Misdemeanor and Felony Jury Trials and Jury Verdicts
Following closing arguments and jury deliberations in a misdemeanor or felony jury trial, the jury may reach a verdict. Should the jury reach a verdict, the foreperson of the jury notifies the court's bailiff. The bailiff then notifies the judge. The judge has the court clerk notify the defense attorney and the prosecutor. Once the judge and the attorneys are assembled in court, the bailiff brings the jurors into the courtroom. In a felony case such as a sex crimes case or drug offense case, the person charged with the felony must be present when the verdict is received by the judge from the jury. The judge must exercise reasonable diligence to secure the presence of a person charged with a felony for delivery of the verdict. In a misdemeanor case such as a petty theft the person charged is not required to be present for the delivery of a verdict. The person's presence is not required because counsel is permitted to appear for a person in a misdemeanor case at all stages of the criminal proceeding. If you are arrested or charged with a misdemeanor or felony, contact Christine McGuire, The Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Attorney.