The criminal justice system of the United States can be very complex. There are also clear and rigid procedural standards that must be followed at all times in a criminal case. When a state files charges against an individual, the prosecutors handling the case have a responsibility to leverage admissible evidence and witness testimony. The defendant must either prove they did not commit the offense in question or agree to the court’s punishment. There are only a few ways in which a criminal trial can end. The two most common are verdicts of either “guilty” or “not guilty,” but a trial can reach a procedural impasse in which neither result is achieved.
A “mistrial” occurs when the facts and evidence in play no longer enable a verdict of “guilty” or “not guilty.” This can occur in many ways:
- The jury is unable to reach a verdict. The criminal justice system of the US requires a defendant to be proven guilty by a jury of their peers in a court of law. This jury must find the defendant guilty by a unanimous verdict. Jurors will convene throughout a criminal case and discuss the case until a unanimous verdict is reached. When this cannot happen due to staunchly held opposing beliefs by different jurors, the case may need to be ruled a mistrial and a new case will need to be filed.
- The prosecution or the defense engaged in professional misconduct relative to the case. While most attorneys take their professional duties seriously and discharge them in good faith, some can commit intentional violations of their professional ethics. Many such actions can result in the loss of their license to practice law. If a judge discovers any legal representative has engaged in willful professional misconduct, they are likely to rule a mistrial.
- The prosecution or the defense made a serious procedural error that irreversibly compromises the integrity of the case. The laws of criminal justice procedure for the United States require evidence to be handled in a specific way, witnesses to be treated in a certain manner, and specific rules to be acknowledged through all phases of criminal court proceedings. Any significant errors in procedure from any party in a criminal case can lead to a motion to dismiss from the defense and/or a mistrial ruling from the judge.
Ultimately, while it may be daunting to face criminal charges, the laws of criminal procedure in New York are designed to preserve the rights of the defendant and ensure fairness. Having experienced defense counsel guide you through your case is the best strategy for minimizing your chances of conviction or for reducing the penalties you face if sentenced.
Why You Need a Defense Attorney
In any criminal case, it is the prosecutor’s job to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They can offer physical evidence, call expert witnesses to explain complex areas of the case, and call eyewitnesses to recall what they experienced. The defense in turn may present contradictory evidence or testimony to disprove the prosecution’s case or establish an alibi. Ultimately, there are many ways for a criminal case to unfold, and the best way to prepare for all possible scenarios is by securing legal counsel from a reliable attorney.
Your criminal defense attorney can ensure that proper procedures are followed through all stages of your case. This will reduce the chances of a mistrial occurring, but it can also ensure that any prosecution mistakes are addressed rapidly. When these procedural errors occur, your defense attorney can help to determine the best possible responses to these variables.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC provide comprehensive defense representation in a wide range of criminal cases and have years of experience handling criminal cases in New York. We know the local prosecutors and how they handle their cases, and we know how to spot failures of procedure when they occur. When you choose our firm to handle your defense, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to achieve the best possible results.
Criminal Case Mistrial FAQs
Q: Is a Mistrial the End of a Criminal Case?
A: A mistrial may end a current criminal case, but this is not the same thing as the defendant securing an acquittal. When a case results in a mistrial, the prosecution may have the option of refiling the case with procedural and/or clerical errors corrected. It’s also possible for the attorneys on either side of the case to change depending on the reason for the mistrial ruling.
Q: Can a Defendant Request a Mistrial Ruling?
A: When a defense attorney believes their client’s rights have been violated or any significant procedural violations have occurred that have violated the laws of due process and criminal procedure, they may file a motion to have the charges against the defendant dismissed. However, the defense cannot request a mistrial; a mistrial is ruled at the discretion of the judge, or a case may automatically reach the status of a mistrial when certain conditions are met.
Q: Can I Face Trial Again After a Mistrial in New York?
A: Once a criminal case has been ruled a mistrial, the prosecution may decide to refile the case. However, the judge may prevent them from doing so. When a judge rules a mistrial and dismisses a case “with prejudice,” the case cannot be retried later. Otherwise, the prosecution is likely to retry the case if they believe it to be in the interests of justice to continue pursuing a conviction.
Q: Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for My Case in New York?
A: It is crucial to take full advantage of your Constitutional right to legal counsel no matter what kind of charges you face in New York. Your defense team can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of the proceedings ahead of you and significantly improve the result you reach in your case.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC have extensive experience defending clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in New York. We understand the common anxieties our clients have as they approach the courtroom, and our goal is to help them feel more confident in this difficult situation. If you are ready to discuss your impending case with a defense attorney you can trust, contact our team today and schedule a consultation.
