Sometimes, in a criminal case, the defendant might want to waive their right to a jury trial and instead have a bench trial where the judge alone decides guilt or innocence. For example, perhaps the judge has a reputation for leniency, or the case has made national news.
Ing to the Supreme Court, the jury-trial right applies only when "serious" offenses are at hand—petty offenses don't invoke it. For purposes of this right, a serious offense is one that carries a potential sentence of more than six months' imprisonment.
There are various reasons why a defendant might consider waiving their right to a jury trial. For instance, they might aim to resolve the case swiftly or keep it out of the local news. Alternatively, they might have a lengthy criminal record and wish to minimize public exposure.
The failure of a party to serve and file a demand as required by this rule constitutes a waiver by the party of trial by jury. A demand for trial by jury made as herein provided may not be withdrawn without the consent of the parties.
(d) Waiver; Withdrawal. A party waives a jury trial unless its demand is properly served and filed. A proper demand may be withdrawn only if the parties consent.
There are various reasons why a defendant might consider waiving their right to a jury trial. For instance, they might aim to resolve the case swiftly or keep it out of the local news. Alternatively, they might have a lengthy criminal record and wish to minimize public exposure.
Typically, a plaintiff will make its demand in the complaint filed at the outset of the case, and a defendant usually will make its demand in an answer to the complaint. If either party asks for a jury, the trial will be by jury.
Amendment Seven to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It protects the right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts with civil cases where the claim exceeds a certain dollar value. It also prohibits judges in these trials from overruling facts revealed by the jury.
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.