Protesters march through the streets of Minneapolis after the jury began deliberations for the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. EPA
Protesters march through the streets of Minneapolis after the jury began deliberations for the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. EPA
Protesters march through the streets of Minneapolis after the jury began deliberations for the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. EPA
Protesters march through the streets of Minneapolis after the jury began deliberations for the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. EPA

What are the charges against Derek Chauvin?


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The 12 jurors deliberating the case against Derek Chauvin have three counts to consider as they weigh whether he is responsible for the death of George Floyd.

Mr Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He could be convicted on all of the charges, some or none.

The case comes down to two key factors – whether Mr Chauvin caused the death and whether his actions were reasonable. Each charge requires a different element of proof.

Here is a look at the three charges:

Second-degree unintentional murder

It’s also called felony murder. To prove this count, prosecutors have to show that Mr Chauvin killed Mr Floyd while committing or trying to commit a felony – in this case, third-degree assault. They don't have to prove the former officer intended to kill Mr Floyd, only that he intended to apply unlawful force that caused bodily harm.

Prosecutors called several medical experts who testified that Mr Floyd died from a lack of oxygen because of the way he was restrained. A use-of-force expert said it was unreasonable to hold Mr Floyd in the prone position for nine minutes, 29 seconds, handcuffed and facedown on the pavement.

Defence attorney Eric Nelson tried to raise doubts about Mr Floyd’s cause of death – saying underlying heart issues and drug use were to blame. He also argued that Mr Chauvin’s actions were reasonable, saying Mr Floyd was big, under the influence of narcotics and could fight back, and nearby bystanders presented a threat.

Third-degree murder

For this count, jurors must find Mr Chauvin caused Mr Floyd’s death through an action that was “eminently dangerous” and carried out with a reckless disregard for and conscious indifference to loss of life.

Mark Osler, a professor at the University of St Thomas School of Law, said prosecutors tried to prove the elements of this count through evidence about the dangers of subduing a handcuffed person in the prone position.

Dr Martin Tobin, a lung and critical care specialist, who gave evidence for the prosecution, said that any healthy person subjected to this restraint would have died. Minneapolis Police Lt Johnny Mercil, a use-of-force instructor, gave evidence that officers are trained to “stay away from the neck when possible".

Second-degree manslaughter

Prosecutors have to show that Mr Chauvin caused Mr Floyd’s death through culpable negligence that created an unreasonable risk and that he consciously took the chance of causing severe injury or death.

Evidence that Mr Chauvin should have known to put Mr Floyd in a side-recovery position, that he should have provided medical care before paramedics arrived and that he stayed in his position after he was told Mr Floyd didn’t have a pulse could all point to negligence, said former US attorney Tom Heffelfinger.

Defence lawyer Eric Nelson (left) and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin (right) at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Court TV via AP, Pool
Defence lawyer Eric Nelson (left) and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin (right) at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. Court TV via AP, Pool

What about sentencing?

If convicted, Mr Chauvin's sentencing would be determined at a later date. Each count carries a different maximum sentence: 40 years for second-degree unintentional murder, 25 years for third-degree murder and 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.

But under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, for a person with no criminal history, each murder charge carries a presumptive sentence of 12 and a half years in prison, while manslaughter has a presumptive sentence of four years.

Prosecutors are seeking a sentence that goes above the guideline range.

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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Baniyas Group 2 (PA) Dh 97,500 (Dirt) 1,400m.

7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m

7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,400m

8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,600m

9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 1,200m

10pm Handicap (TB) Dh 85,000 (D) 2,000m

RESULTS

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m
Winner: Miller’s House, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Kanood, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m
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8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m
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Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

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Saturday Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (5pm), Getafe v Sevilla (7.15pm), Huesca v Alaves (9.30pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Real Sociedad v Eibar (5pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (7.15pm), Elche v Granada (9.30pm), Barcelona v Levante (midnight)

Monday Celta Vigo v Cadiz (midnight)

The specs

Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Power: 300hp

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Price: Dh189,900

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Results

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

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Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

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Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

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Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

The specs

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Classification from Tour de France after Stage 17

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