The defense team can demand a jury trial if the damages under consideration is higher than a certain amount. On the other hand, they may want the case to be decided by a judge if they believe a jury will be too sympathetic to the plaintiff or too hostile to the defendant. In general district court, all cases are handled by a judge. Ultimately, there is little that the defendant can do to prevent a local auto collision case from going to a jury trial unless they are in general district court.