First jury trial, what should I expect?

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I've asked for a jury trial for a reckless driving ticket I recieved, and I'd like to know what to expect, like the course of events throughout the legal process before and during court. What do I have to have prepared, and what should I know?

I've completed arraignment and pre-trial, and the actual trial is in a month. I recieved a "Prosecuters Demand for Discovery" too, do I have to respond to this or am I allowed to keep the prosecuter in the dark as to my defense to give me the upper hand? I am defending myself and refuse to get a lawyer, and dont try to convince me to, thats not what I'm here for, I'd just like to know what to expect. Thanks to anyone that can help!

Jim

"I recieved a "Prosecuters Demand for Discovery" too, do I have to respond to this or am I allowed to keep the prosecuter in the dark as to my defense to give me the upper hand?"

No dont respond. The prosecutor just sent out the demand because they know you are not represented by an attorney. Prosecutors do this all the time to people who refuse to hire an attorney. Remember to bring up this issue when you first go before the judge. He will deal with it appropriately.

By the way, have you thought about reading the criminal procedures statutes for Michigan?

stephenk said:

By the way, have you thought about reading the criminal procedures statutes for Michigan?

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Where can I find these online?

And thank you for being the first remotely helpful person I've heard from on this board.

stephenk said:

"I recieved a "Prosecuters Demand for Discovery" too, do I have to respond to this or am I allowed to keep the prosecuter in the dark as to my defense to give me the upper hand?"

No dont respond. The prosecutor just sent out the demand because they know you are not represented by an attorney. Prosecutors do this all the time to people who refuse to hire an attorney. Remember to bring up this issue when you first go before the judge. He will deal with it appropriately.

By the way, have you thought about reading the criminal procedures statutes for Michigan?

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My response:

Stephen, where did you get the idea that the prosecution cannot conduct discovery of this defendant?

But, I love it when you say, "No dont respond. The prosecutor just sent out the demand because they know you are not represented by an attorney."

IAAL

"Stephen, where did you get the idea that the prosecution cannot conduct discovery of this defendant?"

He was being asinine. You just had a blonde moment.

"Hey, have checked into visiting days and hours? Your family might want to know this information."

I would also start getting used to potato salad and beans. I hear Michigan is famous for them.

I couldnt figure out what icon to use for sarcasm.

Original poster, if you want to bring up evidence to the judge you better respond to the prosecution's discovery demand. The court's don't allow "hide the ball".

go to the michigan government website and look up statutes. Better yet, go to a law library at the nearest court and look up the statutes.

stephenk said:

I couldnt figure out what icon to use for sarcasm.


Original poster, if you want to bring up evidence to the judge you better respond to the prosecution's discovery demand. The court's don't allow "hide the ball".

go to the michigan government website and look up statutes. Better yet, go to a law library at the nearest court and look up the statutes.

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My response:

I have to admit, you gave me some pause. I knew that you knew better, but like you said, it's difficult sometimes to reflect sarcasm in writing.

Way to go!

IAAL