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

The main difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law in Florida is the number of people involved. A trial is presided over by a jury of peers and a judge while a bench trial is only presided over by a judge. In a trial, the jury of peers is brought in to determine the outcome of the case based on the evidence presented to them, including testimonies from witnesses. The judge then makes sure the jury follows all the rules and procedures of the court. In a bench trial, however, the judge is also the one who delivers the verdict. This means the judge is the one who weighs the evidence presented and makes the final decision on the case. Because the judge will be the only one evaluating and making a decision on the case, the defendant will not be entitled to a jury of peers as a part of the process. Ultimately, the difference between a trial and a bench trial in criminal defense law in Florida is in who is responsible for determining the outcome of the case. In a trial, a jury of peers makes the final decision while in a bench trial, the judge decides the outcome after evaluating the evidence presented.

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

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