Trials
A trial in the City of Kennedale Municipal Court is a fair, impartial, and public trial as in any other court. You may hire an attorney to represent you or you may choose to represent yourself.
Your Rights In Court
Under Texas law, you can be brought to trial only after a sworn complaint is filed against you. A complaint is the document, which states the act the you are alleged to have committed and that the act is unlawful. You can be tried only for what is alleged in the complaint. You have the following rights in court:
- To inspect the complaint before trial and have it read to you at the trial;
- To have your case tried before a jury, if you so desire;
- To hear all testimony introduced against you;
- To cross-examine any witness who testifies against you;
- To testify on your behalf;
- To abstain from testifying (and to not have that refusal held against you in regards to determining guilt or innocence); and
- To have the court issue a subpoena (court order) and ensure the appearance of any witnesses you request (either orally or in writing) to call to testify on your behalf at the trial.
Trial Before a Jury
If you choose to have your case tried before a jury, a date will be set for the jury trial and a panel of prospective jurors will be summoned. You have the right to question jurors about their qualifications to hear your case. If you think that a juror will not be fair, impartial, or unbiased, you may ask the judge to excuse the juror. The judge will decide whether or not to grant your request.
You are also permitted to strike three members of the jury panel for any reason you choose, except an illegal reason, such as a strike based solely upon a person's race. Six (6) jurors will be selected to hear all testimony and decide guilt or innocence and, if so directed by the judge, decide the fine to be assessed for conviction.