Order of Trial

N.R.S. 175.141 The Order of a Criminal Trial is Explained by Las Vegas Criminal Attorneys

No defendant in the United States can be convicted or sentenced without due process of the law. Generally, this due process involves a criminal trial in state or federal court. Nevada has rules of procedure in criminal cases found in Title 14 of the state code. Chapter 175 addresses the trial process and Nevada Revised Statute section 175.141 provides specific details on the order in which a trial must proceed.

If you have been charged with a crime, you need to know what the rules are for the order of your criminal trial. A Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer can help you to understand the steps which will be taken as you face charges for allegedly violating the law. Your attorney can also provide guidance and advice on what strategic steps you can take and what smart decisions you can make at each phase of criminal proceedings. The goal is acquittal or to get the lowest possible penalties, and your attorney will work hard from day one to try to make that happen.

LV Criminal Defense understands all Nevada rules of procedure in criminal cases and will provide the legal advocacy you need as you move through your case. Give us a call today to find out more.

Order of Trial in Nevada Criminal Cases

According to N.R.S. 175.141, there is a specific order in which a trial must proceed after a jury has been empaneled:

• If the defendant has been indicted for a felony or if the information is for a felony, the clerk has to read the indictment or information and tell the jury what the defendant’s plea is. This is not required in non-felony cases.
• The prosecutor who has brought charges on behalf of the state has to make an initial opening statement.
• The defendant can make an opening statement at this time if he or she wishes to do so, or can wait and make the opening statement immediately before beginning to present his defense.
• The state has to present evidence and make its case in support of the criminal charges. The prosecutor has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt with the evidence it presents.
• The defendant gets to offer a defense once the prosecutor has rested his case. The defendant doesn’t have to prove he was innocent. Raising questions about the evidence presented by the prosecutor and introducing reasonable doubt is sufficient.
• When the defendant has presented his case, the defense rests. The court then allows parties to enter only rebutting evidence unless there is good cause to permit the parties to enter additional evidence on the original case.
• After all evidence has been presented, the prosecutor and defense have the opportunity to make closing statements.
• The case is then given to the jury to make a decision on whether to convict or to acquit.

At each different phase of trial, from questioning the witnesses presented by the prosecutor to moving to dismiss when the prosecutor has rested his case to presenting strong evidence during the defense portion of the trial, the decisions a defendant makes can shape the case outcome. You need to ensure you are making strategic choices and putting on the strongest possible defense.

How a Las Vegas Criminal Lawyer Can Help

A Las Vegas criminal lawyer can provide assistance from the first investigations conducted by the police until a case is finally resolved. Call LV Criminal Defense today so our legal team can start guiding you as you respond to charges. We will work hard and be strong advocates for you with the goal of getting the best outcome possible in a difficult situation.