[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mistrial\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mistrial\/","headline":"What Is a Mistrial?","name":"What Is a Mistrial?","description":"Mistrials happen for a variety of reasons. The Bill Cosby sexual assault case has dominated headlines over the past year. The case is complicated, as it involves thorny questions about statutes of limitations and whether Cosby previously admitted or acknowledged that he engaged in some of the behavior the plaintiffs accuse him of. When the...","datePublished":"2017-07-28","dateModified":"2023-06-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/broden-mickelsen\/#Person","name":"Mick Mickelsen","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/broden-mickelsen\/","identifier":16,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/30690d9f76c45bf5d61434169e78762d673b1ac9b949489cf69f1c78d567fc27?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/30690d9f76c45bf5d61434169e78762d673b1ac9b949489cf69f1c78d567fc27?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Broden, Mickelsen LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","width":378,"height":77}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/What-Is-a-Mistrial.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/What-Is-a-Mistrial.jpg","height":2560,"width":2560},"url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mistrial\/","about":["Criminal Defense","Sexual Assault"],"wordCount":539,"keywords":["Criminal Defense Lawyer","Mistrial","Texas Sexual Assault Criminal Defense Attorney","What Is a Mistrial"],"articleBody":"Mistrials happen for a variety of reasons.The Bill Cosby sexual assault case has dominated headlines over the past year. The case is complicated, as it involves thorny questions about statutes of limitations and whether Cosby previously admitted or acknowledged that he engaged in some of the behavior the plaintiffs accuse him of.When the case ended in a mistrial in June 2017, many people had questions about what exactly that meant. Does it mean that Cosby is a free man? Does \u201cdouble jeopardy\u201d mean that he can never be tried again? Or can the court order an entirely new case against him?Mistrials ExplainedAccording to the American Bar Association, the short definition of a mistrial is a trial that is \u201cnot successfully completed.\u201d Because the trial is not brought to a complete conclusion, it does not trigger the double jeopardy clause, which states that a criminal defendant can\u2019t be tried twice for the same crime. This means that the court can convene a whole new jury and start the prosecution again.Mistrials happen for a variety of reasons, including:A juror or attorney passing away in the middle of a trial.A mistake or something inappropriate happening in the middle of jury selection.An error during the trial that harms the defense or causes prejudice to the defendant\u2019s case.Juror misconduct.A deadlocked jury.Perhaps the most common reason for a mistrial is a deadlocked jury. This occurs when the jury simply can\u2019t reach a conclusion. When the jury can\u2019t agree no matter how many times they hold a vote, the judge is forced to declare a mistrial. People who followed the OJ Simpson case closely in the 1990s might remember that a mistrial was a significant concern for the prosecution and the defense. In that case, both sides worried that being forced to select a new jury and retry the case would harm their side.In Cosby\u2019s case, the New York Times reported that the jury deliberated for six days \u2014 a total of 52 hours \u2014 without reaching a verdict. The Times also reports that the prosecutor has stated he will pursue a new trial against Cosby with a new jury.Another relatively common example of mistrials is when one side makes a mistake that harms the defendant\u2019s chances of getting a fair trial. Perhaps the prosecution does something improper with evidence, or maybe the prosecutor makes inappropriate statements to the jury that cause irreparable harm to the defense. If the jury hears it, and it was improper, the jury can\u2019t simply \u201cunhear\u201d it. In that situation, the court must declare a mistrial.Speak to a Texas Sexual Assault Criminal Defense Attorney TodayIf you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Don\u2019t wait to speak to a knowledgeable Texas criminal defense attorney about your case.Sources:https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2017\/06\/17\/arts\/television\/bill-cosby-trial-day-11.html?ref=todayspaperhttps:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/public_education\/resources\/law_related_education_network\/how_courts_work\/mistrials.htmlTexas Sexual Assault Criminal Defense LawyersDallas Texas Sexual Assault Criminal Defense Attorney Broden & Mickelsen, LLP2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204Main Phone: (214) 720-9552"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Is a Mistrial?","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mistrial\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]