Hazuri v. State

Defendant-appellant Steven Hazuri appeals his conviction of aggravated battery with a weapon. He requests a new trial based on the trial court’s response to a jury question. His point is well taken.

Defendant was charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery with a weapon. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury retired to deliberate. After a few hours of deliberating, the jury sent a note saying that the jurors were unable to reach a verdict. The jury was sent home for the evening and returned the next morning to continue its deliberations.

The jury sent a note requesting trial…