Dr. James Corasanti approaches the bench following opening statements in his trial at Erie County Court, Thursday, April 26, 2012 in Buffalo, N.Y. Corasanti is charged with vehicular manslaughter and other counts in the hit-and-run death of 18-year-old Alexandria “Alix” Rice. Corasanti was indicted on charges of vehicular manslaughter, manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with physical evidence. He could face up to 23 years in prison if convicted of all charges
How Long Could Corasanti Jury Deliberate?
Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A former prosecutor says it's anyone's guess how long deliberations will go in the trial of James Corasanti.
Former prosecutor Joe Maruszak says it will depend on the strength of the evidence on the charges against Corasanti. "If the jurors collectively believe the proof is exceptionally strong, they'll get through the counts rather quickly," predicts Corasanti. He says the lesser counts will only take a lot of time if the proof is not overwhelming on a particular count.
The one count that could take a lot of time is the charge of manslaughter. "It is a rather conceptually difficult (charge), consciously ignoring and disregarding an unjustifiable risk of death or serious injury," explains Maruszak. "During my time in the DA's office, my experience on a case similar to this, is jurors will deliberate on that particular count. If there is a lengthy deliberation process, that will be the most difficult charge for the jury to dissolve."
Maruszak says one thing that could make deliberations go faster: the possibility of being sequestered. "If a jury is sequestered overnight at a local hotel, that usually speeds up the process a bit because people want to return to their normal routines with family and friends," says Maruszak.
Jurors will hear closing arguments Tuesday before getting the trial.
I have a feeling that they will very carefully deliberate but find him guilty on most if not all charges. Then it's up to the judge to pass sentence. I hope the judge goes for the maximum time and runs the sentences consecutively so Corasanti has to serve at least 15 yrs.