What is the difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law?

A trial and a bench trial are two methods of criminal defense in California. The main difference between the two is that a trial is a formal hearing in front of a jury of your peers, while a bench trial is an informal hearing in front of a judge only. In a trial, the jury is chosen by the court and is responsible for hearing the evidence and deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In order to decide, the jury must adhere to the instructions given to them by the judge. If a verdict of guilty is reached, the jury will decide on an appropriate penalty, such as a jail sentence or a fine. In a bench trial, the judge listens to the evidence and makes their own decision based on the evidence and arguments presented. This means that the judge has control over the outcome and there is no jury involved. However, the judge is bound by the same rules and laws as the jury in deciding a verdict. Overall, the main difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law is that with a trial, a jury is responsible for deciding guilt, whereas in a bench trial, the judge is the only person responsible for making a decision.

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What is the difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law?

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