What happens after a mistrial?
A mistrial is not the same as an acquittal or a conviction. In many cases the matter can be tried again with a new jury. For example, federal criminal rules allow a court to declare a mistrial on counts where a jury cannot agree, and the government may retry those unresolved counts.
Why can a judge declare one?
Common reasons include a deadlocked jury, improperly admitted prejudicial evidence, jury problems, or serious misconduct by participants in the trial. The exact consequences depend on the circumstances and jurisdiction.
Does double jeopardy always block a retrial?
No. A retrial is often permitted after a hung-jury mistrial, but double-jeopardy rules can matter when a mistrial is declared without sufficient necessity or over a defendant's objection. That question is fact-specific.
Sources
United States Courts — Mistrial
Cornell Legal Information Institute — Mistrial
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 31
This page explains a legal term for general information and is not legal advice.