If you’re facing a legal battle in Anderson, South Carolina, or the surrounding Upstate area, you may be wondering: What happens if my case goes to trial? While most civil cases settle before reaching the courtroom, some cases must go to trial if it is not possible to resolve them. Understanding the process ahead can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Step 1: Pre-Trial Preparation
Before stepping into the courtroom, a great deal of work happens behind the scenes. This includes:
- Filing legal motions
- Gathering and presenting evidence
- Taking depositions (formal statements under oath)
- Pre-trial conferences with the judge
At Kyle J. White Law Firm, we invest time and effort in every stage of preparation with an eye toward ultimately trying the case to a jury if it becomes necessary. Our team has extensive trial experience in court rooms around the state of South Carolina and beyond, and we have obtained numerous six and seven figure verdicts for our clients in counties around the state. Our courtroom experience means your case is in experienced hands.
Step 2: Jury Selection (Voir Dire)
In most personal injury and civil rights cases, your trial will involve a jury. During jury selection, the Court (or at times the counsel for the parties) will ask potential jurors questions to uncover any biases and select individuals who can fairly decide the case. Ultimately, twelve people will be seated in the jury box who will ultimately be responsible for deciding the outcome of the trial.
Step 3: Opening Statements
The trial begins with opening statements from both sides. This is where your attorney outlines the key facts, legal issues, and what the evidence will show. The opposing side will do the same. It’s a roadmap for the jury.
Step 4: Presenting the Case
Each side takes turns presenting their case:
- Plaintiff’s side (you) presents first, and the Defense presents second
- Witnesses are called and questioned
- Evidence is introduced (documents, photos, medical records, etc.)
- Cross-examinations test the credibility of testimony
This is where having an attorney with courtroom experience is critical.
Step 5: Closing Arguments
After all evidence has been presented, both sides make closing arguments. These are powerful arguments meant to persuade the jury one final time before deliberation.
Step 6: Jury Deliberation and Verdict
The jury then moves to a private room to deliberate. Once they reach a unanimous decision, the verdict is read in court.
- If you win, the jury will return a verdict that includes monetary damages (compensation).
- If the decision is not in your favor, you may have the right to appeal.
What Sets Kyle J. White Law Firm Apart?
Not every attorney is willing to take a case to trial, and we our practice is designed to be able to stand up to Corporate America, big insurance, and the government, in tough cases at trial. At Kyle J. White Law Firm, we’re built on conservative values: integrity, accountability, and perseverance, and those principles guide us as we take our client’s case to trial. We don’t back down when your future is at stake. When trial becomes necessary, we fight with skill, purpose, and the experience that comes from years in the courtroom.
Serving Anderson and the Upstate with Strength and Integrity
Whether you’re facing a personal injury, wrongful death, or civil rights case, know that we stand ready to defend your interests from day one, even if your case goes to trial. If you’re searching for a trial attorney in South Carolina, contact Kyle J. White Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation.
