How long trial last

Your attorney can give you an estimate. While you may not know exactly what to expect, you should expect something unexpected to happen the day before your trial. No matter how much you plan, there are things that are going to come up. Be grateful for the extra time and use it. If the settlement offer is good enough, you might want to take it. Or maybe the settlement offer is their way of distracting you from preparing. Set a threshold amount beforehand. If the offer is above it, accept it.

If not, game on. Another possibility is that a witness suddenly disappears. In an actual case, for example, the prosecution subpoenaed a witness to come to court. The day before trial they realized that he was on vacation in Hawaii. Somehow, they did not explain that a subpoena a court order to show up that a sheriff will enforce required the witness to be there.

A witness could die, be arrested, or deported. It happens. The other side might ask for a continuance. They may even have a legitimate reason for a continuance. These are the Rocky Mountains. Snow is a possibility 12 months a year. Jury selection often takes place on the first day of a week. If you have a question about weather-related or other unscheduled closings, delays, or cancellations, call the juror information line for the county where you will be appearing.

When you arrive at the courthouse, you will go through an airport-style entry screening system. Your handbag, backpack, briefcase, and all containers will be x-rayed. Do not bring any potentially dangerous or disruptive items into the courthouse, including objects like scissors, nail clippers, and knitting needles. You are encouraged to bring your own reading material because there may be waiting periods before being selected for a jury or before the jury is impaneled, or you are released.

The most common witnesses who testify at a personal injury trial are the Plaintiff, the Defendant, individuals who saw the accident which caused the injury, doctors, and family members. After both parties have presented their case, each party presents their closing arguments. Once closing arguments are complete, the jury meets to deliberate and carefully consider the evidence. When the jury has reached a verdict, the Plaintiff and Defendant return to the Courtroom to hear their decision.