Summary
During a trial, you have the option to request a jury trial, or the judge will decide the case in a bench trial. Your landlord will present their evidence, and you will have the chance to cross-examine and present your defense. The judge will then make a decision known as a judgment.
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Last updated 07/19/2023In this page
Right to a jury trial
You have the right to request a jury trial. If you do not request a jury trial, then the case will be heard and decided by the judge, which is known as a “bench trial.”
Trial process
At trial, your landlord will offer evidence as to why the judge should issue a judgment in the landlord’s favor. After the judge has listened to the landlord’s side of the story, the judge will ask you if you have anything to say. The judge will give you the opportunity to ask your landlord questions (cross-examination). Then the judge will give you the opportunity to speak in your defense and call witnesses to testify. This is when you should present your evidence and/or defenses to the lawsuit. After the judge has listened to your side of the story, the judge will make a decision. A judge’s decision is called a judgment.