Michael Nicholas first met his attorney at trial. No defense witnesses subpoenaed. Sentenced to life
Nicholas cleaned and detailed cars in New Orleans, and sold cars on consignment. He was accused of stealing three used cars.
Although he argued that he was incompetent due to mental illness, the court found him competent to stand trial. At trial, he was found to have stolen two used cars and to have driven a third without authorization.
Nicholas says he never saw his court-appointed lawyer before his trial, and reports his defense witnesses were not subpoenaed.
He was initially sentenced to 10 years on each of the two theft charges and five years on the unauthorized use charge.
The original 10-year sentence on one of the theft charges was vacated but he was resentenced to life without parole under Louisiana's habitual offender law.
Read full story at ACLU Special Report. A Living Death: Life Without Parole for Nonviolent Offenses.
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As voters, citizens, taxpayers and bystanders, we as a society have inhumanely punished thousands of nonviolent people. Currently Washington DC and 30 states have compensation statutes for wrongfully convicted inmates. Congress’ recommended amount is $63,000 for each year served. On the other hand, overly sentenced victims who in many cases have suffered equally or worse typically receive $20 and a bus ticket if they are fortunate enough to ever be released.
Select the link below to donate directly to Nicholas to help him with legal and other expenses. Most of these inhumanely sentenced inmates don't remember the last time they were able to buy personal items or snacks from the commissary. No donation is too small. JPAY is used for state inmates and Western Union for federal.
No Harsh Justice inmate has ever been convicted of a violent crime.
Donate to Nicholas' Legal Fund (Select Louisiana, Inmate ID=81555)
Note: 100% of your donation goes directly into the inmate's prison account.