Chauvin attorney files for new trial after new claims that one of the jurors attended a BLM rally
Derek Chauvin’s attorney filed a motion for a new trial based on a number of issues.
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin could possibly get a new trial, at least that’s what his lawyer is hoping for.
Chauvin’s attorney recently filed a motion asking for a new trial based on several allegedly biased decisions made by the prosecution and judge, according to the filing.
The attorney for Chauvin said that the judge should have changed the venue -- the situation at the courthouse was so raucous that National Guardsmen and fencing were needed to secure the area, where months prior there had been violent and peaceful protests.
Chauvin’s lawyer alleged the state “deprived Mr. Chauvin of his constitutional rights to due process and a fair trial, including but not limited to: disparaging the Defense; improper vouching; and failing to adequately prepare its witnesses.”
He also claimed it, “abused its discretion and violated Mr. Chauvin’s rights under the Confrontation Clause when it failed to order Morries Hall [George Floyd’s drug dealer] to testify, or in the alternative, to admit into evidence Mr. Hall’s statements to law enforcement.”
Another issue may be the involvement of a Black Lives Matter activist, Brandon Mitchell, as a juror.
Mitchell allegedly did not disclose, even though he was directly asked, that he had participated in a BLM rally where members of George Floyd’s family spoke, in August 2020.
Legal observers have raised the possibility that this could lead to a mistrial or vacating of the conviction.
Do you think Chauvin was given a fair trial? Should Brandon Mitchell be punished for not telling the truth? Share your thoughts below!