If a jury is hung, what is the typical next step?

• A. Dismiss the case
• B. Schedule a new trial
• C. Enter a guilty verdict
• D. Release the defendant

Answer: (B)

When a jury is hung, they can’t reach a verdict after a reasonable period of deliberation. The judge will typically declare a mistrial, meaning the trial ends without a verdict. Because the case isn’t resolved, the usual next step is to schedule a new trial with a new jury, allowing the government to retry the defendant if it chooses. A guilty verdict or an acquittal doesn’t occur from the hung jury itself, and the defendant isn’t automatically released; the charges can still be pursued through a retrial unless the prosecutor decides to drop them, which is a separate decision.