Judge can render a not guilty verdict, even if that is contrary to a unanimous guilty verdict. happened recently in, IIRC a case tangentially related to Trump - accusation was failure to register as an agent of a foreign government. Jury said guilty, judge said not guilty, end of case.
Judge cannot modify a not guilty, that is off limits.
You are 100% correct.
Like I said, if I were on the jury, I would indicate a deliberation into the night and render the verdict at around 5AM in the morning.
Most of the punks will be in bed by then.
BTW, while waiting for 5AM, I would have lobster and steak tonight.