Q: I'm 1995, was convicted of murder in Union County, South Carolina.
Agree months ago, the victims family members wrote The Solicitors Office, The Clerk of Court, and The Department of Probation, Parole, And Pardon Services asking them to please release do to mercy /clemecy. Other members of The community also wrote The Department. No answer or response has been issued. How I can I find out if they are investigating or inquiring into the matter? Also, can you recommend an attorney I that may want to take on the case.
A:
To be blunt, they do not have to answer the letters or open any investigation into a closed case for the reasons given. A judge and jury heard the case in 1995 and a decision was made. Reducing a sentence on the grounds that the interested parties now want mercy is not going to be possible without vacating the finding of guilt by the jury or reopening the sentencing phase. Either of these is highly unlikely without considerable reason as to how it would serve the interest of justice. Keep in mind Murder presently carries a minimum of 30 years. The only option I see with the information provided would be to present your information to the parole board once he comes eligible for parole.
Please get a second opinion by contacting a defense attorney in your area or call the SC Bar service for a referral at 803 799-7100
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