what if my attorney filed for a mistrial

by Prof. Brionna Vandervort 6 min read

To have a mistrial declared, an attorney for either side can file a motion with the court requesting it. The judge then denies or grants the request for a mistrial. If it’s denied, the trial continues.

Full Answer

How do you file a motion for a mistrial?

Nov 17, 2021 · Kyle Rittenhouse’s defense attorneys filed a motion for a mistrial on Monday, alleging prosecutorial misconduct. The defense team filed for a mistrial with prejudice, accusing the prosecution of withholding video evidence that could be key to Rittenhouse’s self-defense argument. The seven-page mistrial request alleged that prosecutors had high-resolution drone …

Can a mistrial be declared after a verdict is reached?

Nov 23, 2021 · The attorney for William “Roddie” Bryan filed a motion for mistrial on Monday, arguing that the presence of protesters outside, some with “large weapons,” had tainted the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial. Kevin Gough, the attorney for Bryan, 52, has made several such requests throughout the trial, and none have been granted.

What is a mistrial in a personal injury case?

Sep 23, 2013 · You don't just file a paper, and you don't do this yourself. You had to have a public defender represent you in trial, so he should file a motion for new trial on your behalf, citing the legal grounds. Should your public defender not wish to do this, you can ask the judge to appoint another attorney to represent you on this issue.

What happens if no pretrial findings are made?

Feb 22, 2022 ·

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What happens if a lawyer causes a mistrial?

When a mistrial does occur, the prosecution will generally have the right to bring a second trial, but they may choose not to if they do not want to use the resources to do so and/or if they believe they cannot win a conviction the second time around.

What happens when a case is declared a mistrial?

In the event of a mistrial, the defendant is not convicted, but neither is the defendant acquitted. An acquittal results from a not guilty verdict and cannot be appealed by the prosecution, overturned by the judge, or retried. When there is a mistrial, however, the case may be retried.

Can a prosecutor call for a mistrial?

Further, Penal Code 1181 is the California statute that says a judge may declare a mistrial and grant a new trial if a finding of misconduct. This is provided, however, that: the misconduct prejudiced the outcome of the case (not “harmless error”), and.

What happens when the defense asks for a mistrial?

After a mistrial, the court may bring an individual back to trial later or the prosecution may choose to drop all charges. If they drop the charges, this means, in the law's eyes, the trial never happened and the prosecution never brought charges against the defense.

What are the reasons for a mistrial?

5 COMMON REASONS FOR A MISTRIALJuror misconduct.Jurors were improperly selected.Inadmissible evidence.A key trial participant is unavailable.The jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict (often referred to as “hung jury.”Oct 23, 2021

Why would defense want a mistrial?

Mistrials can also be declared if the jury behaves improperly. ... The defense hopes for holes or mistakes in the prosecution's case, because any gaps in the prosecutor's story can plant “reasonable doubt” in the minds of the jury.

Can the prosecution ask for a mistrial?

Another kind of case arises when the prosecutor moves for mistrial because of prejudicial misconduct by the defense. ... Emphasis upon the trial judge's discretion has an impact upon the cases in which it is the judge's error, in granting sua sponte a mistrial or granting the prosecutor's motion.

Does a mistrial mean a new trial?

Because a mistrial is neither a finding of innocence nor guilt, the prosecution may pursue a new trial. A new trial must be brought within 90 days of the date the trial court declared a mistrial.

Can a mistrial be declared after a verdict?

If the jury cannot agree on a verdict on one or more counts, the court may declare a mistrial on those counts. ... After a verdict is returned but before the jury is discharged, the court must on a party's request, or may on its own, poll the jurors individually.

Can a defendant be tried again after a mistrial?

Retrial after mistrial Mistrials are generally not covered by the double jeopardy clause. If a judge dismisses the case or concludes the trial without deciding the facts in the defendant's favor (for example, by dismissing the case on procedural grounds), the case is a mistrial and may normally be retried.

What happens if mistrial with prejudice?

Defense attorney Corey Chirafisi asked for a mistrial with prejudice on November 10, 2021, meaning if the judge granted the motion, prosecutors could not refile the charges. It effectively means the case would be barred or dismissed due to some form of discrimination.

Can you be tried for the same crime twice if new evidence is found?

The obvious application of double jeopardy is when law enforcement finds new evidence of the defendant's guilt after the jury has already acquitted them. ... The prosecution cannot charge them again, even if the evidence shows that they probably are guilty.Oct 18, 2021

Definition of “Mistrial”

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According to the American Bar Association, a mistrial is a trial which isn’t successfully completed. Instead, for various reasons, the trial is stopped and declared void. It then has no bearing on your case, present or future. A mistrial must be declared before a jury renders its verdict, or before a judge renders a verd…
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Why Do Mistrials Happen?

  • A mistrial can occur for a variety of reasons, including: 1. Most commonly, the jury is deadlocked and cannot reach a unanimous decision. Also known as a “hung jury,” such a deadlock doesn’t mean the defendant is innocent or guilty. 1. The jury selection is deemed improper or incorrect. Perhaps jury members are later found to have conflicts of interest in the case. 1. A juror behave…
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What Happens After A Mistrial?

  • As for what happens after a mistrial is declared, such events can include: 1. Another criminal trial is scheduled based on the same charge. In effect, the trial process starts over. The second trial isn’t considered to be unfair “double jeopardy” since the first one was declared void as a mistrial. 1. The prosecutor can dismiss the charge or charges, and the case can be closed. 1. A plea barg…
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