Jury Trial 70 - but Mistrial Declared!

Mistrial today on day three of a First Degree murder case. A juror (properly) notified the Court that another juror had been openly discussing the case with jurors prior to deliberation while back in the jury room on breaks, and encouraging other jurors to ”do their own research” regarding certain medical issues which were a central issue in the case regarding causation and affirmative defenses. As a result of these open conversations, the jury was essentially poisoned, and a mistrial had to be declared. It was the right result, although incredibly frustrating to my client as well as to the State.  And a further expense to the taxpayers of the county. 

Jury service is essential for our criminal justice system to function - but jurors MUST abide by all rules set forth by the Court, and answer all questions truthfully during jury selection in order for both the prosecutors and the defense to get a fair trial.  Our client has been waiting four and a half years for his day in court, and it looks like he will now have to wait at least another year.  This case marks 70 jury trials as lead counsel for Mike Carr of Carr Law Firm.