What Considerations Does a Jury Have to Make When Considering the Death Penalty?
While most states have capital punishment, the use of the death penalty has become rarer and rarer. Overall, the use of the death penalty has declined across the country. In fact, in 2017, under 40 death penalty sentences were invoked compared to 300 annually in the 1990s. That said, if you are facing criminal charges that could result in capital punishment, it’s imperative that you retain a St. Louis criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.
Missouri and the Death Penalty
Missouri is a death penalty state. The downward death penalty trend is reflected in data on Missouri death penalty rates which provide that between 2020 to present, there has been one death sentence imposed annually. This is a major change from the late 1970s to 2020, a period during which there were 90 executions.
Jurors’ Role
A jury plays a major role in determining whether the defendant charged with a serious crime lives or dies. Specifically, jurors have a responsibility to accurately follow a trial judge’s jury instructions which provide the law to be followed. This can be challenging if the trial judge’s instructions are not clear. Fortunately, when you are represented by counsel, your attorney can ensure that any jury instructions used are in compliance with the law.
Jury Selection
There is a jury selection process in place which permits the disqualification of potential jurors that would prevent or seriously impair their ability to carry out jury duties. This may include expressing a moral opposition against the death penalty that would impact the juror’s performance.
Factors
Jurors undoubtedly play a critical role in the decision-making in death penalty cases.
Under Missouri’s death penalty law, there are numerous aggravating circumstances that the jury can consider to determine whether the defendant should be selected for the death penalty. The jury can impose the death penalty upon finding one aggravating factor. Among the 17 factors include whether the defendant committed first degree murder to receive money or any other object of monetary value from the murder victim or someone else and whether the defendant has committed first degree murder in the past. On the other hand, a jury may consider some evidence as mitigating factors that would favor a sentence less than the death penalty.
Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are in St. Louis, Missouri, and facing charges for a serious violent crime, such as murder, it’s highly advisable to retain a lawyer as soon as you can.
An experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney can help you in some of the following ways:
- To examine and evaluate evidence
- Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case
- Help you navigate the complex legal process, including advising you against self-incrimination
- Build a case with legal defenses that apply to your specific case, for example, intellectual disability.
- Effectively reduce your applicable penalties as part of plea negotiations
Speak to a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney Today!
The committed attorneys at Bruntrager & Billings, P.C are prepared to defend and protect your legal rights and help you navigate the complex criminal justice system. Our attorneys possess extensive experience in St. Louis criminal defense and death penalty cases. We have the necessary knowledge and skills to guide and represent you in your serious criminal matter. You can get started by contacting us at 314-646-0066.