What to expect and what you need to know

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis cop convicted of murdering George Floyd, is being sentenced in the closely-watched case Friday.

Derek Chauvin
Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Minnesota DOC/MEGA

Here is what we know and what to expect.

What was Derek Chauvin convicted of?

The jury found Chauvin, 45, guilty of all three charges against him — second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter — on April 20.

The verdict came on the second day of deliberations following nearly three weeks of testimony from 45 witnesses — 38 of them called by the prosecution.

What happened at the Derek Chauvin trial?

The prosecution team led by Assistant State Attorney General Matthew Frank focused on viral video of Floyd’s death, which shows Chauvin pressing his knee on the dead man’s neck for more than 9 minutes.

Prosecutors maintained that Floyd died of asphyxiation as a result, noting that Chauvin kept his knee on the victim’s neck even after paramedics arrived at the scene.

Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson argued that Floyd died of drug use and a pre-existing heart condition, not the former cop’s actions.

George Floyd died while being taken into Minneapolis Police custody.
George Floyd died while being taken into Minneapolis Police custody.
Facebook

Nelson also argued that Chauvin was distracted by a group of bystanders and maintained that he followed department use-of-force guidelines — a claim several prosecution witnesses, including Minneapolis police officers, disputed on the stand.

How much time does Derek Chauvin face?

Prosecutors have asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill that he sentence Chauvin to 30 years in prison.

a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer arresting George Floyd
Derek Chauvin arresting George Floyd.
AFP PHOTO / Facebook / Darnella Frazier via Getty Images

The ex-cop’s lawyer has asked that his client be sentenced to probation and avoid jail.

Under Minnesota law, Chauvin can only be jailed on the top charge against him — second-degree murder — which carries a sentence of between 10 years and eight months and 15 years.

However, Chauvin could face up to 40 years in prison after Cahill ruled last month that prosecutors had proven four of the five factors that could warrant a heftier sentence, saying the former officer acted with “particular cruelty” when he killed Floyd.

What has happened since the Derek Chauvin trial?

Chauvin’s attorney last month asked Cahill to throw out the verdict and order a new trial, arguing that the high-profile nature of the case tainted the jury before the trial even started.

Nelson had previously made several verbal requests that the jurors be sequestered in a local hotel for the duration of the trial to avoid being exposed to negative reports on Chauvin — however, Cahill denied the requests and the trial went ahead.

Chauvin faces decades in prison when he is sentenced Friday, June 25, 2021, following his murder and manslaughter convictions in the death of George Floyd
Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin faces decades in prison when he is sentenced Friday, June 25, 2021, following his murder and manslaughter convictions in the death of George Floyd.
Court TV via AP, Pool, File

Prosecutors then earlier this month filed a response to the written retrial request, asking the judge to deny it.

How do I watch the sentencing?

The sentencing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. local time and will be live-streamed by several outlets, including CourtTV and local Minnesota newspaper, the Star-Tribune online.

Protesters march on Hiawatha Avenue while decrying the killing of George Floyd on May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Protesters march on Hiawatha Avenue while decrying the killing of George Floyd on May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

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