Britney Spears’ misdemeanor trial for driving without a license was dismissed yesterday (21.10.08).
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The 26-year-old singer – who was accused of driving without a valid California license after a car crash in August 2007 – will not face charges stemming from the incident, after the jury failed to make a decision about whether or not she was guilty.
Judge James A. Steele explained the jury – who had deliberated for three days – was “deadlocked” 10 people to two in favour of Britney’s innocence, adding: “I declare this a mistrial.”
Britney’s attorney Michael Flanagan said: “This outcome shows my client did nothing wrong. I consider this a victory. Britney was vindicated in that she took on a system that attempted to make an example of her celebrity.”
After the trial was dismissed, prosecutor Michael Amerian revealed he has no intention to push for a retrial in the case, adding: “We put our best foot forward. It just goes to show you how difficult it is to convict a celebrity in Los Angeles.”
Jury foreman Gary Moy explained: “We felt deadlocked from the beginning, there were lots of questions about lack of evidence, whether Spears had a Louisiana license or not, what the definition of residency was.
“We felt we were never given all the facts in the case. Some jurors felt their time was wasted.”
