That scares lawyers and defendants, so they cut a deal in which each side gains something and loses something. The prosecution gains a conviction. The defense gains the knowledge that the punishment could have been much worse if the original charges had been presented to a jury. J. Jury selection. The trial could be heard by a judge or jury.
State laws allow the defendant to waive the right to a jury trial.
If the defense opts for a jury, it must be chosen from the people living in the jurisdiction of the court that tries the case. A large group of people, sometimes several hundred, are called to the courthouse. The defense and prosecution question them to determine if they're acceptable for a jury. For example, the prosecution may strike a prospective juror who is a relative of the defendant. At a trial, the prosecution presents evidence and calls witnesses.