News, Pleadings
David Nathanson
Public Trial Amicus Brief

On March 6, 2017, Attorney Wood and a team of attorneys from Ropes & Gray filed a brief in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Weaver v. Massachusetts, No. 16-240. They argue that the Court should not shy away from vindicating the treasured right to a public trial. The government's argument that vindicating the right to a public trial would "open up the floodgates" is both factually incorrect and diverts attention from the real issue: whether our Constitution entitles everyone to a public trial. Read the brief here.

Innocence

Freedom! Bail Granted in First Degree Murder Case

Freedom! Bail Granted in First Degree Murder Case

Attorney Wood assisted by Attorney Ramos secured the release on bail today of their client who had been charged with first degree murder in the death of her wife. Attorney Wood convinced the Supreme Judicial Court to reverse her conviction (after two previous hung juries) due to the admission of junk science. Attorney Wood emphasized the weakness of the government’s case, our client’s impeccable conduct on bail during prior trials, and her broad support network. You can read more about the bail hearing here.

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GPS Removed for Client Awaiting Retrial on Murder Charges

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On September 16, 2019, Attorney Wood convinced the Hampden Superior Court to remove a GPS monitoring bracelet for his client “Omar,” while the District Attorney decides whether or not to retry him for a murder that he adamantly denies. In April 2019, Attorney Wood secured a reversal of Omar's conviction and his immediate release after 19 years in prison.

DNA Testing for People on Sex Offender Registry

Attorney Shih just filed a brief on behalf of the Boston Bar Association arguing that people required to register as sex offenders should be permitted to ask for DNA testing to prove their innocence. SORB registration is a significant restraint on liberty and gives them standing to request testing. Read the brief here.