“Representative government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty. Without them we have no other fortification against being ridden like horses, fleeced like sheep, worked like cattle, and fed and clothed like swine and hounds.” – John Adams

Article I, Section 22(a) of the Missouri State Constitution states that:

the right of trial by jury as heretofore enjoyed shall remain inviolate; provided that a jury for the trial of criminal and civil cases in courts not of record may consist of less than twelve citizens as may be prescribed by law, and a two-thirds majority of such number concurring may render a verdict in all civil cases; that in all civil cases in courts of record, three-fourths of the members of the jury concurring may render a verdict; and that in every criminal case any defendant may, with the assent of the court, waive a jury trial and submit the trial of such case to the court, whose finding shall have the force and effect of a verdict of a jury.

Increasingly, the criminal justice system pushes defendants toward plea bargains and away from letting their case be heard by a jury. However, Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, attorneys just tried a two day long criminal jury trial with great success. Chris Yarbro and Samantha Pennington Evans presented the client’s case. Late yesterday evening, a Wayne County jury entered a not guilty verdict, acquitting our client who was falsely accused of committing multiple crimes. The government was seeking two life sentences for the crimes they alleged that our client committed over 10 years ago.

The case was highly emotional and involved more than 11 witnesses who testified as to the facts of the case. The criminal case was further complicated by recent Missouri laws designed to increase the likelihood of a conviction. Our client faced an uphill battle to prove his innocence and to avoid the two life sentences.

At the close of the evidence, Chris asked the jury to vindicate the young man, and fulfill its obligation as protectors of the community against an overzealous government. The jury did both, issuing a resounding, and unanimous, not guilty verdict.

Thanks to the folks of Wayne County for getting it right.

If you need legal assistance, or for further information about criminal law, please contact us or call Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, at (573)686-2459.