What is the Role of a Judge in a Criminal Case?

If you are facing a criminal trial in Mississippi, you may be aware that the judge will play an important role in your case. But what exactly does a judge do? What do you need to know about their role in a trial, and how will their decisions impact your chances of a positive legal outcome? Are there different kinds of judges? How do you conduct yourself in a trial, and how should you communicate with a judge?

These questions and many others are probably best left answered by a legal professional, such as a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi. Team up with us, and you can learn exactly how to approach your trial in the most efficient, confident manner. During our meetings, you will learn exactly how you should be conducting yourself in your trial. You might also learn more about the specific judge that will be presiding over your case.

The Five Basic Tasks of the Judge

The judge has five main priorities when presiding over trials:

• Maintaining Order: A judge will make sure that the trial does not get out of control. They will stop people from arguing in an uncontrolled manner, and they will make sure that no one speaks over each other. If any individual acts in a disruptful manner, the judge will eject them from the court and potentially charge them with contempt.
• Assessing Evidence: Judges are also tasked with assessing evidence that is brought forward in order to determine whether or not it is illegal. If a judge finds that certain evidence is inadmissible, they will strike it from the record and make sure that the jury does not consider this evidence.
• Delivering Instructions: When the jury has heard both the defendant’s and the state’s case, the judge will issue them instructions before they begin their deliberations. These instructions ensure that the jury adequately understands the various laws that apply to the specific case.
• Deciding the Case: In the case of a bench trial, the judge also plays the role of the jury and decides the entire case. A bench trial is when there is no jury present.
• Sentencing: While the jury delivers the verdict, the judge is responsible for delivering the sentence. Most criminal charges come with a wide range of possible sentences, such as varying lengths of prison time, fines, community service, and more.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. With our help, you can approach every aspect of your upcoming criminal trial with confidence. While the judge will play an important role in your trial, you might be surprised to learn about how their power is limited. The main goal in this situation is to gather as much evidence as possible and present your case in the most effective way possible. Book your consultation today, and we can help you do just that.