After four days of closing arguments in a more than year long special circumstances Contra Costa County murder trial, firm owner David J. Cohen and associate Alexander P. Guilmartin await as the jury deliberates over the verdict.
A jury deliberates after closing arguments are made in a criminal jury trial. The jury is then provided with instructions and gather in a jury room to discuss the case where they will eventually deliver a verdict. In California, a jury must reach a unanimous decision for criminal trials, and there is no time limit to decide. If the jury cannot agree on a verdict, then a mistrial is declared.
If a mistrial is declared, the case can be tried again at a later date in front of a new jury. Alternatively, the government or prosecutor can decide not to pursue the case any longer in which case no subsequent trial will take place.
If you or someone you know is in need of an experienced criminal defense trial attorney, the attorneys at Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC are here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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