To whom it may concern

How do we fix that ?

I know that I often sit down and just talk and talk... and well talk, but today I want to ask a question : How do we stop injustices before they ever leave the courtroom ? So many people have been convicted of things that later on (sometimes 15 to 20 years later), the evidence shows that the convicted was actually innocent. How can you give them back all the years they have lost ? And even worse, but about the ones who have been murdered already ? What can anyone say to make that alright. Ones life isn't an item that can be bargained with...

Take my case for instance, I was sentenced to life in prison. But my hanging started before the actual trial started. My attorney told me that he was a civil attorney, said he did not do cases like mine. He told me to speak with the judge, said he would go along with anything except ineffective assistance of counsel. I went to the judge and told him that my attorney could not handle my case, but the judge would not allow me to dismiss him. And that was just the start. I was young when all this started and I knew nothing about the laws of the land. That is how it happens with so many people who get caught/trapped within this justice system When you do not know, it is so easy to “mistreat” you.

How do we fix that ? How do we stop the system from taking advantage of people who do not know... people who are placed in the hands of lawyers who know as little as you do, but will not admit it. I think when I actually realized what was going on, I was defeated. A lawyer who knew I was fighting for my life literally chose his profession over my life !!! He told me that he knew I was innocent, he just didn't tell me, he told several... yet, he would not be honest and to the right thing by me. He wasn't man enough to step aside and give me a real chance at fighting my charges. Instead, he chose to buy a CD called : “How to defend abuse allegations”.

But, it's just not me, it happens everywhere all the time. And those men who die because of incompetent legal representation... it's unspeakable how often it happens. You have DA's who know that the counsel for a lot of those convicted are incompetent, but they never speak up... how do we stop that from happening to all those charged with a crime ?

I want suggestions and opinions from everyone.... tell me your ideas, give me your suggestions. We are a country with a Constitution that says all are entitled to competent legal counsel, yet more than 60 % of those convicted put their lives in the hands of counsel who have never ever tried a criminal case in their lives. The Constitution is walked over everyday with not so much as an argument by the very people who are supposed to uphold it.

With that being said, I guess it is up to us to step up. Tell me what you think... how do we fix the mess that is called justice ? So many lives depend on a system that doesn't even see them. Perhaps it is abut time that we shine the light on the real predator ….. the good ole justice system.

 

Luv and Respect,

Tyree,

January 12, 2011