Way back in 1992, Jesse Smith was wrongfully convicted of First Degree Murder in a Chicago courtroom. His sentence, 105 years. Ever since that horrible day, Jesse Smith has done everything possible to change that horrible decision - Illinois State Court Appeals, Illinois State Court Post Conviction Petitions, Petitions for Leave to Appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. Nothing seemed to work.
Fortunately, in September 1999, Attorney Michael J. Petro started representing Jesse Smith. Mr. Petro immediately filed a Federal Court Habeas Corpus petition on Mr. Smith's behalf in the Federal District Court in Chicago.
Finally, after years of filing motions and briefs, evidentiary hearings, and certificates of appealability, Jesse Smith has hope. In December 2003, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found that through Mr. Petro's efforts, "Smith has made a substantial showing of the denial of constitutional rights." Further Briefs were ordered by the 7th Court of Appeals.
On March 26, 2004, Mr. Petro filed his brief on behalf of Jesse Smith. Stay tuned. The fight continues.
Suite 324