Mistrial granted in DWI trial of Joplin woman after judge rules jury hopelessly deadlocked

A mistrial was granted today in Jasper County Circuit Court following deadlocked jury deliberations in the trial of a Joplin woman.

Erica Lawson, 34, Joplin, was charged with felony driving while intoxicated. After the state presented its evidence Tuesday, the defense rested without calling any witnesses this morning.

The jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before sending a note to the judge that it had reached a split decision with six jurors voting guilty and six voting for acquittal.







Judge David Mouton polled the jurors who said further deliberations would not change anything.

The mistrial was granted.

A motions hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 9.

Lawson was arrested March 17 by the Joplin Police Department.