Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer found guilty of murdering George Floyd, filed his own appeal on Thursday (September 23).
In April, Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the 2020 Memorial Day death of George Floyd.
He was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.
In his filing, Derek stated he has run out of money and he’s “unrepresented by legal counsel in connection with the appeal.”
*cues the violins*
He said he was denied representation by a public defender and he’s asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the decision.
The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis is no longer funding his legal costs after his conviction.
Judge Peter Cahill looked out for Chauvin by granting him “pauper status,” which means he’s exempt from having to pay court costs and filing fees.
Well, isn’t that a generous gesture for a murderer…
In his appeal, Derek Chauvin is asking that his conviction be overturned for the following reasons:
- The court allegedly “abused its discretion” when denying the defense’s motion for both a change of venue, sequestration of the jury for the entire trial, a continuance, and a new trial.
- The alleged “prejudicial prosecutorial misconduct” committed by state prosecutors.
- The court’s decision to allow Morries Hall, who was with Floyd the night of his death, to not testify.
- The court’s decision to deny the presentation of “cumulative evidence with respect to use of force.”
- The court’s order for state prosecutors “to lead witnesses on direct examination.”
- The court’s alleged failure of making an official record of sidebar conferences throughout the trial.
- The court’s alleged failure of not allowing the defense to strike “clearly biased jurors during voir dire.”
- The court’s allowance of the added third-degree murder charge.
- The court’s decision to limit and “undercut” the admission of Floyd’s May 6, 2019 arrest.
- The court’s denial of the defense’s motion for a Schwartz hearing.
- The court’s denial of the defense’s “post-verdict motion for a new trial due to juror misconduct.”
Chile, Please.
I will keep you updated on this appeal.
Your thoughts?
Source: WCCO 4
