I just hope jurors dont tell Buju "Til Shiloh"

[Westman]

After reading many of the reports over the past few days and knowing that there are now 4 counts instead of 2, I am concerned for Buju. His lawyer has performed brilliantly. A good but not excellent lawyer might have seen Buju convicted the first time around and may again for sure this time. The thing with juries is that the more counts you have against a defendant, the more likely they are to convict on at least one count. All that big talk by Buju, which was presented in evidence, and the prosecutor's success in rattling him yesterday, may very well be what comes back to haunt him.

If he is convicted on a minor charge, I look to see his attorney ask for for him to be sentenced to time served and immediate repatriation. I have a funny feeling this will be Monday's argument. It is not bad mind that make me say that. It is just that some of the things that he said during the investigation/entrapment/whatever would send the average person away for a very long stretch.

[Baddaz]

some a de tings said, yes... this lawyer appear to be able break down the critical and important aspect of the case and get the jury to stay focussed on the central matter... also, the judge threw out 2 charges - the gun possession and using wires in furtherance of a crime... i expect a not guilty or another hung jury verdict... dunno what will happen after either of those verdicts...

[Hortical]

Where is it reported that he is facing 2 counts instead of 4?
I have not seen that anywhere.... thanks

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...20b1b89a886eaf

[Hortical]

Jury considering Buju Banton verdict

http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=26580

Jury considering Buju Banton verdict


Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Jamaican reggae superstar Buju Banton is now waiting to hear his fate, as his future has been placed in the hands of the jury at his trial.

At about 9:40 this morning, presiding judge Jim Moody gave final instructions the the 12-member panel and urged them to be cautions in their deliberations.

"Your only interest is to seek the truth from the evidence presented in this case," Moody said.

If the jury, which consists of three African American women, is unable to reach a verdict by 4:30 this afternoon, Buju will have to wait until Tuesday to possibly know his fate. Monday is a public holiday in the USA.

Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is facing four federal cocaine-related charges.

The lanky Jamaican musician walked to court this morning a concerned man knowing that if convicted on any of the counts he could be sent to prison for life.

Moody has warned the jury not to consider the issue of punishment if they believe Buju is guilty. "If you find the defendant guilty the punishment is for the judge alone," he said.

The US government, led by Jim Preston, has asked the jury to find Buju guilty on all four charges brought against them but Buju's lawyer David Oscar Markus said the US government has not proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the crimes have been committed. Ha has asked for a not guilty verdict on all counts.

The charges Buju faces are:

COUNT ONE: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

COUNT TWO: Attempting to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine

COUNT THREE: Knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of and during the course of a drug-trafficking crime

COUNT FOUR: Aiding and abetting others in using a communication facility in the commission of a felony.


Moody has told the jury that the heart of a conspiracy is the making of an unlawful act.

He said that if the jury has doubt that Buju willfully and knowingly participated in the act for which he is charged in count one he should be found not guilty.

[Baddaz]

this is the report about the charges being dropped...

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...-to-be-dropped