Which statement about costs after a not guilty verdict is true?

Which statement about costs after a not guilty verdict is true?

• A. Docket call is when the court determines if all the prospective jurors appeared.
• B. If a mistrial is declared, the case must be tried within two days.
• C. If a jury finds a defendant not guilty, the defendant is still liable for the costs of the trial.
• D. Municipal courts may close a trial to the public if it is in the best interest of the defendant.

Answer: (C)

Costs after a not guilty verdict can still be assessed. Even if you’re found not guilty, the court can require payment of the trial’s costs—things like court costs, clerk fees, court reporter expenses, and juror compensation. These costs are separate from any fine or punishment and aren’t automatically wiped away by an acquittal. The court may waive or reduce costs for indigent defendants, but the general rule is that not guilty does not automatically relieve you of trial costs. The other statements don’t fit because they describe unrelated procedures (juror appearance during selections), incorrect timing rules (no universal two-day rule after a mistrial), or general public access principles that aren’t about the costs after verdict.

Costs after a not guilty verdict can still be assessed. Even if you’re found not guilty, the court can require payment of the trial’s costs—things like court costs, clerk fees, court reporter expenses, and juror compensation. These costs are separate from any fine or punishment and aren’t automatically wiped away by an acquittal. The court may waive or reduce costs for indigent defendants, but the general rule is that not guilty does not automatically relieve you of trial costs. The other statements don’t fit because they describe unrelated procedures (juror appearance during selections), incorrect timing rules (no universal two-day rule after a mistrial), or general public access principles that aren’t about the costs after verdict.