The New York legal system is complex and often difficult for defendants to understand. Two of the most common questions we get are how we select jurors for trial and if the defendant can help with this process. Here’s what to know and how Brooklyn DWI lawyer Mark Cossuto can help.

No One “Chooses” the Jury

Contrary to popular belief, jury members aren’t actually selected or chosen. Instead, random people within the community are selected to be in a jury pool. Then, attorneys for the defendant and the state will review each potential juror and request elimination of jurors that could potentially harm their case.

Rather than focusing on traits that the attorneys want in a jury, they consider traits that might make someone bias against their client. Each side is allowed a certain number of dismissals depending on the type of case and wether it is at the state or federal level.

What Lawyers Consider When Eliminating Potential Jurors

Attorneys in a criminal case look at almost everything about a potential jury member to decide which side the person is most likely to relate to, understand, or look favorably upon. This can include but isn’t limited to the following list of criteria:

• Race. What race the jurors are compared to the race of the defendant is a very important factor in jury selection.
• Profession. Attorneys might want to eliminate jurors with professions in law enforcement, criminal science, justice, or other industries that are related to the alleged crime.
• Marital status. Whether a person is married, unmarried, widowed, divorced, or legally separated can play a role in their decision-making. For example, a single mother who left her husband after a domestic violence situation would not be a good choice to serve on a jury deciding the guilt of a man on trial for domestic abuse.
• Religious leaning. What potential jurors believe and what religion they are, if any, influences both conscious and subconscious decisions. Your attorney should eliminate jurors with religious beliefs that contradict yours or would otherwise influence them to issue a guilty verdict.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

Veteran DWI and criminal defense attorney Mark Cossuto is available now to provide you with comprehensive legal support after a frightening arrest. Call today for a free case consultation by dialing (718) 852-8047 or toll-free at (800) 609-4545.