Not all criminal charges result in a trial. The judge may dismiss a charge because there is not enough evidence to justify prosecuting the case. A defendant may plead guilty before a trial occurs. Some charges are dismissed by the state's attorney. Civil Cases Civil filings in Vermont District Court include civil suspension of one's license to drive, fish and wildlife violations and appeals of traffic ticket and municipal ordinance violation decisions.
Most defendants represent themselves in court proceedings.
While litigants have the option of a jury trial, many choose to have their cases decided by a judge. In civil trials, judgment is based on the preponderance of evidence. There are seventeen District Court judges. These judges may hear Superior, District or Family Court cases. Trial Court law clerks perform the legal research necessary to help judges reach well-informed decisions.