In criminal law, trials usually end with a verdict of either guilty or not guilty. However, there are cases when the court ends in neither. These are mistrials. Mistrials are incomplete trials that are declared void. If grounds are met, a judge can stop the legal proceedings. A motion for a mistrial must be submitted before a verdict can be announced. The judge will decide whether a mistrial has indeed occurred.
When a mistrial occurs and is not recognized as such, it can result in a false conviction and cost an innocent person a host of troubles. A wrongful conviction is considered a miscarriage of justice and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life. As many as 6% of all people incarcerated in the United States have been proven to be wrongfully convicted. A competent Long Island criminal defense attorney can be the last line of defense in identifying a mistrial and avoiding a wrongful conviction.
When a judge declares a mistrial, it means that the trial has been interrupted and cannot continue. A mistrial can be called for several reasons, including:
A mistrial can be declared at any point during the trial, even after deliberations have begun and a verdict has been reached but before it is officially announced in court. If a mistrial is declared, the entire trial process must start over from the beginning with a new jury or with a different presiding judge if judicial misconduct was found in the case.
| Reason for Mistrial | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Jury Deadlock | The jury is unable to reach a unanimous or majority decision | A federal jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict after several rounds of deliberation |
| Juror Misconduct | A juror violates the code of conduct during legal proceedings | A juror discusses the case details with an outsider during the trial |
| Inadmissible Evidence | Evidence that cannot be admitted in court is presented | The prosecution presents evidence obtained illegally during the trial |
| Improper Juror Selection | Jurors are selected improperly during the voir dire process | A juror lies during the voir dire process |
| Defendant’s Confession | The defendant confesses to the crime outside of court | The defendant confesses to the crime to a reporter |
| Key Actor Unavailable | A key actor such as a witness, judge, or attorney is unavailable | The judge becomes ill and is unable to participate in the trial |
| Judicial Misconduct | The judge makes a ruling that unfairly favors one side | The judge shows favoritism to the prosecution during the trial |
If a judge declares a mistrial, the defendant is not automatically acquitted and the charges are not dropped. The double jeopardy rule does not apply in cases of mistrial because, technically, the first trial was never completed. If a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal trial, the charges against them are dismissed and they cannot be tried again for the same crime. However, if the jury is unable to reach a verdict and a mistrial is declared, the prosecution may choose to retry the defendant.
In some cases, the defendant may want to waive their right to a new trial in exchange for a plea deal. This can be advantageous for both parties as it avoids the costs and uncertainties of another trial. However, accepting a plea deal can be disadvantageous for the defendant if the plea deal is not as favorable as the potential outcome of a new trial.
There are also cases where the prosecution does not proceed with a retrial. Such a case can happen if the prosecution does not believe that they have enough evidence to convict, possibly due to evidence being declared inadmissible. Charges against the defendant may be dismissed if the prosecution doesn’t call for a retrial.
Being involved in a mistrial can be a source of conflicting emotions in defendants. A mistrial can further amplify the sense of anxiety and stress a defendant may be feeling due to further postponement of their case. A defendant may also be more likely to accept a plea bargain that is disadvantageous to them just to get the matter over with. Having the help of a Long Island criminal defense attorney that has your best interest at heart is important.
Edward Palermo, a Long Island attorney with more than 28 years of experience in criminal law, may be able to help you. Before you make any decisions, explore your legal options with an attorney that can walk you through the complicated legal process. Our team of skilled Nassau County criminal defense attorneys at Edward Palermo Criminal Defense may be able to help you understand your rights. We provide aggressive legal representation and compassionate counsel. Call us today at (516) 280-2160 or (631) 265-1052 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
While a mistrial may terminate a current criminal case, it does not guarantee an acquittal for the defendant. If a case results in a mistrial, the prosecution may decide to refile the case after rectifying any procedural or clerical errors. Additionally, the attorneys on either side of the case may change depending on the reason for the mistrial ruling.
A mistrial ruling may also result in the dismissal of the case “with prejudice,” which means that it cannot be retried. However, if the case is dismissed “without prejudice,” the prosecution is likely to retry the case if they believe it to be in the interests of justice to continue pursuing a conviction. In summary, a mistrial does not automatically lead to an acquittal for the defendant, and the outcome depends on the judge’s ruling and the prosecution’s decision to refile or not.
A skilled Long Island criminal defense attorney may be able to provide guidance and advocacy to ensure that the defendant’s rights are protected and that they have the best possible chance for a fair and just outcome. Contact Edward Palermo Criminal Defense today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.
When certain conditions are met, a mistrial may be declared, resulting in an incomplete trial that is considered null and void. Such conditions may include jury tampering, a hung jury, the presentation of inadmissible evidence, or the unavailability of a crucial participant in the trial. If a mistrial occurs, the entire trial process must begin anew with a new jury or a different judge in cases of judicial misconduct.
It is crucial to understand that a mistrial does not automatically acquit the defendant or dismiss the charges. Unlike acquittals, mistrials are not subject to the double jeopardy rule since the first trial was not completed. After a mistrial, the prosecution may opt to retry the defendant or offer a plea deal to avoid another trial’s uncertainties. In some cases, the prosecution may decide not to retry the defendant if there isn’t enough evidence to secure a conviction, leading to the charges being dismissed.
Mistrials can cause immense stress and anxiety for defendants, as the case’s outcome is further delayed. It is essential to have the support of a capable criminal defense attorney to protect the defendant’s rights and ensure a just outcome. An attorney can assist the defendant in navigating the legal process and making informed decisions, especially if a mistrial occurs.
The help of an experienced Long Island criminal defense attorney is crucial regardless of the criminal charges you are facing. Before making any decisions, consulting with a skilled attorney is important.
At Edward Palermo Criminal Defense, our team of skilled Suffolk and Nassau County attorneys is dedicated to protecting the legal rights of our clients. Our attorneys are well-equipped with the necessary skills to represent you in court in the interest of getting your charges reduced or even dismissed. We are committed to defending your right to due process and will help see your case through in your favor should an initial legal proceeding end in a mistrial.
Schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our qualified Long Island criminal defense attorneys today. Contact us at (516) 280-2160 or (631) 265-1052. You may also fill out our online form.