Will the Zimmerman verdict affect jurors in simple DUI cases?

As a practicing DUI Attorney in Seattle, I have been thinking about this idea since the verdict.  To be clear I'm not referencing race, or self defense, or any of the other political topics that came up from the Zimmerman verdict.  But whether jurors will somehow not want to find a defendant not guilty in a DUI trial since there has been such a negative backlash against the jurors in the Zimmerman case.  In my opinion I can totally see this happening and here is my reasoning?

First whether people admit it or not, everyone is affected by what goes on in the real world.  For example would it have been wise to have a DUI trial in King County earlier this year when all the media was jumping over the two repeat drunk driver accidents.  Of course not.  There was too much negative feelings and I don't care if a juror said they could be fair and impartial there is no way that prejudice wouldn't creep into their subconscious.  

I'm thinking the same thing could happen now the Zimmerman was found not guilty.  Perhaps you might get some jurors who were not happy with the Zimmerman verdict.  In King County especially I'm willing to bet there are a lot of people who feel that way.  Especially considering how liberal our County is.  They may see the Zimmerman verdict is a failure of our criminal justice system, and feel like they need to right the ship with their verdict.

Secondly I'm willing to bet some of these folks might also sympathize with the Prosecution in the Zimmerman case.  They may feel like they got the raw end of the verdict.  They did a good job, etc.  Anytime a juror feels sympathy for the Prosecution.  As a defense attorney you have already lost.  It's just that simple.  

This is just a fun and interesting idea to think about.  Perhaps I'm reading too much into things and I'm trying to generate topics for this blog.  But I really have to say if you have been arrested for a DUI in Seattle.  In all the years I have been doing this.  This is probably the worst time to be a defendant in King County.  

Between the Prosecutors office changing their negotiating policies.  The new legislation passed by the State Legislature toughening DUI laws in our State.  The public backlash against drunk driving due to the two horrific DUI tragedies that occurred earlier this year.  And now possible backlash from the Zimmerman verdict.  It has been tough this year for all defendants in King County on DUI cases, and will continue to get tougher as the year unfolds.

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About the author: Matthew Leyba is the owner of Leyba Defense PLLC.  A firm focusing on DUI defense and other traffic offenses.  He is currently a Top rated DUI Attorney by Avvo, and a Rising Star in the field of DUI Defense by Super Lawyers Magazine.  An honor less than 2.5% of all Attorneys receive.  Feel free to contact our office for a free consultation if you have been arrested for a DUI.