Former Yankee, Jim Leyritz Trial Update: Leyritz Acquitted
Jim Leyritz was acquitted of DUI manslaughter today. On Friday, the six jurors had deliberated for approximately six hours, and advised the Judge that they were deadlocked and could not reach a decision. The Judge ordered the jurors back to court today, and asked that they discuss the case amongst each other and attempt to reach a decision. In order to convict Leyritz, all jurors must agree that he is guilty.Had the jury not acquitted Leyritz today, the Judge may have declared a mistrial, and the prosecution would have re-tried Leyritz. However, the jury did find Leyritz guilty of driving under the influence. Leyritz will be sentenced at a later date, and although he faces a maximum of six months in prison, he is not likely to receive any time in prison. Florida penalties typically include a license suspension, probation, and a drug abuse/alcohol treatment program.
This is a huge break for Leyritz. His attorney did a good job of creating doubt in the jurors' minds as to whether Leyritz ran a red light. Although there was testimony that Leyritz was looking down as he approached the intersection - enough to convict him for contributing to the victim's death - most of the jurors probably felt it somewhat unfair to convict Leyritz, when the victim herself was driving under the influence and also may have contributed to the accident. These jurors were able to convince the juror(s) who wanted to convict Leyritz on Friday.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.