''Renegade'' Juror Fined

by Pat Michl

In a case that threatens the trial by jury system, Laura Kriho, a Gilpin County, Colorado juror was found guilty on February 10 of contempt of court for deliberating ''improperly'' in the jury room (WL, January).

Kriho was the lone holdout juror in the trial of a 19-year-old female defendant charged with felony drug possession. Kriho's ''crime'' was in discussing jury nullification and the possible sentence the defendant could receive during jury deliberations.

First Judicial District Chief Judge Henry Nieto, who presided over Kriho's trial, issued the nine-page ruling, which states that during jury selection, Kriho deliberately concealed her attitude about certain drug laws, her involvement in hemp legalization activities and her knowledge of the juror's power to determine questions of law as well as fact. By failing to offer this information, Kriho ''obstructed the process of selecting a fair and impartial jury''.

Kriho was never asked questions concerning any of these factors during jury selection.

One hundred fifty people appeared at Kriho's sentencing on March 7. The sentencing was preceded by a demonstration. The story, which was broadcast over two Denver TV channels, has sparked a wave of letters and articles in Colorado newspapers.

Kriho was ordered to pay a $1,200 fine, but no jail time was imposed. The money was raised that same evening at a benefit in Nederlands, Colorado.

When asked if the case would be appealed, Kriho answered a resounding ''Yes!'' The next step is the Colorado Court of Appeals, where the case will be heard by a three judge panel. Kriho's attorney is Paul Grant of Parker, Colorado.

Donations can be made to the Laura Kriho Legal Defense Fund, c/o Paul Grant, Attorney At Law, PO Box 1272, Parker, CO 80134, or call (303)841-9649.