On Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a misdemeanor weapons charge against Kyle Rittenhouse prior to the start of closing arguments in his homicide trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The charge, possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, was punishable by up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine. But the Wisconsin statute allows a 17-year-old to possess a rifle or shotgun as long as it’s not a short-barreled rifle or shotgun. The prosecution agreed the gun was not a short-barreled rifle or shotgun.
Closing arguments will be given for up to five hours Monday. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder will issue jury instructions and then the jury of eight men and 10 women will be narrowed to 12 people by a drawing of names before deliberations begin.
After dismissing the gin charge, the judge proceeded to deliver instructions to the jury on the charges presented by the prosecution as prosecutors and the defense prepare for closing arguments.
Rittenhouse now faces five felony charges and, if convicted on the most serious charge, could face a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
