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Hello,

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my name is Magistrate Michael Douglass.

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You are watching this video because either your attorney—or
you, if you are representing yourself—has informed

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the court that you wish to waive your right to a jury
trial.

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This video is intended to explain what it means to
waive that right and to inform you of the constitutional

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protections you will be giving up by doing so.

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Before the court can accept your waiver, it must ensure
that you understand these rights.

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Later, the judge will ask you a series of questions
to confirm that your decision is being made knowingly,

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voluntarily, and intelligently and that you understand
the rights that you are waiving or giving up.

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You have a constitutional right to a jury trial.

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In a jury trial, your case would be decided by a group
of impartial citizens selected from the community.

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For a Level 5 felony or any higher felony,

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the jury consists of twelve people chosen from the
community.

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For a Level 6 felony, and all misdemeanors,

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the jury consists of "six" people selected from the
community.

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To convict you, the jury must reach a unanimous verdict,
meaning all jurors must agree to that verdict.

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If you were to have a jury trial, you would have the
right, along with your attorney, to participate in

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selecting those jurors and to challenge jurors who
may not be fair.

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If you waive your right to a jury trial, your case
will be heard and decided by a judge alone;

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there will be "no jury."

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The judge, "not a jury," will listen to the evidence,

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make any necessary rulings,

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and decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.

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No person may threaten you, pressure you, or promise
you anything in order to get you to give up your right

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to a jury trial.

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The decision to waive your right to a jury trial
must be your decision alone.

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If you are represented by an attorney, you must discuss
this decision to waive your right to a jury trial

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with them and you must be satisfied with the advice
and representation you have received.

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You must understand that by waiving your right to
a jury trial, you are giving up your right to have

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a jury of your peers determine your guilt or innocence.

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If you've already signed a jury trial waiver document,
the judge will have that document when you appear

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in court.

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The judge will confirm with you that you signed the
document, that you understand the rights that are

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explained in the document--as well as in this video--and
that it is your intention to give up the right to

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a jury trial.

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If you have any questions about the process or the
rights you will be waiving, please consult your attorney,

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if you have one, or ask the judge when you appear
in court.

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Thank you.