O.J. Simpson’s appeal for release now rests in the hands of the Nevada Supreme Court. In October 2008, Simpson was convicted of 12 charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. He is currently serving a nine to 33 year sentence. In their final brief, Simpson’s attorneys argued that the former football star is entitled to a new trial.
In 2007, Simpson and several others reportedly entered a Las Vegas hotel room and robbed two men at gunpoint. Although he initially denied the exchange, Simpson later argued that the men were in possession of his belongings.
As reported by CBS News , the two men were sports memorabilia dealers . Simpson said the men were attempting to sell items, which were stolen from him years earlier. He claims he and the others entered the hotel room in an attempt to retrieve his belongings.
Despite his explanation, Simpson was found guilty and sentenced to a minimum of nine years in prison. The Heisman Trophy recipient is now arguing that he is entitled to a new trial.
O.J. Simpson’s attorneys blame Yale Galanter, who represented the former football star during his 2008 trial . As reported by Fox News , the attorneys cite numerous judicial errors in the original trial.
Although Judge Linda Bell considered the possibility of a new trial, she later determined that “the evidence against Simpson was overwhelming, and that any errors at trial wouldn’t have changed the outcome of his trial.”
In their plea to the Nevada Supreme Court, Simpson’s attorneys contested Bell’s decision. As stated in the final brief, the attorneys believe Simpson is clearly entitled to a new trial.
The Nevada Supreme Court has the option of making a ruling based on the written filings and briefs. However, they also have the option of allowing oral arguments. It is unclear how the high court will proceed, but their final decision is expected to take months.
Prior to 1994, O.J. Simpson was known as an NFL legend and football broadcaster. Throughout his career he received numerous commendations, including the Heisman Trophy and the UPI Player of the Year award.
In June 1994, Simpson was arrested and charged in the deaths of his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson , and her friend Ronald Goldman. He was found not guilty in October 1995.
The verdict remains controversial, as Simpson’s supporters believe he was wrongly accused. However, there are others who believe he got away with murder.
If the Nevada Supreme Court denies O.J. Simpson’s appeal for release, he will be eligible for parole in 2017.
[Image via ABC News]