Judge William H. Leary III convened the jury of five women and seven men Wednesday to reread portions of the jury instructions they received earlier in the week. Afterward, they were dismissed to continue their deliberations. What happens if they can't agree?
What is a hung jury?
A jury that is unable to reach a unanimous consensus of guilty or not guilty. The jury does not have to disclose how many voted guilty or not guilty, but it can if it likes.
Can it deliver a partial verdict?
Yes. Yanez is charged with manslaughter and two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm. If a jury comes to unanimous agreement on at least one of the charges but not all, it may deliver that verdict.
What is a mistrial?
A trial that is terminated before it can reach its normal conclusion. It has no legal outcome and is considered void.
How long must a deadlocked jury deliberate?
It's up to the judge.
What happens after a mistrial?
The prosecutor has the option of retrying the case.
If the second case ends in a mistrial, can that be retried?
Yes.
