Potential legal issue in Chauvin-Floyd case

Posted on: April 13, 2021 at 16:37:24 CT

The recent events in Minneapolis, the shooting coupled with the accomanying civil distrubances may well raise the issue of whether or not the defense is entitled to a change of venue. The defense motion to change venue was denied at the beginning of trial, but recent events may well amount to a change of circumstances. I.e. the new round of demonstrations, etc. may arguablly influence the jury to convict in order to avoid further rioting.

If nothing else, it would seem prudent for the defense to raise the issue and take it up on appeal. If nothing else it would bring it to the forefront and strengthen existing arguments that the defendant was denied a fair trial.

It might also drag out the trial, create additional issues to appeal, etc. There is an old adage in the Criminal Law, "Delay Is The Defnese's Best Ally".