The nuts and bolts of a DUI trial in Seattle Municipal Court do not differ greatly from a DUI trial in other jurisdictions.  On the day of trial, all parties report to the assigned court room at around 8:30 to 9:00 in the morning.  It is not uncommon for more than one trial to be set in the same court room on a given day.  If that is the case, the court will determine which case gets priority.  Usually the case that is closest to its speedy trial expiration will get priority.  Sometimes, it goes to the case that is most complex or that has the greatest number of witnesses scheduled.  When there is more than one case set for trial on a given day, the cases that are not given priority are usually bumped to another day.  Sometimes, the prospect of court crowding and further delaying a trial can result in a beneficial plea deal.

If the case does go forward on the day of trial, several preliminary matters will occur prior to the start of trial.  Normally, there are several evidentiary issues that must be addressed before a jury is empaneled.  Motions that are heard on the day of trial are referred to as motions in limine.   These motions help to determine what evidence can or will be shown to the jury.  After motions in limine are heard, a jury is empaneled.  In Seattle Municipal Court, jury trials are held before a jury of six people, in this case six residents of Seattle.

Visit us at  Washington DUI Trials for general information on DUI trials and the trial process in general.