Post by CCADP on May 31, 2005 22:30:08 GMT -5
To family, friends & supporters of Jimmy Dennis:
EVIDENTIARY HEARING
Jimmy's evidentiary hearing was held this month in Philadelphia. Jimmy's family members and friends attended, including supporters Jeff Boghosian, Stephanie Luther, Salome Roundtree, and Jim Sneed.
September 8 will likely prove to be a big day in the Philadelphia courthouse for Jimmy, as Jimmy's attorneys and the prosecutors will present oral arguments before the judge. We want as many people as possible to attend this hearing, so please mark your calendars if you are available on that date.
For those who signed up, it was great to get the daily detailed summaries of the hearing (thanks, Jeff!). Here's a synopsis of what took place at the hearing, also written by Jeff:
Hearing Summary
Jimmy finally had his hearing earlier this month in Philadelphia. Judge Savitt presided over the 3 day hearing, and will issue a ruling in September.
The hearing was part of an appeal called PCRA – Post Conviction Relief Act, which handles appeals at the Commonwealth level in Pennsylvania. To win the hearing – and a new trial - Jimmy’s lawyers have to show that Jimmy’s previous lawyers provided ‘ineffective counsel’.
The most important witness was Jimmy’s original trial lawyer, who took the stand for almost a full day. He was questioned in detail about what things he investigated and what he argued in court. He did not remember several things because it was so long ago, but often gave no legitimate specific reason on why he didn’t investigate or call certain witnesses.
Another significant witness was an eyewitness to the crime who was not called to testify at trial. The witness said he could recognize the perpetrator, and at the hearing said that Jimmy was not the perpetrator.
Other witnesses included: another one of Jimmy’s previous lawyers, who was questioned on why he didn’t appeal certain things, and a forensic expert who testified to the types of tests that could have been done on the physical evidence.
Jimmy was pleased with how the hearing went, as were his lawyers. The Judge gave no indication on which way he would rule, and winning a new trial at the state level is difficult. (Jimmy can still appeal at the Federal level if state appeals fail.)
Both sides will be submitting written arguments between now and September, at which time oral arguments will be heard. It will be important to pack the court room on that day. One week after the oral arguments, Judge Savitt will issue a ruling.
ADELE, CLAIRE & SANDRINE - Thanks!
Adele David and Claire Tirilly, two supporters of Jimmy's from France, were recently invited to speak on a very popular television program there. The show was featuring stories about innocent people who are currently incarcerated. They were flown to Paris and were ready for their interviews, but at the last moment, they were canceled due to time constraints (another interview went longer than planned). It was disappointing, but there is a possibility that they may have another opportunity to share Jimmy's story on the program in the future. And, it's awfully exciting that Jimmy's case is getting enough attention in France that they were invited in the first place! It speaks loudly to the fantastic work that Adele, Claire and Sandrine Castel are doing on Jimmy's behalf.
CCADP
If you haven't already, be sure and check out CCADP's message board. There are pages dedicated to Jimmy. You can post things that you are doing in your area on Jimmy's behalf and converse with other supporters of Jimmy's. ccadp.proboards40.com/index.cgi
OTHER
If you need a bumper sticker, a button, or case summary flyers, let us know.
If you haven't written Jimmy yet, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. This summer will likely prove to be a long one as he awaits the judge's decision in the fall. The address is Jimmy Dennis BY 7796 SCI at Greene 175 Progress Drive Waynesburg, PA 15370-8089.
Have a great day!
Tonya
Tonya & Jim Sneed, 309-673-4353
EVIDENTIARY HEARING
Jimmy's evidentiary hearing was held this month in Philadelphia. Jimmy's family members and friends attended, including supporters Jeff Boghosian, Stephanie Luther, Salome Roundtree, and Jim Sneed.
September 8 will likely prove to be a big day in the Philadelphia courthouse for Jimmy, as Jimmy's attorneys and the prosecutors will present oral arguments before the judge. We want as many people as possible to attend this hearing, so please mark your calendars if you are available on that date.
For those who signed up, it was great to get the daily detailed summaries of the hearing (thanks, Jeff!). Here's a synopsis of what took place at the hearing, also written by Jeff:
Hearing Summary
Jimmy finally had his hearing earlier this month in Philadelphia. Judge Savitt presided over the 3 day hearing, and will issue a ruling in September.
The hearing was part of an appeal called PCRA – Post Conviction Relief Act, which handles appeals at the Commonwealth level in Pennsylvania. To win the hearing – and a new trial - Jimmy’s lawyers have to show that Jimmy’s previous lawyers provided ‘ineffective counsel’.
The most important witness was Jimmy’s original trial lawyer, who took the stand for almost a full day. He was questioned in detail about what things he investigated and what he argued in court. He did not remember several things because it was so long ago, but often gave no legitimate specific reason on why he didn’t investigate or call certain witnesses.
Another significant witness was an eyewitness to the crime who was not called to testify at trial. The witness said he could recognize the perpetrator, and at the hearing said that Jimmy was not the perpetrator.
Other witnesses included: another one of Jimmy’s previous lawyers, who was questioned on why he didn’t appeal certain things, and a forensic expert who testified to the types of tests that could have been done on the physical evidence.
Jimmy was pleased with how the hearing went, as were his lawyers. The Judge gave no indication on which way he would rule, and winning a new trial at the state level is difficult. (Jimmy can still appeal at the Federal level if state appeals fail.)
Both sides will be submitting written arguments between now and September, at which time oral arguments will be heard. It will be important to pack the court room on that day. One week after the oral arguments, Judge Savitt will issue a ruling.
ADELE, CLAIRE & SANDRINE - Thanks!
Adele David and Claire Tirilly, two supporters of Jimmy's from France, were recently invited to speak on a very popular television program there. The show was featuring stories about innocent people who are currently incarcerated. They were flown to Paris and were ready for their interviews, but at the last moment, they were canceled due to time constraints (another interview went longer than planned). It was disappointing, but there is a possibility that they may have another opportunity to share Jimmy's story on the program in the future. And, it's awfully exciting that Jimmy's case is getting enough attention in France that they were invited in the first place! It speaks loudly to the fantastic work that Adele, Claire and Sandrine Castel are doing on Jimmy's behalf.
CCADP
If you haven't already, be sure and check out CCADP's message board. There are pages dedicated to Jimmy. You can post things that you are doing in your area on Jimmy's behalf and converse with other supporters of Jimmy's. ccadp.proboards40.com/index.cgi
OTHER
If you need a bumper sticker, a button, or case summary flyers, let us know.
If you haven't written Jimmy yet, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. This summer will likely prove to be a long one as he awaits the judge's decision in the fall. The address is Jimmy Dennis BY 7796 SCI at Greene 175 Progress Drive Waynesburg, PA 15370-8089.
Have a great day!
Tonya
Tonya & Jim Sneed, 309-673-4353