Trial recap
What went right, wrong, and everything in between
Trials are a circus. There are moving parts up to opening statements. Witnesses will be all in…then not show up. Officers are ready for one date, there’s a continuance…then they are unavailable. Witnesses will flip on you ON THE STAND.
Yesterday’s trial was a bench trial. It was heard only in front of a judge. The defendant had two counts involving illegally possessing a firearm. This was the third setting. I had one star witness. Here…we…go…
WHAT WENT RIGHT
I built rapport with my star witness. He had no motivation for attending court, yet he continued coming. Imagine having to take time off of work to testify in a case with no actual benefit for yourself - that is what he did. Great testimony, too. Hilarious at points. I had trouble avoiding the giggles when he started yelling at defense. FWIW, defense had it coming.
Defendant was found guilty! Take a W when you can get it. This particular defendant has been causing havoc all over the county, it felt great.
I controlled my witnesses. My main one is and was angry. Defense did a solid job of getting under his skin. I kept questions short and jumped in when narratives started. I did let the witnesses jaw at defense, mostly for my entertainment.
I was organized enough. I was solo (aka no second chair) which worked for having the file, evidence, and my statements where I wanted them. I am free flowing but turn anal retentive for trials. They are my stage, and eff you if you mess up my performance.
WHAT WENT WRONG
I had evidence I decided not to use. When defense realized this, he raised his eyebrows and muttered “ok”. I realized I made a strategic error, but had to shake it off. ALWAYS be confident after throwing an interception. NOTE: the evidence was disclosed. It was my decision not to use it at trial.
My star witness is batty. He was consistent throughout so I did not prepare enough if he flipped on me. I felt OK about what I would do…but due to time/laziness I left it as ok. I need to be better prepared.
My admin and the victim support staff had to work overtime on the case. It was complicated and intertwined with a more serious investigation. Still…you never want to overtax your support system. Bagels forthcoming.
There were surprise objections I had to make up responses to. I did ok. My responses were BS. Need to limit the BS.
THE INBETWEEN
I have a hard time being serious. I joked with my witness about something, saying “It could always be worse”…forgetting that we had just charged his friend with murder. Insert Homer Simpson fading into the bush gif.
I skip lunch on trial days. Nuts, blueberries, flavored water. I do pound the caffeine, which leads to an aggressive posture throughout. Choose verbal violence.
Many people congratulated me after. It was a larger case than I anticipated. Glad I got the win.
Trials are dehydrating. You sweat and there are no bathroom breaks. You have to be dehydrated going in. Its a weird ‘you have to be around if something goes down’ situation. What might go down? I had a witness talk to a juror on a break. Juror had previously said he knew no one, yet was hugging a witness. Turns out it was fake news - a local protestor “claimed” to have saw it. We had a dramatic 30 minute pause to discuss, then question the juror. I still have no idea what actually happened, other than the GUILTY VERDICT SUCK ON THAT HATERS.
GRADE
B.
Much to improve on. Glad to get the win.
Let me know if you have questions on the above or commit a felony in my county.
Great post!