Relative to a DUI trial is a question: There is never a second chance to make a first impression, right?
If you answered "yes," then you can begin to understand the importance of opening and closing arguments of a DUI trial.
Opening arguments in a DUI trial
The opening statement is the first chance a DUI lawyer has to explain the defense's theory of the case.
Studies show that by the time the evidence completely presented, most jurors have already made up their minds. In order to help guide their minds to where you want them, your lawyer will set the stage early. The goals of opening statements from a DUI defense lawyer's perspective are, at a minimum:
- Establish rapport with the jury
- Set expectations about both the good and bad points of the case
- "Draw the sting" on the negative aspects by bringing them into the light of day early on
- Tell the jury what the defense case will show (since the prosecutor will go first)
- Make predictions about any holes in the state's evidence, and the jurors can look for them while they listen
Certain cases, it may be a good idea for the DUI lawyer to play "hide the ball" during opening statements. This serves to not tip the prosecutor or officer off to a major point which best served as a surprise. If state knows this, they could correct before the officer took the stand. Most of the time it is best to get all the information out there early for the jury to consider.
Good DUI lawyers relative to opening statements
Good DUI trial lawyers know that it is not the longest opening statement that is most effective. It is important to be respectful of the jury's time, and not repeat points over and over again. It is also important to be well organized and prepared. Let the prosecutor put the jury to sleep, but don't let your lawyer do it.
Some less experienced DUI defense lawyers feel they have to say every possible thing and angle from the get go. Often a mistake by attorney, the more information vomits at jury, they will be more tuned out and turned off. It is highly suggested for most DUI defense lawyers to take a few major points and emphasize them. Remember, a defense lawyer's job is to point out or create reasonable doubt, not to prove anything.
Some attorneys bow to the pressure they perceive their clients put on them by the covering of all issues. It is important for DUI lawyers to explain to their clients early what they are doing. Their clients then understand and are comfortable with how the lawyer presents the case.
At end of opening statements, it is imperative for some lawyers to ask jury to find their client not guilty. Others believe that doing this causes an immediate credibility gap, and prefer to approach it from a different angle. Telling the jury that the state will fail to prove its case because there is reasonable doubt. Each lawyer is different, and every trial needs to stand on its own. Therefore, you should not apply the theories that were used in one case to all cases.
Closing arguments in DUI trials
The closing argument is the DUI trial defense attorney's last chance to talk with the jury and explain his or her theory of the case. Although statistically, most jurors have already made up their minds by the time closing arguments begin, it is important to either solidify their decision or dislodge it, depending on which way they lean.
Closing arguments serve to arm jurors with arguments that they can use in the jury room to support their own conclusion when debating against fellow jurors who drew different conclusions. From the defense perspective, it is better to have a divided jury than a jury united in the belief that the client is guilty. Closing arguments lets the DUI lawyer tie in the subtle points, especially in regards to chemical evidence.
Closing arguments is also about letting the jury know that they are, in a very real way, about to decide someone's fate. Whether it is a first offense misdemeanor DUI where the client is exposed to one day in jail, or a fifth offense felony where the client is looking at immediately serving a four year prison term, it is a major decision in the client's life. It is the defense lawyer's job to help the jury to appreciate that they aren't just deciding something trivial, but rather something that could devastate a persons personal and professional life.
Overview of Opening and Closing arguments
Opening statements are about showing the jury why the lawyer is there, why the client is a likable person and deserving of the benefit of the doubt, and about setting the tone for the trial. Closing arguments are about affirming the credibility of your side of the story, and about poking holes in the opposition's side of the story. Just like opening statements in DUI cases, closing arguments do not need to be long or elaborate. They should be concise, focused and to the point.
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