Denton Criminal Lawyer

What Is a Hung Jury?

The criminal justice system is intended to offer a fair and expedient means of holding individuals accountable for the violation of established laws. Unfortunately, the maze of dense and often complicated legal terminology that has developed surrounding this process can make it difficult for the uninitiated to understand what is happening during the course of a criminal proceeding.

As a defendant who is facing charges that could result in strict penalties, it is important that you are aware about the meaning of some of these terms, including a “hung jury”.

If you have been arrested and are currently awaiting prosecution then it is in your best interest to consult with a skilled and experienced criminal attorney about your case. Contact the Denton criminal defense lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to speak with a dedicated and aggressive advocate for your legal rights.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The burden of proof that is required of the prosecution in a criminal matter in the United States is that the case presented must suggest that the defendant is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt”. Under the assumption that all members of a jury would be swayed by such a compelling case, a conviction requires that all members of a jury agree on the issue of a defendant’s guilt.

In the event that one or more jurors cannot be persuaded to concur that the defendant should be convicted based upon the evidence and testimony presented at trial, the jury is considered to be hung. In the case of a hung jury, the trial may be ended as a mistrial and charges may be brought again if the prosecution chooses to pursue the matter further.

Contact Us

Part of a criminal defense attorney’s job is to create sufficient cause for doubt that a jury will not be able to unanimously decide that a defendant committed the crimes for which he or she is being charged. Let us help you in this difficult time. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560.