Texting from witness stand causes mistrial

For future reference, do not read texts from your boss while on the witness stand. In fact, don't text at all. Law.com reports via Techdirt.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Scott Silverman declared a mistrial in a civil fraud case Wednesday after being informed a witness on the stand in his courtroom had engaged in text-messaging while the judge spoke with attorneys during a sidebar conference. The dispute is over the sale of condo tower in North Miami Beach.

Vistaview attorney William Petros, a partner at Coral Gables-based Petros & Elegant, said the incident occurred while the judge and lawyers for both sides met at the bench on the third day of trial.

Petros asked for a mistrial, which the judge granted.

Related: - As Jurors Turn to Web, Mistrials Are Popping Up

emily | 4:36 PM | News, Buzz |
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