Appealing A Guilty Verdict In Orange County, CA

A guilty verdict may be appealed if your case qualifies. For example, if the judge in your case made a mistake or jurors were biased, it may be possible to file an appeal. Here’s what juror misconduct is and how immediate legal help can benefit you after a conviction.

Understanding Jury Misconduct  

Bias or wrongdoing on the part of jurors can have a major impact on a defendant’s case verdict, potentially resulting in a guilty verdict instead of a dismissal or not guilty verdict. Jury misconduct is a viable reason to file an appeal, but you’ll need to show evidence that one or more jurors has failed to obey the court’s instructions, has lied, or has committed other misconduct.

Improper Jury Conduct 

Examples of improper jury conduct include but are not limited to jurors: 

Acting With Prejudice, Bias, or Partiality  

A biased jury may vote for or against a guilty conviction not because the evidence showed the accused did or did not break the law, but because of other factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or the charges they are facing. If a juror is not a legal U.S. resident or has specific impairments or disabilities, they may be disqualified.

Being Influenced by Officials Within the Court 

Sometimes, court officials will engage in jury tampering either purposely or accidentally by speaking to jurors about the case. They may give away information that jury members aren’t supposed to know, such as evidence that was withheld from court. For example, evidence obtained against a defendant in an illegal search and seizure cannot be used against them. 

However, say a bailiff in a murder trial mentions that the police found a knife similar to the murder weapon in the defendant’s backyard, but law enforcement searched the property without the warrant. Jury members that have this information may be easily swayed to vote guilty, even though it was not a legal search and the defendant’s civil rights were violated. 

How to Appeal Your Case In Orange County, CA Due to a Tainted Jury in

Were you found guilty of a criminal offense and believe the jury who issued their verdict was acting improperly or engaging in misconduct? You may be able to appeal your case, but it’s imperative that you work with a California attorney well-versed specifically in appellate law. Contact the Law Offices of Michelle LiVecchi-Raufi today for an appointment at 949.257.3593.