As jury selection continues to progress in the Derek Chauvin murder trial, I will appear on WCCO Radio with Jearlyn Steele to discuss the challenges of picking a fair jury in impossible circumstances. The attorneys need to pick twelve jurors plus several alternatives. There have been a lot of strikes for cause, meaning that the Judge determined that the potential jurors simply couldn’t be fair and impartial. The prosecutors have nine strikes and the defense has fifteen. We will talk about what goes through the minds of attorneys trying to find a jury that will do what you want them to do.

Jack Rice is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, is a former prosecutor, Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and criminal defense attorney. He has picked a lot of juries across the state and shares his expertise with Jearlyn. If you need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free consultation.

Listen to Jack’s interview with WCCO Radio’s Adam Carter. Things are starting to ramp up on the Chauvin trial. There is a hiccup with the Court of Appeals rejecting Judge Cahill’s decision to toss the 3rd degree murder count. This means that we are now looking at three counts: 2nd degree unintentional murder, 3rd degree murder and manslaughter.

Picking a jury in the case is going to be extraordinary. The pressure is on for all sides and people will have strong opinions walking into the room. That is certain. The question is, can you set that aside? Actually, depending upon what people think, both camps may not want people to set that aside.

Listen to Jack’s interview with WCCO Radio’s Adam Carter.

With the George Floyd murder trial set to begin on March 8th, I'll appear on MSNBC on March 7th to bring viewers up to speed on the charges, the history, inside info about the players and what to expect. I should add that the City and State are obviously nervous about the public reaction to the trial as they have already earmarked about $35 million just for Courthouse security. This doesn't include a comparable amount set aside for Capitol security.

As a former prosecutor, Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and criminal defense attorney here in the Twin Cities, I have been in and out of these courtrooms for decades. This case promises to be historic so expect conversations about strategy, what you aren’t seeing and what may be just around the corner.

Things are ramping up here in the Twin Cities as the Derek Chauvin murder trial gets closer and closer. Jury selection is scheduled to begin 3/8 and the Opening Statements begin 3/29. The Government has already put up concreter barriers, fencing and razor wire out of fear that this will get out of control. The Courtroom proceedings will be televised so anybody who wants to can watch what is happening. This is a real benefit to transparency so that is certainly a good thing.

I appear on the Nicole Sandler Show out of Florida today to discuss jury selection, the new courtroom, and exactly what comes next.