I think .. I hope... how can DeGuerin appeal for less Draconian sentences?
I’d say I can’t believe these verdicts, but I live here.
I mean, what did Ken Lay get?
DeGuerin will doubtless have planted many seeds for appeal. Any competent defense attorney does, and he -was- top notch. Whether he still is or not I have no idea, but most litigators only have a peak for a few years. Still, he was very good indeed.
Anyway, deliberate grounds will have been introduced into the record, and thorough review of the written transcript usually yields something. As others have pointed out though, the standard for reversal is very high, as the trial court is always given great deference.
Reversals happen, but they are rare. Look for a significantly reduced sentence from the maximum possible. That usually serves to let out the steam from a gross injustice, and people accept the significant injustice with relief that is was not a total injustice.
Our criminal law system is very, very broken. Sometimes for the state, sometimes for the defendant. Depends on when, where and the charges. It does not protect victims, does not deter offenders, and does not preserve rights. It does churn a lot of money, political influence, and career enhancements however. My contempt for it verges on absolute. I am sick thinking about it, so shall sign off for the night, and think of things to give thanks for, and people to pray for, among them Mr. Tom DeLay.
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Watch and pray.