Conviction Overturned - Still Not Free
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Army Veteran Ashley Debelbot recently walked out of Pulaski State Prison in Georgia after more than a decade for a crime that she did not commit. With the help of the Wisconsin Innocent Project, both Ashley and her husband Albert's convictions were overturned by the Supreme Court of Georgia .
Per the opinion issued by the court:
"Moreover, the evidence that Albert and Ashley both shared a criminal intent...was underwhelming."
Further, the court ruled, "Because the Debelbots were denied the effective assistance of counsel at trial, their convictions are reversed. Judgments reversed. All the Justices concur."
On Friday, June 5, 2020, The same trial court in Muscogee County, GA that ordered Ashley to spend her life in prison, set bail again in her case at $160,000, pending a new trial. This meant Ashley could be released from wrongful imprisonment – IF her family could raise a non-refundable amount of $10,200 to pay a bondsman. Luckily, they are only responsible for 12% of $85,000.
We still have a cash bail system in this country, which means Ashley’s freedom comes with a price tag – she and her family have exhausted their resources over the years fighting this wrongful conviction.
To be frank, we need YOU so that Ashley can remain free until she's fully vindicated of the charges.
We’ve set a goal to raise $10k to pay the bond, and if you see fit to help ease Ashley’s financial burden as she rebuilds her life after 12 years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, please help us reach our goal!
Per the opinion issued by the court:
"Moreover, the evidence that Albert and Ashley both shared a criminal intent...was underwhelming."
Further, the court ruled, "Because the Debelbots were denied the effective assistance of counsel at trial, their convictions are reversed. Judgments reversed. All the Justices concur."
On Friday, June 5, 2020, The same trial court in Muscogee County, GA that ordered Ashley to spend her life in prison, set bail again in her case at $160,000, pending a new trial. This meant Ashley could be released from wrongful imprisonment – IF her family could raise a non-refundable amount of $10,200 to pay a bondsman. Luckily, they are only responsible for 12% of $85,000.
We still have a cash bail system in this country, which means Ashley’s freedom comes with a price tag – she and her family have exhausted their resources over the years fighting this wrongful conviction.
To be frank, we need YOU so that Ashley can remain free until she's fully vindicated of the charges.
We’ve set a goal to raise $10k to pay the bond, and if you see fit to help ease Ashley’s financial burden as she rebuilds her life after 12 years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, please help us reach our goal!
Co-organizers (2)
Nicole Harrison
Organizer
Landover, MD
Felicia Lusane
Co-organizer