United States v. Celestine
Opinion
In this consolidated appeal, George Celestine, Telly Gallien, Travis Gallien, and Sidney Gallien appeal the denial of a motion to dismiss the indictment based on double jeopardy grounds following a mistrial. The defendants argue that the Government intentionally engaged in prejudicial conduct, thereby forcing the defendants to move for a mistrial.
The district court granted the mistrial based on the prejudicial effect of four errors which occurred during the trial. The district court’s finding that the Government did not intentionally goad the defendants into moving for a mistrial was not clearly erroneous. See United States v. Gonzalez, 76 F.3d 1339, 1342 (5th Cir. 1996); Oregon v. Kennedy, 456 U.S. 667, 676, 102 S.Ct. 2083, 72 L.Ed.2d 416 (1982). Accordingly, the district court’s denial of the motion to dismiss the indictment on double jeopardy grounds is AFFIRMED.
Pursuant to 5th Cir. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5th Cir. R. 47.5.4.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. George CELESTINE; Telly Gallien, Defendants-Appellants; United States of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Travis Gallien; Sidney Gallien, Defendants-Appellants
- Status
- Unpublished