When facing a violent crime trial in Ohio, the experience can feel intimidating and overwhelming. It is normal to have questions about what lies ahead and how the trial process will unfold. Understanding what to expect can help ease the anxiety and make it easier to prepare for the journey. This process involves many steps, including hearings, witness testimony, and possible evidence review. Although each case has its unique elements, this guide will explain the general flow of a violent crime trial in Ohio to help you better understand each stage. At, Sabol & Mallory Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Dan Sabol
Dan is the first attorney in Ohio to be both board certified in criminal trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and be designated as a Lawyer Scientist by the American Chemical Society.
Chase Mallory
Chase Mallory is a firm founder whom has tried over 40 cases and conducted more than 100 suppression hearings. He is a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Meet the lawyers who make up the legal team at Sabol Mallory LLC. Read their individual bios and get to know more about their education, experience and accolades.
Learn more about our teamPreparing for Your Trial
Before a trial begins, there is a period of preparation that is essential. This part of the process includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and discussing strategy with your lawyer. Your lawyer will help you understand the charges, examine the details of your case, and advise you on what steps to take. During this preparation phase, you and your attorney may go over the possible defenses that can be used, such as questioning the evidence presented against you or proving that you were not involved in the crime. The preparation process will also involve going through any pre-trial hearings that are set by the court. These hearings can address legal matters, such as the types of evidence allowed or the selection of the jury.
In violent crime cases, evidence is key. Police reports, medical records, and witness statements are often involved. Your attorney will review each piece of evidence to determine how it could impact your case. Preparing for trial also includes gathering any witnesses who can support your defense. Witnesses can help explain events that occurred, provide alibis, or give other information that supports your innocence. It is important to listen to your attorney’s guidance during this time since they understand the legal process and can help you get ready for what comes next.
Jury Selection
In Ohio, a violent crime trial often involves a jury. The process of selecting a jury is called “voir dire.” During voir dire, potential jurors are questioned to determine if they can be fair and impartial in your case. The judge and attorneys from both sides may ask questions to understand the jurors’ backgrounds, beliefs, and any biases they might have. This step is important because it helps ensure that the people deciding your fate are as objective as possible.
Your attorney will work hard to select jurors who are likely to listen to all the evidence with an open mind. If a juror has a reason they cannot be fair, they may be dismissed from serving on your trial. Jury selection can sometimes take time, but it is a vital part of the process. A fair and impartial jury is key to ensuring that you get a fair trial.
Opening Statements
Once the jury is selected, the trial officially begins with opening statements. During this phase, both the prosecution and the defense have an opportunity to present their cases to the jury. The prosecutor, representing the state, will start by explaining why they believe you are guilty of the violent crime charges. They may outline the evidence they plan to present and give a brief summary of what they believe happened. Your defense attorney will then provide their opening statement. This is their chance to introduce your side of the story and outline why you should be found not guilty. While opening statements are not considered evidence, they give the jury an overview of what each side intends to prove.
Your lawyer’s goal in the opening statement is to make the jury understand your perspective and to remind them of the presumption of innocence. In Ohio, as in the rest of the United States, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This presumption is a crucial part of any criminal trial, and your lawyer will emphasize this point to the jury.
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Testimonials
Learn what our clients have to say about the work of Sabol Mallory. If you have any questions or need legal help for a criminal charge, please reach out to us right away.
Chase Mallory is incredible. He is wonderful to work with and knows exactly what to do to help his clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done for me. I highly recommend hiring Chase to help fight your battles. Bless you!
- Erin R.
Dan Sabol is probably the best attorney I've ever worked with. Very professional and worked hard to get the best results possible. He will be the first person I call if I need a lawyer again. If you find yourself in a sticky situation make sure you give him a ring.
- Christopher R.
I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Chase and I am very grateful!! They did amazing work to help me on my case. They are very helpful and get back with you in a timely manner whenever I had questions for them, which was very nice and reassuring.
- Jessica H.
Presentation of Evidence and Witnesses
After the opening statements, the prosecution presents its evidence and witnesses. They will call witnesses to the stand who may include law enforcement officers, forensic specialists, or other individuals involved in the case. Each witness gives testimony to help support the prosecution’s case. The prosecution may also present physical evidence, such as photographs, videos, or forensic data. Each piece of evidence is presented to convince the jury of your guilt.
Your defense attorney has the right to cross-examine each witness presented by the prosecution. Cross-examination is the opportunity to question the credibility of witnesses or challenge the accuracy of their statements. For example, if a witness has a history of lying, your attorney may bring this up to show the jury why their testimony may not be reliable. Cross-examination is a key part of defending yourself in a trial, and it allows your attorney to present alternative viewpoints on the evidence.
Once the prosecution has presented its case, it is your defense team’s turn to present evidence and call witnesses. This part of the trial is your chance to tell your side of the story. Your lawyer might call witnesses who can confirm your alibi, offer character references, or provide additional context to support your defense. If there is evidence that can prove your innocence or create doubt about your involvement, this is when it will be presented. Presenting your defense is important because it gives the jury the chance to see the full picture, not just what the prosecution wants them to believe.
Closing Arguments
After both sides have presented their evidence and witnesses, the trial moves to closing arguments. During this phase, each attorney summarizes the evidence and tries to persuade the jury to reach a specific verdict. The prosecution will remind the jury of the evidence and argue why they believe it proves guilt. They may highlight testimony or evidence that they feel was particularly compelling.
Your defense attorney will then give their closing argument, focusing on any reasonable doubt that exists in the case. In Ohio and across the United States, the standard for a conviction in a criminal trial is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that if there is any reasonable doubt about your guilt, the jury should find you not guilty. Your lawyer will emphasize any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and remind the jury that it is their duty to consider all evidence carefully before making a decision. Closing arguments are the final chance for each side to present their case before the jury deliberates.
Jury Deliberation
Once closing arguments are complete, the judge will give instructions to the jury. These instructions guide the jury on how to apply the law to the evidence they have heard. In a violent crime trial, the jury will be asked to determine if the prosecution has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty of the crime.
The jury will then go to a private room to deliberate. Deliberation can take hours or even days, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of disagreement among jurors. During this time, jurors discuss the evidence, consider each argument, and work together to reach a verdict. Jury deliberation is a confidential process, and only the jurors know what is said in the deliberation room. In some cases, the jury may ask to review certain pieces of evidence or to have parts of the trial record read back to them.
Once the jury has reached a decision, they will inform the judge. The court will then reconvene, and the jury will announce its verdict. In a violent crime trial, the verdict will either be “guilty” or “not guilty.” If the jury finds you not guilty, you will be acquitted of the charges, and the trial will end. If the jury finds you guilty, the trial will move on to the sentencing phase.
Sentencing Phase
If you are found guilty, the court will move on to sentencing. During this phase, the judge will decide your punishment based on Ohio’s laws and sentencing guidelines. The sentencing phase may involve a separate hearing, during which both the prosecution and defense can present arguments about what they believe the sentence should be. In violent crime cases, sentences can include jail or prison time, fines, community service, or probation.
The judge may also consider factors such as your criminal history, the severity of the crime, and any evidence of remorse or cooperation. Sentencing is not an easy process to go through, but your attorney will be there to support you and to argue for the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances. In some cases, your attorney may be able to appeal the conviction or the sentence if there were errors during the trial.
Regardless of the outcome, the end of a trial is not necessarily the end of the legal process. If you are found not guilty, you will be free to move on with your life. If you are found guilty, there may be options to appeal the decision. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review your case for legal errors that may have affected the verdict. Your attorney can help you understand whether an appeal is an option and what steps are involved in filing one.
Being prepared for your violent crime trial can make a difference in how you experience each phase of the process. Knowing what to expect and having the right legal representation can help you feel more confident and prepared. Remember that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and you have the right to a fair trial. Each step of the trial is designed to give you a chance to defend yourself and tell your side of the story.
If you or a loved one is facing a violent crime charge in Ohio and needs guidance, consider reaching out to Sabol & Mallory Law Firm. With their understanding of Ohio’s criminal justice system, they can stand by your side and work to protect your rights throughout the entire process. Contact Sabol & Mallory Law Firm today to discuss your case and learn how they can help you move forward.