Former police officer Derek Chauvin (screen capture)Unsurprisingly, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin invoked his 5th Amendment right to not testify
From the New York Times:
Nearing the end of the defense’s case, Mr. Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric J. Nelson, asked Mr. Chauvin whether he would like to testify in his own defense.
Mr. Nelson said he and Mr. Chauvin have had repeated conversations on the matter, including a “lengthy meeting” Wednesday night. Mr. Chauvin, who removed his mask to answer Mr. Nelson’s questions, chose to waive his right to testify.
The judge questioned Chauvin to make sure that he made his decision not to testify on his own in order to prevent any later claim that he was ill-advised by his defense.
Testimony in the case has now concluded and closing arguments will be presented on Monday.
Derek Chauvin takes his mask off and speaks publicly for the first time. pic.twitter.com/8LIsVhFBX5
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) April 15, 2021
The defense in the Chauvin case has rested. The defendant opted not to testify. The case presented by the defense was extremely weak and actually strengthened the prosecution’s case, IMO.
— Glenn Kirschner (@glennkirschner2) April 15, 2021