Demand the Illinois Appellate Court to Overturn the Unjust Conviction

The Issue

The petitioner, a Class A truck driver for six years, had his life shaken when he was forced into a plea that led to his conviction, despite him being innocent. His livelihood was completely obliterated by this plea and the subsequent conviction. He has 3 children ages 17, 11, and 10. They too have suffered as part of collateral damage from the injustice inflicted by the named individuals in this petition. Despite his tremendous efforts to withdraw the guilty plea and fight for justice in a trial, his motions were constantly denied by the judge - a harsh reality that deepened the wound of this grave injustice.

He contends that this plea was not just the cause of an individual but the collective action of a private attorney, The Dupage County States Attorney Office and a Dupage County Circuit Judge. This is a call for justice not only for him, but also to reform a system that allows such injustices to occur. During hearings the States Attorney office called the former attorney as witness, once the petitioner wanted to withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial.

The National Registry of Exonerations reports that in 2018 alone, 70% of exoneration cases were due to false guilty pleas in situations eerily similar to this one (Source: National Registry of Exonerations, 2018). This data highlights the urgency of reexamining this case and rectifying the wrongful conviction.

Therefore, we urgently appeal to you to stand by us and demand the Illinois Appellate Court to reevaluate the case and overturn this unjust conviction. It is a chance to stand for justice, and ensure the right protection of citizens from wrongful convictions. Please sign the petition to add your voice to this pressing cause.

Deangelo WoodsPetition Starter

Media inquiries

84 The Issue

The petitioner, a Class A truck driver for six years, had his life shaken when he was forced into a plea that led to his conviction, despite him being innocent. His livelihood was completely obliterated by this plea and the subsequent conviction. He has 3 children ages 17, 11, and 10. They too have suffered as part of collateral damage from the injustice inflicted by the named individuals in this petition. Despite his tremendous efforts to withdraw the guilty plea and fight for justice in a trial, his motions were constantly denied by the judge - a harsh reality that deepened the wound of this grave injustice.

He contends that this plea was not just the cause of an individual but the collective action of a private attorney, The Dupage County States Attorney Office and a Dupage County Circuit Judge. This is a call for justice not only for him, but also to reform a system that allows such injustices to occur. During hearings the States Attorney office called the former attorney as witness, once the petitioner wanted to withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial.

The National Registry of Exonerations reports that in 2018 alone, 70% of exoneration cases were due to false guilty pleas in situations eerily similar to this one (Source: National Registry of Exonerations, 2018). This data highlights the urgency of reexamining this case and rectifying the wrongful conviction.

Therefore, we urgently appeal to you to stand by us and demand the Illinois Appellate Court to reevaluate the case and overturn this unjust conviction. It is a chance to stand for justice, and ensure the right protection of citizens from wrongful convictions. Please sign the petition to add your voice to this pressing cause.

Deangelo WoodsPetition Starter

Media inquiries

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