Help Monica Build Sam's Defense Fund
Reports of unjust convictions being reversed by new DNA
evidence are in the news regularly in recent months. This hopeful
development in redressing injustice leads
people to think this new area of evidence will lead to all, or most of, the unjustly
convicted being released. Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
While comparing an appellant's DNA to DNA evidence in a
criminal case is comparatively straightforward
— the DNA comparison either does or does not
exonerate — this kind of testing doesn't apply to many
prisoners' situations. Sam was convicted of sexual offenses despite there being no
medical evidence presented against him, so there is no DNA-based defense
he can assert.
The process of reversing his convictions is significantly more complex, meaning
Sam needs a good attorney to structure and argue his appeals.
Unfortunately, top
attorneys who have successfully argued similar cases expect retainers in
the range of $30,000 to $40,000.
Sam's family can't afford anywhere near
such payment on his behalf. So, Sam's neice, Monica Celli, is seeking a Pro Bono legal angel,
and raising a defense fund
that will allow him to employ counsel.
Sam will appreciate any assistance you can give.
Donate Online Through
PayPal
Click the PayPal
Donate button below to make a donation of any amount to Sam's Defense
Fund. You will be taken to PayPal form that will let you enter any dollar
amount you desire:
Thank you for
supporting Sam!
Donate by Check or Money
Order
Sam's niece, Monica
Celli, handles banking for Sam's defense fund. If you would like to
donate by check or money order, please draw the check to Monica Celli
and put the note "Sam Smolen Defense Fund" in the memo field. Mail it to
her at:
Monica Celli
131 Tibbets Road
Yonkers NY
10705-2643
Thank you for
supporting Sam!
Donate Legal Services
Sam would be eternally
grateful if you can assist him in this area. He has done his own briefs
and filings for years, but the higher the appeal level, the more
expertise is needed. I've asked Sam for a list of his specific legal needs
and that list will appear here
shortly. ~ Webmaster
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