D.U.I./Criminal and Traffic Defense Glossary Terms

Bench Trial

A trial held before a judge only. The judge will listen to the facts of the case and make a determination of guilt or innocence as well as setting appropriate penalties. For most states, in a criminal trial, a bench trial may happen if the defendant has waived his or her rights to a jury trial. In a civil trial, both parties in the dispute must agree to waive their rights to a jury.

This website is designed for advertising and general information only. None of the information presented on
this site should be construed to be either formal legal advice and/or the formation of a lawyer client relationship. This site is brought to you by the Columbus Bar Association, through its division Columbus Bar Services, providing lawyer information and a legal tool kit about Ohio laws, including issues related to family law/divorce, custody, injury, malpractice, wills, probate, adoption, DUI, OMVI, criminal charges, workers compensation, immigration, green card, employee/employer, contracts, harassment, discrimination, bankruptcy, debt, social security, tax, real estate, small business, and other lawsuits and legal issues.