SAN FRANCISCO — After the government’s star witness in the Barry Bonds trial gave emotional, teary-eyed testimony, Cristina Arguedas began a blistering cross examination that produced what one veteran litigator deemed some of the best courtroom theater he’s seen in years.

It was Arguedas’ first time center stage since the trial began a week ago. And it marks the first time since 2003 that the Berkeley criminal defense attorney has taken a case to a jury.