Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

students representation pro bono not good

14 yrs ago John Doe was convicted for murder in the state of Illinois. College students approached John Doe to represent him pro bono. The students that represent John Doe failed to submit the paperwork that was needed for the court case. The students also failed to notify John Doe or his family that he would need other legal representation. The college students approached John Doe to handle his case and then did nothing without giving him or the family the opportunity to make other arrangements in handling his case. John Doe was cooperated with police was tested the day of the murder and everything pertaining to him and the murder came back negative. With no representation John Doe was convicted for murder and sentenced 25 years. Is there anything that can help him now after 14 yrs of being incarcerated? Are there lawyers that handle cases like this? Is there something he needs to do? Do you need more information?


Asked on 11/17/08, 1:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Motty Stone Law Offices of Motty Stone

Re: students representation pro bono not good

"College students" are not lawyers. I am a bit uncertain what you mean when you say they were "representing" John Doe... a Court would not allow non-lawyers to do something like that. I also do not know what "tests" you are referring to from the day of the murders.

John Doe may have some appeals available to him and, yes, there are lawyers that handle these types of cases. I would need a lot more information to figure out if I can do anything, but I am happy to talk to you about the case. How are you related to all of this?

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Answered on 11/17/08, 6:30 am


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