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California State University East Bay

The Pioneer

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Mehserle Not Likely To Get Early Release

Johannes Mehserle’s unlikely appeal for early release from jail was denied on Friday. Attorney Michael Rains remained confident that a pending appeal of his client’s July conviction for the Jan. 2009 involuntary manslaughter of Hayward resident Oscar Grant will be overturned.

Rains hoped that he could shorten Mehserle’s sentence by posting bail, while the appeal will be heard in court in the coming months.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Perry showed little signs of reversing his initial Nov. 5 sentencing, stating, “The verdict is fully supported by the evidence and is unlikely to be disturbed on appeal.”

Although it is completely within the legal rights of Mehserle to seek bail, many believe that his sentence is already insufficient and bemoan the thought of it being even shorter.

“Johannes says, ‘I’d hate to see another police officer go through what I’ve gone through,’” said Rains, of Mehserle’s belief that he has been mistreated throughout the legal proceedings.

In an interview with KTVU in October, Mehserle appeared apologetic but expressed his opposition to the manslaughter verdict, saying, “I didn’t think I’d be convicted at all.”

There are still others who agree that Mehserle was wrongfully charged for a mistake that occurred in the heat of a chaotic situation.

Whatever opinion one may have on the issue, there’s little chance Mehserle will get out early, as prosecuting attorney Nancy O’Malley points out.

“The defense arguments have little prospect of success on appeal,” O’Malley said.

However, Mehserle is projected to be released this summer, when he will have to find a way to get on with his life along with everybody else who is caught up in this drama.

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Mehserle Not Likely To Get Early Release