Confusing jury instructions in Washington led to overturned verdicts Why

In Washington, faulty jury instructions can lead to wrongful convictions, as seen in State v. Cronin. Many face similar fears about being unfairly held liable for crimes they didn’t directly commit. Understanding the law is essential for defense, especially regarding accomplice liability. This article explains how key court rulings can guide you in navigating such legal complexities.

Situation

Situation Example

In Washington State, there were two cases that got a lot of attention because they had something in common: the jury instructions about accomplice liability. This means figuring out if someone can be blamed for helping in a crime. The first case involved a person in Seattle who was part of a gang. This person was involved in a car chase that ended with a shooting. The second case involved someone who had escaped from prison. This person, along with a friend, went on a crime spree that ended in a robbery and a murder. The question in these cases was whether the defendants knew enough about the crimes to be considered accomplices.

Judgment

In both cases, the court decided in favor of the defendants because the jury instructions were not clear. The instructions failed to properly explain accomplice liability. As a result, the convictions for first-degree assault in the first case and premeditated first-degree murder in the second case were overturned. However, the second defendant’s conviction for first-degree felony murder was upheld, as it was not affected by the jury instruction error (Washington Nos. 69043-0, 69050-2).

Solution

Immediate Actions

If you find yourself in a situation like this, where you are being accused of being an accomplice to a crime, the first thing you should do is contact a lawyer. A lawyer who specializes in criminal law can help you understand your rights and what you should do next. Make sure to gather any evidence that might show you did not know about the specific crime. This could include messages, emails, or anything that supports your case.

Filing and Submitting Documents

To respond to the accusations, your lawyer will help you prepare the necessary documents to submit to the court. This often includes a legal document called a “motion” to address issues like incorrect jury instructions. Your lawyer will know how to draft these documents accurately and submit them within the required deadlines. It’s important to follow all court rules and procedures to ensure your case is heard properly.

Negotiation and Settlement Strategies

In cases where you might have some involvement but not enough to be fully liable, negotiating with the prosecution might be an option. This can sometimes lead to a reduced charge or a plea agreement. It’s important to have a lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that any agreement is fair and in your best interest. Sometimes, mediation or arbitration can also be an effective way to resolve the situation without going to trial.

FAQ

What is accomplice liability?

An accomplice is someone who helps someone else commit a crime. This could be by helping them plan, encouraging them, or doing something to help with the crime.

Does intent matter?

Yes, intent is very important. To be an accomplice, you must know that your actions are helping someone commit a specific crime.

How is liability proven?

The prosecution must show that you knew about the crime and intended to help make it happen. This can be shown through evidence like messages or witness statements.

Can an accomplice be absent?

Yes, an accomplice can be guilty even if they are not at the scene of the crime. What matters is whether they helped plan or encourage the crime.

What if unaware of the crime?

If you didn’t know about the specific crime, you usually can’t be held liable as an accomplice for that crime.

Can jury instructions be wrong?

Yes, if jury instructions are incorrect, it can lead to a conviction being overturned. The instructions must clearly explain the law to the jury.

What are common defenses?

Common defenses include not knowing about the crime, being forced to help, or trying to stop the crime from happening.

How does state law differ?

Different states have different laws about what makes someone an accomplice. It’s important to know the specific laws in your state.

Can convictions be reversed?

Yes, if there were mistakes in the trial, like incorrect jury instructions, convictions can sometimes be overturned.

How to avoid liability?

The best way to avoid being liable as an accomplice is to stay away from criminal activities and not help or encourage others to commit crimes.