O.J. Simpson Seeks New Trial

Barely a week after his conviction in a Nevada courtroom for kidnapping, armed robbery and 10 other crimes, former football star, O.J. Simpson, is asking for a new trial through his attorneys Gabriel Grasso and Yale Galanter. The attorneys filed documents with the trial judge, Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass, alleging that she did not give enough time for a full review of the transcripts and videotapes of the trial.

Lack of African-American Jurors

Their motion for a new trial also contends that Judge Glass improperly allowed the Clark County prosecutors on the case to use preemptory challenges to remove two prospective African American jurors before the final jury was seated. Both Simpson and his co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart are African American.

Two Years to Life in Prison Possible

Simpson and Stewart were convicted of all 12 of their charges on Oct. 3, and Simpson's sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 5. Each man is facing five years to life in prison for the kidnapping convictions, plus mandatory sentences of 2 to 30 years on each of two armed robbery convictions.

Aspects of the Motion for a New Trial

In their motion for a new trial, Simpson's lawyers also claimed that:

• The judge allowed jurors who were biased against Simpson due to his 1994 acquittal in the murders of his ex-wife and her friend
• There was not enough evidence to support first-degree kidnapping convictions
• The judge blocked the defense attorneys from telling the jurors that they could consider lesser charges of second-degree kidnapping and larceny, and that Simpson thought that he was simply retrieving items that were his property

(Source: Associated Press)

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