What Does a Jury Do?

May 27, 2010

By Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal

texasdefensefirm.com

(972) 369-0577

Lawyers take for granted that everyone understands a trial from television — but not even television makes the distinctions very clear.  And there’s no such thing as a stupid question.  Usually.

A jury determines what are known as “questions of fact.”  a judge determines “questions of law.”  The difference can be complicated but here’s a common example that demonstrates the difference.

Take an assault/ family violence case where self-defense was an issue: the judge would determine whether the evidence of self defense was admissible and whether it rises to the level which would allow him or her to give the jury an instruction on self defense.  The judge makes no decision on whether the evidence is believable or not… just that it is sufficient for a jury to consider the defense without completely guessing.

The jury would determine whether the evidence of self defense is believable and whether the state has dis-proven the theory of self defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jurors are the exclusive judges of the credibility of witness and decide whether the prosecution has met their burden.  The jury obviously doesn’t rule on objections (because again, it’s the judge that decides the law).

A person’s right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution in both civil and criminal cases and is a cornerstone of our legal system.

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice.  For specific legal advice, you should directly consult an attorney.


Do I need an Attorney for Drug Charges in Texas?

May 11, 2010

Yes.  The law of drug possession and/or distribution is a highly complex area.  The law surrounding possession, search and seizure, or what it means to have intent to distribute are just some some of the highly technical issues encountered in Texas drug cases.

Law enforcement is typically not interested in your side of the story — and that is where effective advocacy plays a role as well.  Just because the prosecutor and the police believe there is only their side to the story doesn’t make it so.  It is the Judge and Jury that often decide.

Even in situations where someone may have a substance abuse problem — Texas has long had the mentality that harsh punishment and cruelty will cure substance abuse.  While many prosecutors and judges are now getting the message — that these problems don’t solve themselves — stiff criminal penalties and criminal records can still haunt people for the rest of their lives.

If you’re facing drug possession or distribution charges whether it be for Marijuana, cocaine, or any other type of drug, an attorney can help attain the best result possible in your case.

Jeremy F. Rosenthal, Esq.

(972) 369-0577

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice.  For specific legal advice you should directly consult an attorney.

 


DWI Surcharges Clog Texas Courts

April 27, 2010

The Dallas Morning News reports a former State District Judge from Waco, David Hodges, told the Texas Driver Responsibility Program in Austin that the surcharges assessed after DWI convictions were clogging the Courts.  You can read the article here.

Mr Hodges is echoing the opinion of many criminal defense practitioners who believe the punishments for DWI related offenses have become so harsh that it makes more sense to fight DWI charges than to simply give in and plead guilty.  Although the article also focuses on where the money for the DWI surcharges are spent by the state, it is important to note the surcharges that accompany a DWI conviction.  They are:

(1) $1,000 per year for 3 years following a DWI conviction;

(2) $1,500 per year for 3 years following a 2nd DWI conviction; and

(3) $2,000 per year for 3 years following a DWI conviction where the blood/ alcohol concentration was 0.16 or greater.

Jeremy F. Rosenthal, Esq.

(972) 562-7549

*Jeremy Rosenthal is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article should be considered legal advice.  For specific legal advice about your own matters you should consult an attorney.