If I’m Facing Criminal Charges in Minnesota, Do I Get a Jury Trial?
If you are facing criminal charges in Minnesota, you have a Constitutionally protected right to a jury trial. This is different than petty misdemeanor cases like speeding where a Judge decides whether you did it or not. In criminal cases in Minnesota, if you are found guilty , you could go to jail or prison. As a result, it is a jury of your peers that will determine whether to not you are guilty or not guilty. Because jurors frequently look at cases differently than judges, it is critically important to consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Even better, sit down with a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. This could make all of the difference in helping you avoid the label of “convicted criminal.”
“A criminal conviction can change your life. Don’t wait until you have one to consult with a criminal defense attorney. By then, it’s probably too late.”
Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors
In misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases, six people from the county in which you are charged will determine whether or not you are Guilty or Not Guilty of the charges that you face. All six of them must agree in order to find you guilty. In other words, they must be unanimous. Anything short of that and you end up with either a Not Guilty or what is called a Hung Jury.
Felonies
In felony cases, the jury consists of twelve people from the county in which you have been charged. All twelve of those people have to agree that you are guilty in order to receive a guilty verdict. Just like with misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, they all must agree. At the same time, there are twice the number of people. At the same time, anything short of unanimity and you end up with either a Not Guilty or what is called a Hung Jury.
“Make sure you have a Criminal Law Specialist by your side when you are standing before that jury of six or twelve. You don’t want to do that alone.”
If you are facing criminal charges in Minnesota, facing a jury can be a monumental task. Knowing how they behave, how they look and people charged with crimes and how to drive them to understand your case is important. Make sure that you have an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney by your side who has been in this place before and can advise you.
Jack’s Got Your Back
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and a Nationally renowned criminal defense attorney. Jack is also a former prosecutor, a former CIA Officer and Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, MN. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.