Derek Chauvin Appeals Conviction In George Floyd Murder, Claims Trial Wasn’t Fair

Derek Chauvin, George Floyd

Derek Chauvin Appeals Conviction In George Floyd Murder, Claims Trial Wasn’t Fair

Derek Chauvin wants his murder conviction tossed.

On Wednesday (Jan. 18) the former Minneapolis police officer’s attorney, William Mohrman, spoke before a three-member panel in an appeals court to argue that the lengthy pretrial publicity made Derek Chauvin’s chance of a fair verdict impossible. William Mohrman said: 

“The primary issue on this appeal is whether a criminal defendant can get a fair trial consistent with constitutional requirements in a courthouse surrounded by concrete block, barbed wire, two armored personnel carriers, and a squad of National Guard troops, all of which or whom are there for one purpose: in the event that the jury acquits the defendant.”

According to reports, Mohrman also noted alleged legal errors made during the trial in his brief to the court. He requested that the panel fix the situation by granting Derek Chauvin, 46, a new trial or by reversing the state convictions. 

Derek Chauvin

As previously reported, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for his involvement in George Floyd’s death. You may recall that in 2020 Chauvin was captured on camera with his knee pressed on George Floyd’s neck as he begged for his life, saying “I can’t breathe.” Chauvin was ultimately sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and is serving his time behind bars in Arizona. 

Neal Katyal, a special attorney for the state, said the ex-cop received “one of the most transparent and thorough trials in our nation’s history.” She also claimed the arguments made by Chauvin’s lawyer “do not come close to justifying reversal” of the conviction. Neal Katyal added:

“Judge Cahill managed this trial with enormous care, and even if Chauvin could identify some minor fault, any error is harmless. The evidence of Chauvin’s guilt was captured on video for the world to see.”

It’s important to note that even if Chauvin’s appeal is granted, he will still have to serve his federal prison sentence.

Former MPD Officer Derek Chauvin pins his knee on George Floyd’s neck

What are your thoughts on Derek Chauvin trying to appeal his conviction? Tell us below! 

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