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When and Why would a Jury Decide my Case?

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If you’ve watched any show about lawyers, or been involved as a matter of public service, you are likely aware of a jury. A jury seems like a random collection of people who decide the ultimate fate of someone involved in a lawsuit. This is partly true, but there are also lots of misconceptions surrounding juries. This article provides a brief and simple overview of juries in civil cases in Virginia.

Criteria

              In civil cases in Virginia, juries are only allowed to preside over cases in Circuit Court. If a claim is within the GDC claim limit, the number of jurors is five. If the claim is within the Circuit Court claim limit, the number of jurors is seven. (Not sure what Circuit Court is? Check out our Filing a Lawsuit in State Court blog!). In Virginia, all citizens over the age of 18 who have lived in Virginia for one year, and in their respective county/city for six months, are eligible for jury duty.

Role

              Juries play an essential role in our legal system. Not only does every citizen have the Constitutional right to have their case heard by a jury, but juries afford parties with some level of fair decision-making. Instead of having one judge decide a case that will have a major impact on your life, you will have at least 5, maybe 7, or even more of your peers deciding your case. Additionally, Virginia law requires that jury verdicts be unanimous.

Right to a Jury?

              As stated, each citizen has the Constitutional right to a trial by jury. However, this right can be waived if not properly requested. A party (usually by and through their attorney) must request a jury trial no later than 10 days following the last pleading sent between the parties.

Although there are some important rules to follow in securing the proper jury for a case, juries are critical to the legal system and reaching just outcomes.

Do you have a potential civil matter that needs to go to court? Might your case need to be heard in front of a jury? If so, we are here to help! Our attorneys handle litigation in the following areas:

  • Business & Corporate Law
  • Contract disputes
  • Land Use & Zoning
  • Real Estate sales
  • Property Ownership
  • Fraud & Conversion
  • Shareholder and Partnership Disputes

Whether you are an individual or looking for litigation assistance for your business, our team is committed to seeing your matter through and fighting for the best resolution. Give us a call today!

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  • Being a first time business owner, you want to make sure you're making all the right decisions. Choosing McCormick Law & Consulting, along with Emma and Taylor, made the process so easy! Emma understood right away what my primary concerns were, and was able to execute everything in a very timely manner! She was extremely easy to talk to and she took the time to explain everything to me, settling my nerves with taking this next big step. Taylor made the process of making it all official completely stress free.
    Crystal G.

  • McCormick Law & Consulting was integral in the creation of our non-profit. We promised our 12 y/o son that we would keep fighting cancer for kids like him but we couldn’t have kept that promise without John McCormick and his team. We were hooked at our first meeting when John simply asked “ Tell me about you son.” McCormick Law and Consulting took care of all the legal work while allowing us to focus on our mission. John and his team continue to be a great resource and supporter of D-Feet Cancer The Dalton Fox Foundation. We couldn’t have asked for better legal representation. Thank you McCormick Law & Consulting.

    William F.

  • I definitely could have created my new business, Davis Wealth Management LLC, but boy that would have been a mistake. Because business formation is not an area in which I practice, I had no idea where my blind spots were, and let me tell you there were plenty. The knowledge I received from the firm is invaluable.

    John McCormick and his firm are very reasonably priced and quickly and efficiently assisted me in creating my new business. It was completely turn key; they did everything for me.  I can't recommend their services enough. Also, huge shoutout to Taylor who kept me informed every step of the way!

    James D.
  • I highly recommendMcCormick Law & Consulting! My Father and I live in two separate states and the properties he needed legal services for are in Virginia. I reach out to Taylor on two separate occasions and she was very responsive and professional. The first time we used their services it went so smoothly that by the time I needed their services again I knew I could just send over the necessary documents, pay my invoice and rest assured it would all get taken care of. They eliminated the stress that comes with handling some else's affairs and I so appreciate that.
    Heather C.
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  • I can't say enough great things about the professional team at McCormick Law & Consulting! We really had no idea of who to trust and who we could count on for quick and professional service in the Hampton Roads area for getting our new business up and running smoothly and the Team at McCormick Law & Consulting really knocked it out of the park with us!
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  • I had the good fortune of working with McCormick Law on a business sales contract. I sent them the initial draft provided by the buyer along with a few notes about my specific concerns. They carefully went through the document and provided meaningful additions and corrections that better protected my interests. Thanks to Bobby and John for their personalized attention.
    Arthur B.
  • Mr. McCormick and his entire team were amazing! They assisted me in a legal matter concerning a business dispute. Mr. McCormick is highly experienced, ethical, dedicated, and was prepared to fight my legal matter in court if necessary. I thank the entire team for believing in me and would highly recommend them to anyone!!
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  • We used McCormick Law to start up another LLC and it was a great experience. I have used other lawyers and attorneys in the past and I experienced delayed responses and it was what I have come to expect.From the first interactions with Robert and his team, I was surprised to how responsive they were. I even mentioned to my new business partner that this was not normal and I was very happy.Needless to say I will be using McCormick Law for all of my business needs in the future.
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    McCormick Law, PC d/b/a McCormick Law & Consulting and Driving Defense Law is a boutique law firm located in Norfolk, Virginia & Raleigh, North Carolina, that seamlessly serves clients throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Whether you are a new or existing client of the firm, McCormick Law, PC, cannot represent you on any new matter until the firm has made a determination that there is no conflict of interest and that it is willing to accept the new engagement. The testimonials on this website reflect the real-life experiences and opinions of our clients. However, the experiences are personal to those particular clients, and may not necessarily be representative of all clients. We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all clients will have the same experience. Your outcome may vary.

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