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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

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What are the Disadvantages of a Bench Trial in California Only the judge decides as opposed to a 12-member jury. Thus, your fate rests in one set of hands versus 12 sets of hands. The judge is familiar with all the evidence. A judge may be able to be unbiased, but that only goes so far.
At a defendant's arraignment, if they enter a "not guilty" plea, there will be several pretrial trial proceedings designed to resolve the case. If a plea bargain is not reached, then the case will proceed to trial.
To win a jury trial, the defense must raise reasonable doubt about the validity and/or accuracy of the test results, as well as mitigating or rebutting the observations and testimony of law enforcement officers involved in your case that lead to their conclusion your ability to drive was impaired.
Deciding Between a Bench Trial and Jury Trial Generally, it is better to have a bench trial when legal issues are involved in the case that can determine its outcome. Judges may be more open to hearing legal arguments about case law and similar findings in the same jurisdiction.
Article I, Section 16 of the State Constitution of California says, “A trial by jury is an inviolate right and shall be secured to all. A jury may be waived in a criminal cause by the consent of both parties expressed in open court by the defendant and the defendant's counsel."
Predictable Outcomes: Judges' decisions are generally more predictable than those of a jury, in which emotions or personal biases can sway. If, for example, you're assigned a judge with a record of showing leniency for mitigating circumstances, your attorney might recommend waiving the jury trial.
Bench trials are better for cases involving highly technical issues or an unlikeable party/parties. Jury trials are for situations where you think you have a worse than 50% chance at winning and neither of the above situations apply.
Roughly three out of 10 Californians charged with DUI were not convicted of the crime. Because the burden is on the state to prove that someone was under the influence of a drug or alcohol, there are multiple defenses that an attorney can use to help their clients get their DUI case dismissed.