October 2, 2003
Hi Everyone,
I hope all is well with each and every one of you. I just want to give you a brief update of a conversation I had with Michael's appellate lawyer this Tuesday (9/30) morning.
I called the lawyer to understand why Michael's trial transcripts are being delayed. There are a number of reasons, all of which are valid, but still disturbing to see how slowly the wheels of justice turns. Michael was supposed to receive his transcripts the end of September and now will not receive them until the beginning of 2004. I believe there is little if anything that can be done to expedite this. I talked with the attorney about speeding up the process and he explained how the system works. I don't necessary like it nor does he but that's the way it works. If you try and buck the system things can be delayed even further. Each state is different and it appears Massachusetts is one of the states that lags behind in turning out trial transcripts for a number of different reasons. So I'm praying, and I encourage you to pray, that Michael will receive his trial transcripts as quickly as possible.
Once the trial transcripts are available the appellate lawyer can proceed to appeal Michael's case in front of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Appellate Court. Although the trial transcripts are most important the lawyer has done a good deal of reading and research on Michael's case and appeal. We spent most of our conversation dealing with the issues of grounds for appeal. The lawyer told me there are grounds where Michael's case can be dismissed and MIchael can be set free, and other grounds where Michael could receive a new trial. The lawyer felt Michael has a very good chance of receiving a favorable verdict from the Appellate Court. Although the Appellate Court's verdict is months away and unknown at this time let's keep up our hopes and pray that Michael will receive a just verdict. Let's continue to pray for Michael that he will keep up his spirits and put his trust in God.
Thank you, and may God bless you,
Dick
dickleb@aol.com
P.S. If these email messages and updates are not in harmony with your thinking at this time please let us know, and we’ll remove your name from this list.
