A Phoenix DUI attorney might argue that the process of jury selection is the most important part of a trial. After all, it's the jury that ultimately decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty in most DUI cases. FindLaw states that jury members are usually selected after DUI defense attorneys, prosecutors, and a judge question a pool of potential jurors on matters that pertain to a case.
The questions that the potential jury members are asked could include questions relating to personal ideological predispositions or even life experiences. At this stage, both the defense and prosecution may exclude a certain number of jurors, through the use of "peremptory challenges" and challenges "for cause." A peremptory challenge is used when excluding a juror for any non-discriminatory reason, but a challenge for cause is used when excluding a juror who has shown through questioning that he or she cannot be objective in deciding the case.
For example, an Arizona DUI attorney might choose to remove a member from the jury pool, if the potential juror has had a family member or close friend die in a drunk-driving related crash. Because of her past experience, he or she might not be able to be objective with a DUI case.
DUIAttorney.com explains that the number of potential jurors brought in to choose from depends on the case, the court, and the number of peremptory challenges that are available to the defense and prosecution. For more questions regarding the process of choosing a jury of a DUI trial, it would be best to contact a Phoenix DUI attorney, or your local courthouse.
Related Resources:
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Judge or Jury Trial: Which is Better? (FindLaw)
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What Happens at Trial? (FindLaw)
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Contact an Arizona DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
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