Defendants generally trust that a jury will acquit or render a not guilty verdict more often (than a judge). The O.J. trial certainly validated this belief. Both the defendant and the People have the right to a jury trial in misdemeanor and felony trials (California Constitution, Article I, § 16 and Penal Code § 699).
Failing to appear for jury duty can result in a fine of up to $100 as per Section 40.23 of the Florida Statutes. You may also face contempt proceedings, which could result in community service, jail time, or other sanctions. It's imperative to contact the Jury Department immediately if you fail to report.
A defendant may in writing waive a jury trial with the consent of the state. 1968 Adoption. This is the same as Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 23(a). This changes existing law by providing for consent of state.
In the demand a party may specify the issues which the party wishes so tried; otherwise the party shall be deemed to have demanded trial by jury for all the issues so triable.
On any issue triable of right by a jury, a party may demand a jury trial by: (1) serving the other parties with a written demand—which may be included in a pleading—no later than 14 days after the last pleading directed to the issue is served; and. (2) filing the demand in ance with Rule 5(d).
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.
Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable of right by a jury by serving upon the other party a demand therefor in writing at any time after commencement of the action and not later than 10 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue.
The right of trial by jury as declared by the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution or as given by a statute of the United States shall be preserved to the parties inviolate. (2) filing the demand as required by Rule 5(d). Such demand may be indorsed upon a pleading of the party.