Breaking the Chains: Advocating for Black Men Failed by the System


Breaking the Chains: Advocating for Black Men Failed by the System
The Issue
One of the foundational principles guiding legal proceedings, as enshrined in the Hicks rule, is the right to a speedy trial. The Hicks rule mandates that a defendant’s trial must commence within a specified timeframe following the filing of charges or the defendant’s arrest. In Omaryan’s case, his Hicks date expired at the beginning of March, with the trial originally scheduled to begin on February 20th. It is deeply troubling that Omaryan's lawyer, Mike McGraw, had no objection to the state asking for another postponement after Glen claimed he was sick, despite Omaryan's plea for his lawyer to object to the request.
The state had insufficient evidence to substantiate conviction when essentially Omaryan White was not seen on surveillance cameras during the time of the shooting. Only convicted for clothes that the prosecution claims look similar. Nothing distinctive about the clothes, i.e., no logo, rips, or special patterns or characteristics. The clothes collected that police claim Omaryan was wearing had no DNA evidence nor Gun powder residue to support their claims that he was the shooter. The quality of the surveillance camera is so poor that you would need eyewitness testimony to place someone at the scene of the crime at the time. No one from the community implicated Omaryan White as the shooter, and no reported victims or injuries.
The difficult question in this case is whether Omaryan’s conviction was based off of impermissibly subjective identification as it pertains to the quality of the tape the jury was asked to review. Essentially, an unrecognizable person on blurred and ambiguous video. Defense eyewitnesses willing to testify to Omaryan’s innocence were blocked by his lawyer, Mike McGraw. Witness statements that could have exonerated Omaryan were dismissed or ignored.
McGraw did not properly provide his client with effective counsel or defense. He neglected to make opening arguments, allowed the prosecutor to introduce unsupported information without evidence to back up his claims, and made no objection despite Omaryan’s assertions to his lawyer throughout the case. This pattern of behavior suggests a lack of impartiality and diligence on the part of the defense attorney.
In addition to the concerning issues surrounding Omaryan White’s trial, it’s crucial to highlight the denial of his right to choose his legal representation. Omaryan attempted to exercise his right to fire his attorney due to extreme displeasure with his actions. However, Judge Crooks dismissed this request with a statement suggesting indifference, stating, “this won’t stop what’s about it to happen.” This denial of Omaryan’s autonomy over his legal representation undermines the fundamental principles of fair trial and due process. It not only deprives Omaryan of his constitutional rights but also erodes trust in the judicial system, further compounding the injustices he faces.
Furthermore, during crucial stages of the trial, Judge Crooks permitted the prosecutor, Glen Neubauer, to excuse himself during jury selection. Another state’s prosecutor sat at the prosecutor’s table while the jury was asked about any relationships to anyone involved in this case. This raises questions about the integrity of the trial process and the potential for bias. Additionally, Glen's absence during jury selection, coupled with photographic evidence showing him in his car during the jury selection process, suggests possible interference with the impartiality of the jury. The question is: Was there a personal relationship between Neubauer and a member of the jury?
Omaryan White deserves a fair trial where evidence is properly scrutinized, witnesses are heard, and justice is served. His prolonged incarceration not only violates his rights but also deeply affects his family, including four young children, one of whom he has yet to meet due to this ordeal.
This case isn't just about Omaryan White; it's about ensuring fairness and accountability in our legal system, both here in Anne Arundel County and nationwide. Every individual deserves a fair trial, free from undue delays and misconduct. By standing up for Omaryan, we're standing up for justice itself.
Help us as we demand a new trial for Omaryan White and call for the reprimand of those responsible for the unethical actions that have tainted the legal process. Join us in the fight for justice and fairness for Omaryan White.
Although we appreciate the contributions, we are not asking for cash donations through the site as it doesn’t go to the family. Please just Sign and Share.
312
The Issue
One of the foundational principles guiding legal proceedings, as enshrined in the Hicks rule, is the right to a speedy trial. The Hicks rule mandates that a defendant’s trial must commence within a specified timeframe following the filing of charges or the defendant’s arrest. In Omaryan’s case, his Hicks date expired at the beginning of March, with the trial originally scheduled to begin on February 20th. It is deeply troubling that Omaryan's lawyer, Mike McGraw, had no objection to the state asking for another postponement after Glen claimed he was sick, despite Omaryan's plea for his lawyer to object to the request.
The state had insufficient evidence to substantiate conviction when essentially Omaryan White was not seen on surveillance cameras during the time of the shooting. Only convicted for clothes that the prosecution claims look similar. Nothing distinctive about the clothes, i.e., no logo, rips, or special patterns or characteristics. The clothes collected that police claim Omaryan was wearing had no DNA evidence nor Gun powder residue to support their claims that he was the shooter. The quality of the surveillance camera is so poor that you would need eyewitness testimony to place someone at the scene of the crime at the time. No one from the community implicated Omaryan White as the shooter, and no reported victims or injuries.
The difficult question in this case is whether Omaryan’s conviction was based off of impermissibly subjective identification as it pertains to the quality of the tape the jury was asked to review. Essentially, an unrecognizable person on blurred and ambiguous video. Defense eyewitnesses willing to testify to Omaryan’s innocence were blocked by his lawyer, Mike McGraw. Witness statements that could have exonerated Omaryan were dismissed or ignored.
McGraw did not properly provide his client with effective counsel or defense. He neglected to make opening arguments, allowed the prosecutor to introduce unsupported information without evidence to back up his claims, and made no objection despite Omaryan’s assertions to his lawyer throughout the case. This pattern of behavior suggests a lack of impartiality and diligence on the part of the defense attorney.
In addition to the concerning issues surrounding Omaryan White’s trial, it’s crucial to highlight the denial of his right to choose his legal representation. Omaryan attempted to exercise his right to fire his attorney due to extreme displeasure with his actions. However, Judge Crooks dismissed this request with a statement suggesting indifference, stating, “this won’t stop what’s about it to happen.” This denial of Omaryan’s autonomy over his legal representation undermines the fundamental principles of fair trial and due process. It not only deprives Omaryan of his constitutional rights but also erodes trust in the judicial system, further compounding the injustices he faces.
Furthermore, during crucial stages of the trial, Judge Crooks permitted the prosecutor, Glen Neubauer, to excuse himself during jury selection. Another state’s prosecutor sat at the prosecutor’s table while the jury was asked about any relationships to anyone involved in this case. This raises questions about the integrity of the trial process and the potential for bias. Additionally, Glen's absence during jury selection, coupled with photographic evidence showing him in his car during the jury selection process, suggests possible interference with the impartiality of the jury. The question is: Was there a personal relationship between Neubauer and a member of the jury?
Omaryan White deserves a fair trial where evidence is properly scrutinized, witnesses are heard, and justice is served. His prolonged incarceration not only violates his rights but also deeply affects his family, including four young children, one of whom he has yet to meet due to this ordeal.
This case isn't just about Omaryan White; it's about ensuring fairness and accountability in our legal system, both here in Anne Arundel County and nationwide. Every individual deserves a fair trial, free from undue delays and misconduct. By standing up for Omaryan, we're standing up for justice itself.
Help us as we demand a new trial for Omaryan White and call for the reprimand of those responsible for the unethical actions that have tainted the legal process. Join us in the fight for justice and fairness for Omaryan White.
Although we appreciate the contributions, we are not asking for cash donations through the site as it doesn’t go to the family. Please just Sign and Share.
312
The Decision Makers


Supporter Voices
Petition created on May 3, 2024
