A mistrial occurs when a trial cannot continue due to significant errors, misconduct, or the circumstances that comprise the fairness of the trial. A mistrial can also be declared if jurors can’t reach a verdict. The case ends and a new trial must be held.
Verdelski Miller is a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Evansville, Indiana with over three decades of experience. If you have been charged with a crime in Evansville or surrounding areas, call our office today at 812-425-9170!
Causes of a Mistrial
Mistrials can occur for various reasons, including:
Jury Misconduct: When jurors engage in inappropriate behavior, such as discussing the case outside of the courtroom, conducting independent research, or failing to deliberate properly, it can lead to a mistrial.
Evidence Issues: If evidence is improperly presented, withheld, or admitted without proper foundation, it can result in a mistrial. This includes situations where prejudicial evidence is introduced.
Witness Misconduct: If witnesses engage in perjury, refuse to answer questions, or behave in a manner that compromises the trial’s fairness, it can lead to a mistrial.
Legal Errors: Serious legal errors by the judge or attorneys, such as incorrectly instructing the jury, may necessitate a mistrial.
Hung Jury: If jurors can’t reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial.
Consequences of a Mistrial
When a mistrial is declared, the following consequences typically occur.
Retrial: In many cases, the court schedules a new trial with a different jury or corrects the issues that led to the mistrial.
Jury Expenses: Declaring a mistrial can result in additional costs, such as summoning a new jury and potentially compensating jurors from the previous trial.
Public Perception: Mistrials can impact public perception of a case, as they may imply errors or misconduct in the legal process.
What About Double Jeopardy?
The concept of double jeopardy prevents the defendant from being tried for the same offense twice. However, mistrials are generally not covered by double jeopardy. The case remains undecided and a new trial is held.
Legal Procedures Following a Mistrial
After a mistrial is declared, several legal procedures are typically followed.
Evaluation of Causes: The court and attorneys assess the causes of the mistrial to determine whether they can be rectified or if a retrial is necessary.
Selection of a New Jury: If a retrial is scheduled, a new jury is selected to hear the case, ensuring that the previous jury’s knowledge does not influence the new proceedings.
Correcting Errors: Legal errors or misconduct that led to the mistrial may be addressed to prevent their recurrence in the retrial.
Scheduling the Retrial: The court sets a date for the retrial, taking into account the availability of attorneys, witnesses, and other parties involved.
Preventing Mistrials
Courts and legal professionals take measures to prevent mistrials, including:
Jury Instructions: Ensuring jurors receive clear and accurate instructions on their duties and limitations.
Evidentiary Rulings: Carefully considering the admissibility of evidence to prevent prejudicial or irrelevant information from affecting the trial.
Monitoring Juror Behavior: Judges and attorneys closely monitor juror conduct to prevent misconduct and improper influence.
Call Verdelski Miller Today!
A judge can declare a mistrial when the jury can’t reach a verdict or the trial cannot continue due to significant errors or misconduct that taints the fairness of the trial. Mistrials can result from various causes, including jury misconduct, evidence issues, witness misconduct, or legal errors.
The consequences of a mistrial often involve a retrial with a new jury and may have financial and public perception implications. Legal procedures following a mistrial include evaluating the causes, selecting a new jury, correcting errors, and scheduling the retrial.
Verdelski Miller is a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Evansville, Indiana with over three decades of experience. If you have been charged with a crime in Evansville or surrounding areas, call our office today at 812-425-9170!
