The criminal defense lawyers at Arnold, Wadsworth & Cogginscan protect your constitutional rights if you are facing criminal charges in Utah. The Salt Lake City criminal defense attorneys at Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins offer a free consultation in order to earn your business. The lawyers will make sure they work as a team to be aggressive and creative in order to get a good result in your case.
Jodi Arias’ jury hung during sentencing determination
Jodi Arias, the Arizona woman convicted of murdering her one-time boyfriend, has for now, been spared of the death penalty. Under Arizona law, the jury that convicted a person of certain crimes must unanimously condemn the defendant to death. If the jury is unable to reach a decision, a new jury must be empaneled. Jury selection for the second jury is expected to begin on July 18. If the second jury is again unable to unanimously agree on the appropriate penalty, the judge must decide if the convicted defendant must spend the rest of her life in jail, with or without the possibility of parole. After 13 hours of deliberation, the jury informed the Court that they were unable to reach an agreement about the appropriate penalty for Ms. Arias.
Ms. Arias’ trial gripped the nation, including Utah. Ms. Arias was charged with murdering Travis Alexander, who was stabbed and cut nearly 30 times, his throat was slit and he was shot in the forehead. Ms. Arias testified that she killed Mr. Alexander in self-defense. During her 18 days of testimony, Ms. Arias recalled the physical and sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Mr. Alexander, including the day before his death.
The 18-days of testimony, however, hurt Ms. Arias, according to the jury foreperson. William Zervakos told Good Morning America that Ms. Arias was not a good witness and her testimony only revealed contradictory stories. Criminal defendants who are considering taking the stand in their own defense must carefully consider the repercussions. While it is a constitutionally protected right to testify in one’s own behalf, there is no guarantee that the jury will look favorably upon the defendant or believe the testimony.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers at (801) 475-0123.
