Appeal Timeline

This appeal timeline just came in from Mechele's mom, Sandy. It gives us a much better idea of what we will be dealing with as far as progress in the next year or so.

• Mid-June 2008 Defense attorneys have to have all transcripts, evidence, etc from previous trial.
• Early July-Meeting with three judge panel and all attorneys.
• August 1-Defense attorneys will turn in appeal
• Oct 15-Deadline for prosecution attorney to respond.
• Mid Nov-defense deadline to respond to prosecution' s response.
• Early Dec (no later than Jan)-Oral arguments will begin.

Also from Sandy:
"This process can take up to twelve months meaning that we will have an answer no later than Jan. 2010. These are "worse case senarios," meaning this is the maximum time it will take. From what I understand once a new trial has been approved things begin to happen quickly.

"We are extremely impressed with the firm handling her case. Keep in mind that this will not be the firm representing her at the new trial. They only handle the appeal case. Kevin Fitzgerald will co-counsel with new attorneys, not yet chosen. All of this is frustrating at best, but it is the hand we have been dealt and we just have to play it as best we can."

Appeal News: 38 Points

The latest news on Mechele's appeal can be found on ADN.com here. We are happy to report that she has some highly respected lawyers, Jeff Feldman and Susan Orlansky, on the case. I know that Mechele and her family also have great respect and gratitude for her trial lawyers. From ADN, "Linehan's attorney during the trial, Kevin Fitzgerald, is still on the case. He recommended Feldman and Orlansky for the appeal, according to Linehan's husband, Dr. Colin Linehan. It is standard for a different lawyer to take up an appeal because it brings fresh eyes to the case, Feldman said of why Fitzgerald wasn't handling it."

The appeal, which was filed last week, includes THIRTY-EIGHT (38) reasons Mechele did not get a fair hearing. THIRTY-EIGHT. For the whole story, go to ADN. They also have a .pdf of the statement of points on appeal.

We are currently working on Free Mechele T-shirts and other merchandise, the proceeds from which will be donated to her family's fund to help with legal and travel expenses. I can see the possibility for using the number 38 in some of them now.

One thing I do want to specifically point out is the time frame for the appeal process, as I'm sure many will be interested (myself included). According to the article, "The case will likely be heard by the Court of Appeals in the late fall or early 2009, Feldman said. Decisions typically are made six to 12 months later."

Based on that, we are looking at spring 2009 as the earliest possible date for some good news. Please continue to keep Mechele and her family in your thoughts and prayers as this process unfolds.