After a week-long break in the trial, Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled closing arguments for the upcoming week. Here's a look at the next steps in the trial:
Closing Arguments
Attorneys for both the defense and prosecution will present their closing arguments to the jury, aiming to persuade them on the case at hand.
Jury Instruction
Judge Merchan will provide the jury with instructions on the charges against the defendant and the legal guidelines for their deliberations.
Jury Deliberation
A panel of 12 jurors will carefully review the evidence presented during the trial and deliberate on the charges. A unanimous decision is required for a verdict.
Verdict
Once the jury reaches a decision, they will inform the court. The verdict will be read aloud in court, and jurors will confirm their vote aligns with the announced verdict.
Sentencing
If a guilty verdict is reached, the judge will proceed with sentencing the defendant. This typically occurs after a separate sentencing hearing at a later date.
These crucial steps will determine the outcome of the trial and the fate of the defendant. Stay tuned for further developments as the trial progresses.
