It was a long time coming, but with some extended perseverance a Michigan man got himself another opportunity to prove his innocence. He has since sued the Hertz Rental Company because they failed to produce the very evidence that would have proved his innocence and kept him out of prison.
Due to that lack of evidence, the man was originally convicted and sentenced to 30 years – to life – in prison, for second-degree murder. Unfortunately, before the man got his second opportunity to battle his case, he did an actual five years in custody. The silver-lining though is that it was 25 years less than 30, and a lifetime less than ‘life in prison’.
What was the evidence that set this man free? A receipt that would have proved he couldn’t have committed the crime. According to the man, the receipt from Hertz proved that he was nowhere near the scene of the slaying. With continued pressure, Hertz finally located the receipt and presented it two years after the man’s initial conviction. Hertz says that although they couldn’t find the receipt through historic rental records (through hard work, and continued good faith efforts), they were able to find it by using advanced data search technology. It took seven long years to do. Once located, they immediately provided the receipt to the man’s defense team, who filed an appeal for a new trial, which was granted.
There is something to be said for persistence, that is for darn sure. Now the question is – how much will Hertz owe the man, if anything. That is an issue for the civil courts, not criminal.
If you or a loved one has been cited or charged for a crime (in Seattle or otherwise), don’t hesitate to hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
