Florida releases wrongly convicted man, Robert Dubois after 37 years in lockup!

[merc lover]

Saw this on Court TV this morning. They said over 3500 separate pieces of evidence were carefully examined before recommending letting him out of prison. This is another classic case of cops and prosecutors getting a case of 'tunnel vision' in the wake of a violent crime. Meanwhile, the real perp walks off SCOT FREE. Yes, yes, yes, the system is working.



https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/robert-duboise-released-from-prison/67-977d7e24-6789-496d-bb0d-6a254df2eaa1#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20A%20Tampa%20man%20wrongfully%20convicted%20of%20murder,he%20had%20b een%20held%20for%20nearly%2037%20years.

[barry12345]

I have been sickened for years. Someone is found innocent without a doubt after years of incarceration. Are they generally released at that point? Not in most cases I have seen.

A process to release seems to then be engaged. Lasting some time. Release should be quicker. Otherwise I see it as illegal confinement.

Usually at that point they do not have any money. I watched a case that there was no doubt it was a wrong long time served conviction. The jurisdiction did not want to give a dime in compensation.

So their only hope is to hire a percentage lawyer. Who will grab a much as half of any compensation won.

This accepting a plea bargain because a person cannot afford proper legal help is another sore spot. If you have done nothing wrong. Of course there are threats if you do not take it.

No I have no criminal background. To the best of my knowledge a person only has one life.

[merc lover]

Florida allows $50,000 for each year of wrongful incarceration. On Court TV this morning, they said he will also be eligible for some type of free schooling, i.e. trade school, college,etc. His total compensation will be capped at around two million dollars.

The problem is our time has unlimited value. He can never get the time he lost back, no matter how much or how little money they give him.

At least he didn't die in prison.

[barry12345]

Of course given the choice the majority would take the time back. Any award might also be used too recklessly. As they would be out of touch with far too many realities out here. Actually two million for the bulk of a persons life is not really that much to start with.

Most members have at least some money. When you run up against the so called justice system. I suspect you basically have to prove your innocence more than they have to prove your guilt. When you are basically poor.

The police are almost famous for fabrications. I am not against police forces but they should be taught ethics. The job does attract a certain percentage of people that should have been screened out.

Different juristictions have different policies. I know of cases where the convict was very sick and could pose no possible risk to anyone in their current condition. They have been released to die basically. Perhaps they would have avoided the financial realities out here if they had been allowed to die in prison. It frees up space but I do not know if there is support money for continuing medical bills etc. Once they are out.

There is no level playing field and probably there never has been one.

[Air&Road]

Interesting thread, but can you please start these in ODP&R?

[davidmash]

There are definite flaws in the US judicial system. Not sure of a better way to do it.

[barry12345]

The Canadian system has many of the same flaws. I have always thought the French system of justice is better in general.

They did develop the justice system after all.

I did suggest restitution ordered to victims as part of the sentencing. Instead of having to engage a civil action by victims. The court asked for my opinion on one case.

The young lady we knew had as an employee of radio shack. liberated about 2000.00 of merchandise. They did order the restitution.