White collar criminal trial proceedings don’t always begin like investigations of other crimes. They’re also not like the white collar crime investigations you seen portrayed on television. What you expect might not be at all what unfolds once your trial is underway.
These types of criminal accusations follow the same basic structure as other investigations and trials, but the issues are often far more complicated than you expect. The evidence in these cases can be complicated and include everything from your financial records to your emails and text messages.
If you’ve been accused of a white collar crime and your case is headed to trial, what should you know?
Jury Selection Comes First
If your case goes to a jury trial, the process begins with jury selection. Attorneys on both sides of your case will ask potential jurors questions to determine whether they can be fair and impartial in the case.
The questions may cover a person’s background, experiences, or anything else that could affect their ability to consider the evidence fairly. The prosecution and defense both have a role in this process.
It is normal to feel nervous about having strangers decide your case. Your attorney can explain what happens during jury selection and what to expect when you appear in court.
Prosecution Presents Its Evidence
At this point, the prosecution presents its evidence.
Evidence can include:
- Testimony from witnesses connected to your case
- Financial records and contracts
- Emails and text messages
- Photographs
Your attorney is then given an opportunity to question prosecution witnesses and challenge the evidence.
During this time, you might hear or see things that upset you or that you feel are misinterpreted. That’s understandable. Try not to react in the courtroom. Your attorney will address these problems and share your side with the court. Remember, it’s the prosecution that has the burden of evidence to prove to the jury that what they’re saying is beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally committed the crime.
Your Defense Team Responds
After the prosecution presents its case, the defense has an opportunity to respond. That can include challenging the prosecution’s evidence through cross-examination or presenting witnesses and other evidence, depending on the circumstances.
You also have the right not to testify. Being charged with a crime does not require you to take the witness stand and explain yourself to the jury. Whether testifying makes sense in your particular case is an important decision to discuss privately with your attorney.
This can be one of the hardest parts of a criminal case emotionally. You may desperately want the jury to hear your side. Your attorney can help you understand the potential benefits and risks before you make that decision.
Details of the Evidence Can Matter
White collar cases often turn on records and the circumstances surrounding financial transactions. A transaction that looks unusual on paper does not necessarily explain why it happened or what a person knew at the time.
Your lawyer can challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of records or point out information that provides additional context.
Closing Arguments and Deliberation
Closing arguments wrap up the cases that both sides have presented. This is an important part of the trial because it’s when your lawyer (and the prosecution) points out important issues for the jury to consider.
Once that’s complete, the judge instructs the jury on the law that applies to the case. The jury then considers the evidence and decides whether the prosecution has met its burden of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal Support is Essential
Investigations are stressful. That stress doesn’t end once the trial begins. It can affect your job, finances, reputation, or family.. Knowing what to expect can make the process a little easier to manage.
Preparation for a white crime trial begins long before the case actually ends up in the courtroom. If you’re being investigated for a white collar crime and you need legal support, contact the The Juba Law Office for more information.
