Not every lawyer is a Trial Lawyer. Trial lawyers think act, and execute differently than others. Just as a warrior is trained for battle, so are our trial lawyers. We prepare. We train. We fight. We win. If you are facing a trial in Connecticut, understanding the trial process can be daunting. There are many steps involved, and it is important to know exactly what to expect. The results-driven and battle-tested trial lawyers at The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, can help you get the outcome you deserve when facing trial. Reach out to our office in Waterbury, CT, to discuss the nuances and specifics of your case and develop a winning strategy tailored to your unique situation.

The Trial Process in Connecticut

Here is a breakdown of the different parts of the Connecticut trial process and what you should know before attending your trial.

Pre-trial motions. Before any trial begins, there may be pre-trial motions filed by either side. This could include motions such as a motion to suppress, motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment. A pre-trial motion is essentially a request from one party asking the court to make a ruling on an issue before the actual trial begins. The court will then decide whether or not to grant that request. It is important to understand that these types of motions can significantly affect the outcome of your case and should not be taken lightly.
Jury selection. If your case requires a jury, then jury selection will take place during your trial. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-82b, individuals accused of crimes in the Superior Court may demand a trial by jury when applicable. We are skilled at Jury Trials. Jury selection involves both sides selecting individuals from a pool of potential jurors who they believe will make impartial decisions about the evidence presented at the trial. During jury selection, each side will have an opportunity to ask questions and challenge potential jurors based on their answers. Connecticut is unique in that it provides for individual Voir Dire. That means each potential juror is interviewed individually. This gives us a unique opportunity to pick the right jury. We are trained and experienced in this process. Once all members of the jury have been selected, the trial can begin.
Presentation of evidence. During this stage of the trial, each side presents evidence that supports their case and attempts to disprove their opponent’s claims through cross-examination and witness testimony. This includes things such as documents, photographs, videos, physical evidence, expert testimony, etc., all of which must be relevant and admissible in order for it to be used in court. This is the state of your case where we recall Attorney Kaloidis has spent two decades having honing his trial skills. His ability to cross examine an opposing witness has earned him the respect of the legal community. After all relevant evidence has been presented by both sides, closing arguments can begin.
Closing argument and verdict. Both parties have an opportunity to summarize their case and explain why they believe their position is correct during closing arguments at the end of the trial process. Attorney Kaloidis has gained a reputation for making stellar closing arguments that have been described as “the best” by trained veteran prosecutors. Once closing arguments have concluded, it is up to the jury (or judge if there is no jury) to come up with a verdict based on all presented evidence and arguments made by both parties throughout the course of the trial. The verdict must be unanimous in order for it to stand in court. If not, then further proceedings may be necessary until a unanimous decision can be reached by all parties involved in the case.

Possible Outcomes of Trial

If you are facing trial in Connecticut, it is important to understand the possible outcomes of your case.

In a criminal case:

A not-guilty verdict. The words “Not Guilty” are what we strive to hear. It is what we aim to deliver. A not-guilty verdict means that jurors did not believe that the defendant was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In this circumstance, all charges against the defendant will be dropped, and they will be released from any legal obligations related to their case. It is important to remember that even though an individual might be found not guilty in court, there may still be long-lasting effects on their reputation if they were tried for a serious crime.
A guilty verdict. A guilty verdict means that the jury believes the State has proven that the defendant committed the crime they were accused of beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentencing will be scheduled for a date in the future. Depending on the severity and nature of the crime, this could mean anything from probation to jail time. Additionally, if you are convicted of a felony in Connecticut, you will lose certain rights, like voting privileges, and gun ownership and may have difficulty finding employment or housing due to your criminal record.

In a Civil Case: In a civil matter, the jury will render a verdict for either the Plaintiff or the Defendant. They will also decide on monetary damages for either side.

Understanding each option can help prepare you emotionally and psychologically for whatever result comes your way in court proceedings while also helping ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Why You Need a Trial Lawyer

Having an experienced legal professional by your side during a trial provides several advantages that are hard to replicate without one’s guidance and support. There are two main reasons why you need a trial lawyer:

Expertise in the law. The most obvious reason to hire a lawyer for your trial is their expertise in the law. An attorney knows how to navigate the court system and will be able to provide advice on how best to proceed with your case. They also understand when and how to present evidence, as well as what type of evidence is admissible. An experienced lawyer will also know which legal arguments are more likely to succeed in getting you a favorable outcome. Additionally, they will be familiar with the various rules and procedures that must be followed during a trial. This means that they can help make sure all due process rights are respected throughout the proceedings.
Strategy and negotiation skills. Another key benefit of hiring an attorney is that they can help create a winning strategy for your case and use their negotiation skills to reach a favorable outcome without going through with a full trial. A skilled lawyer will have experience negotiating with prosecutors and can work out plea deals that may result in lesser penalties or reduced charges, which could save you time, money, and stress. They can also help prepare witnesses for testimony, cross-examine witnesses, argue motions on your behalf, and file any necessary paperwork during proceedings. Lastly, they can also advise you on whether or not a plea bargain is advisable given your circumstances or if it would be better to go through with a full trial instead.

Navigating through Connecticut’s complex legal system can seem overwhelming, but having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can help ensure that you are well-prepared for whatever lies ahead when attending your Connecticut court hearing or trial date.

The Fearless and Courageous Advocacy You Need

Facing trial can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. Our trial lawyers at Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, know the ins and outs of the Connecticut court system and understand what strategies are most likely to yield successful outcomes from trials. We can provide you with the fearless and courageous advocacy you need. Schedule a case review by calling 203-597-0010 today.