S.F. is taking lots of misdemeanor cases to trial. But not winning them.

Eric Yuen was acquitted of all six misdemeanor domestic violence-related charges after a jury took only 30 minutes to deliberate, marking one of the swiftest acquittals noted by Deputy Public Defender Charles Balara. The case gained notoriety when Yuen's wife allegedly chased him into San Francisco City Hall, where he sought assistance from deputies. This bizarre incident occurred in front of several jurors, prompting them to question the decision to take the case to trial. Yuen's wife had a history of physical confrontations with him during legal proceedings, including a previous incident in December where she allegedly attacked him in a courtroom hallway. After the acquittal, Yuen avoided the spotlight by hiding in bushes and being discreetly driven away from the courthouse.

The quick acquittal raises concerns about the handling of misdemeanor trials in San Francisco, where many cases are reportedly not resulting in convictions. Yuen's experience underscores the complexities and challenges within the misdemeanor legal system. This case may prompt further scrutiny of how domestic violence allegations are prosecuted in the city.