Terms
Verdict
A verdict is the decision made in a criminal or civil legal case by the party authorized to render such a judgment. The word verdict literally means "to speak the truth." In a civil case, the verdict is the judge's decision to order the defendant to award the plaintiff some amount of money. In a criminal case, the verdict is usually the decision of the jury regarding the questions submitted to it. In a criminal case that is presided over by a judge, s/he will render the verdict.
In a criminal case, the verdict is usually delivered by the jury once they have heard the facts presented by both sides and have deliberated on the matter. In a criminal case, the prosecution will have the burden of proof to show beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the criminal act in question with the appropriate mindset. There are a number of rights afforded to the defendant in a criminal trial to ensure that the subsequent verdict is rendered reasonably and fairly.
The defendant in a criminal trial has the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of impartial peers. S/he has the right to remain silent in order to avoid self incrimination. The defendant has the right to call witnesses in their defense and to be presented with the witnesses against them. The accused also has the guarantee of adequate legal representation during their trial. All of these rights are guaranteed protections for the defendant so that the jury can render a verdict that is fair.
There are two verdict options in a criminal case: an acquittal or a conviction. An acquittal verdict means that after hearing all the facts of the case, the jury did not find enough evidence to render a guilty verdict beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction verdict means that the jury found enough evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime in question.
It is possible for a verdict to include guilty and not-guilty decisions. For example, if a defendant has been charged with a number of different criminal offenses, the jury's verdict may show that they found the defendant guilty of some charges and not guilty of others. Each charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, so the verdict might reflect the decision that the defendant was guilty of some offenses but not others.
When the jury decides on a verdict through deliberation, they will present the verdict to the court. Once the court receives the verdict, it will enter a judgment on it. The judge is responsible for sentencing the defendant based on the verdict that was reached by the jury. A criminal sentence for a guilty verdict can include incarceration, heavy fines, restitution, probation, and more. The judgment of the court is the final order in a criminal case.
All of your criminal, DUI, DWI, OUI lawyer needs in one place!
Let us help you locate an attorney. Use the form to find a criminal law attorney in your area.
Law Offices of Grech & Firetag
Serving Southern California for over 30 years, the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag have earned a reputation of being competent and providing personal attention to every case.
Call Toll Free - (888) 529-5632
