In municipal court, can a defendant waive the right to a jury trial and opt for a bench trial?

• A. True.
• B. False.
• C. Only with a judge's permission.
• D. Not allowed.

Answer: (A)

A defendant can waive the right to a jury trial and be tried by a judge in municipal court. This waiver must be voluntary and knowingly made, typically shown on the record in open court or in writing, and the judge usually confirms that the defendant understands they are giving up the jury option. Once the waiver is accepted, the trial proceeds as a bench trial, with the judge acting as the finder of fact and decision-maker. This option is commonly allowed to speed up proceedings or when the defendant believes a judge may be a better fit for resolving the case, while still upholding the defendant’s constitutional rights because the waiver is voluntary.