What is a hung jury?
A.In a criminal jury trial, a jury must reach a unanimous decision of guilt, beyond a reasonable doubt, before a defendant can be convicted of the charges. A hung jury means that the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, guilty or not guilty. If the jury remains deadlocked after an extended period of deliberation, a mistrial may be declared by the presiding Judge. Often, the Judge will read the jury what is known as an Allen Chargewhich encourages the dissenting jurors to reconsider their positions, but also reminds the jurors that a verdict of guilt must be determined beyond a reasonable doubt. Once a judge decides the jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, a mistrial will be declared. Double jeopardy does not apply to the defendant in the case of a mistrial, as it would if the defendant was to be acquitted, and he or she may be retried at a future date. A criminal defense attorney has the expertise and experience necessary to successfully defend a person through the trial
