Bench Trial or Trial by JuryOnline version Bench Trial or Trial by Jury by Anna Barfield 1 Bench Trial 2 Trial by Jury Plead case in front of a judge Usually for smaller crimes Usually for civil cases less than $10,000 Quicker verdict Judge may be less biased Judge understands legal rules Plead case in front of a jury Usually for more serious crimes Usually for civil cases over $10,000 Can take a long time to reach a verdict May offer the defendant sympathy No pressure to convict