatzJustice.com and (text) 571-406-7268.