INCARCERATION-   or the state of being imprisoned or confined is what is typically known as “just punishment” for a variety of crimes.  However, when it comes to the wrongfully incarcerated, imprisonment is like that old Johnny Mathis song, “Until the Twelfth of Never and that a long, long time,” for a prisoner incarcerated under such circumstances is doubly victimized. For years on end, they will be treated as if they are a criminal in every sense of the word, not knowing if anyone will ever listen to their true accounts amongst the “sea of true murderous liars feigning innocence.” As if it couldn’t get any worse, very few attorneys are in the position to financially carry such a case, which typically can last for several years.

Just One Case in a Crime Ridden City

Brooklyn, New York is a hot spot for crime, interwoven with the most diverse “ethnic-culture and socio-economic complexion” in the US. With a current population of has a population of 2,504,700 residents.

According to NeighborhoodScout.com, the crime rate in Brooklyn is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest. They found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation. Violent offenses tracked included forcible rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon. According to their analysis of FBI reported crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of one of these crimes in Brooklyn is one in 167.

By the numbers, skeptics would say, it’s not really that bad, as the data is taken out of context. However, private investigators and attorneys who invest in this work have no reason to lie or exaggerate when it comes to the cold hard truth of their workload.

When discussing this topic in hushed tones, one would ask, so what is the answer when as a society, we are faced with ever increasing crime juxtaposed with poverty, and high unemployment, mixed with shoddy investigations, combined with a “rush to judgment “trial and a “throw away the key “ mentality?

You get what you get.  More unjustly accused and imprisoned people who may have been victims of circumstance and false identifications. Do we know the exact numbers? No. But it’s certainly more than a handful.  As of 2010, 29 people were exonerated worldwide.

How do they ever recover even when exonerated?  That is the $64,000 question.  There are a few “lights at the end of the tunnel.”  Namely, the creation of a few Conviction Integrity Units and…. Like knights in shining armor, skilled private investigators like Robert Rahn and Kim Anklin of Management Resources LTD of New York (New Jersey and Florida).  Their current shining achievement is a huge case on a number of levels:    The Case of Jonathan Fleming: UNJUSTLY INCARCERATED   As they are close to a resolution, the case was used for illustrative purposes only, speaking in generalities.  However, Kim Anklin told me that the whole truth and nothing but the truth is just as incredible! So stay tuned for the next chapter!

Bob, Kim, and Defense Attorneys, Anthony Mayol,  and Taylor Koss, spent an intriguing hour with Delilah and this writer on Shattered Lives Radio.  Listen with us! The information is life altering!

Listen to Shattered Lives Podcast

• National Crime Victim’s Rights Week
• Defender of the Innocence Awards
• Introduction to our Guests- Management Resources, Anthony Mayol and Taylor Koss,  Criminal Defense Attorneys
• Another wrongful conviction case with a bad detective that opened up Pandora’s box and shed light the  workings of the Conviction Integrity Unit
• The role of the PI versus the DA’s office
• Discussion of resources, skills of private investigators
• More victims…..
• Retaliation or gratitude?
• Tears, apologies, the relevant facts
• Kim speaks about the comments of Mr. Fleming’s mother
• “Believed by who?” and the Conviction Integrity Unit
• The percentages… and the “light at the end of the tunnel” to assist private attorneys
• A GROUND BREAKING COLLABORATION!
• What is in store what resources are in place for those exonerated?
• A select few: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/nyregion/exonerated-now-what.html?_r=0;
• “The Hurricane” Movie about the Wrongfully Convicted Ruben Carter: http://www.psychologicalscience.com/psylaw/2012/08/the-hurricane.html

 

New York

The Court of Claims determines what amount will fairly and reasonably compensate the wrongfully convicted person. His request will be expedited by the court of claims.

The wrongfully convicted person must show “he did not by his own conduct cause or bring about his conviction.” This provision may prevent people who falsely confessed or pled guilty from receiving compensation.

 

• http://www.wrongfulconvictionlawyers.com/state-statutes/
• The David Ranta Case –  A ground breaking procedural outcome and 6.4 million dollars-  http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/justice/new-york-overturned-conviction-settlement/index.html
• How do we fill in the gaps IMMEDIATELY?
• Status of the Murder victim’s family- is it known? How is it handled?
• Concluding message from Taylor- People convicted of crimes is not necessarily the end of the story!
• A recent Connecticut Case: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-wrongful-incarceration-compensation-20140403,0,1170344,full.story;

• CONTACT INFORMATION:
• 1)http://nysleuth.com/PrivateInvestigations/ContactUs.aspx

• 2)Anthony Mayol, Esq.

Law Office of Anthony Mayol P.C.

116-55 Queens Blvd.  Suite 201

Forest Hills, New York 11375

(718) 520-8271

am@lawyeram.com

3) Taylor Koss: Everett & Everett                                                                                                                452 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor                                                                                                                                              New York, NY 10018                                                                                                                                      Office: 212-300-6104

 

Questions from the “Interrogation Room”

• How did each of the guests become involved on the James Fleming case?
• What is the scope of the cases in Brooklyn, New York- the former murder capital of the country?
• Who funds experts needed to help the case go forward?
• Is the passage of time “the enemy?”
• What is the greatest concern of witnesses who come forward with the truth?
• What was the point that “turned the tide” in the Fleming case?
• What was Mr. Fleming’s approach to his innocence with his team?
• How are cases chosen and what are the challenges faced by attorneys?
• How did an adversarial system turn into a sharing experience?
• What are the “two bites at the apple” in New York after incarceration?
• What are the options via the legislature and civilly with these cases?
• What is the significance of the immediacy of need for resources and help versus the foot dragging” of compensation?
• How is David Ranta doing now?

 

The comments expressed on this website or on the broadcasts of Shattered Lives do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the hosts, producers, or other guests.