Jury misconduct is more common than most attorneys realize. In fact, a jury free of misconduct is the exception rather than the rule.

PII has investigated dozens of juries in civil and criminal cases and has found surprising evidence of misconduct in the jury room. Our investigators have had notable success locating jurors, even if the original trial occurred decades earlier. These jurors are then approached for interviews in order to establish whether misconduct occurred.

For criminal attorneys who suspect jury misconduct, an investigation, particularly one that is conducted as soon after the trial as possible, can provide the evidence needed as grounds for a new trial.

Based on an investigation of jury misconduct in a criminal trial, PII found key evidence that helped convince a federal judge to remove a defendant from death row. PII learned that during deliberations, the jury foreman had conducted legal research about the case at home and discussed his findings with fellow jurors. The evidence of misconduct was significant enough for the appellate judge to set aside the murder conviction and order a new trial.