The jury began its deliberation at 10:37 A.M. on Wednesday morning in the Drew Peterson murder trial.

After the jury was dismissed, Judge Burmila instructed the alternate jurors to go to a separate room. Peterson's attorney Steve Greenberg argued that the law mandates that he release the alternates once the jury has begun deliberations. Burmila said he would defer his ruling until the attorneys have the case law to back up their position.

The counts against Peterson are:

    Count 1: 1st degree murder: Intentional killing by drowning
    Count 2: 1st degree murder: Engaging in risky behavior that “created a strong possibility of death or great bodily harm”

READ MORE: Prosecutor to Peterson jury: Use 'common sense'

READ MORE: Defense to jury: 'Nothing but doubt in this case'