Understanding Your Rights as a Juvenile Defendant
If you’re a juvenile defendant charged with a crime, do you get a trial by jury? Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now, and I want to help you make law easy by just talking a little bit about what your jury rights are if you’re a juvenile.
So, you absolutely can get a trial by jury, even if it’s a juvenile offense. Just because it’s a JDL case, a juvenile delinquent case, doesn’t mean that it’s only tried in front of a judge. However, it also doesn’t mean that it’s going to be necessarily in front of a jury of 12 people, and not necessarily a jury of peers. For example, if you’re 14 years old and charged with a juvenile delinquent case, we’re not going to bring a bunch of 14-year-olds in to be the jury on it.
What to Expect in a Juvenile Trial
So it would be a jury of your peers, but it would be adults. Typically, it might be six jurors instead of 12 because of the type of case that it is. Regardless, it is something for which you can have a trial by jury. This doesn’t always mean that you should opt for a jury trial; sometimes, your attorney may advise you to waive the jury and go for a bench trial instead.
It is crucial to discuss this option with your attorney. Weigh the pros and cons on this matter to figure out which way you want to move forward. The decision to have a jury trial or try the case in front of a judge is heavily dependent on the specifics of your situation. Making an informed choice can significantly impact the outcome of the trial.
Contact Us for Legal Guidance
If you have questions or if you’re facing a juvenile charge and need some help, definitely give me a call. My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa misdemeanor attorney with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy. Let’s discuss your case and the best path forward.
Get Started with a Low-Cost Strategy Session
Curious about your options? Start with a low-cost initial strategy session by calling me at 918-879-1681. Together, we can explore the best legal strategy for your case. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the guidance you need.
