Expert: Robin Sexton - 5/22/2008

Question
How do one go about appealing a 29 year sentence for 2 counts of robbery  with a firearm & 2 counts possesion of firearm. person have already served 12 yrs from 1996.

Answer
Toney,

Pretty long sentence if the subject has no prior criminal history.  First and foremost you will need to retain an attorney who is skilled and competent in the area of criminal appeals.  The next most important issue is there needs to be an issue to appeal.  The attorney will be the best to assess the merit of any issue.   Understand that once a person is convicted the burden of proof transfers to the defendant and is normally a significant hurdle to get over.  With this much time invested it may be more prudent to deal with the parole board.

Good Luck

Robin