After 11 days in the trial of Rod Blagojevich, the jurors are struggling to reach an agreement on a number of charges against the former governor of Illinois. Rod Blagovevich and his co-defendant brother, Robert Blagojevich were called to court on Wednesday because the jurors delivered an important note to Judge Zagel. The jury was looking for guidance about what to do if they can’t come to a unanimous decision on any one of 24 charges against Rod Blagojevich.
Michael Ettinger, the attorney for Rod Blagojevich’s brother, co-defendant Robert Blagojevich, said neither the judge nor attorneys in court understood exactly what the note was saying. They have to meet again tomorrow because the jury went home for the day.
“We don’t know what it means. The judge doesn’t know what it means,” Ettinger said. He also stated that a hung jury is better than being convicted.
After reading the note aloud, the judge said he would send the note back asking the jury to clarify the charges they are confused about. The judge said he would tell them it is ok to disagree on some counts and not others.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to 24 charges including counts of trying to trade or sell the senate seat that was held by President Obama. If convicted he could face up to 6 million dollars in fines, and a sentence of up to 415 years in prison. If the jury can not agree on some charges, if found guilty, he will still face a long prison sentence.