Ahead of June 25th sentencing hearing, the attorney for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed a motion seeking a lesser sentence in the murder of George Floyd.
Recall that in April, Derek was convicted on counts of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 2020 death.
Judge Peter Cahill scheduled Chauvin’s sentencing hearing for June 25. He previously indicated that he will consider aggravating factors to potentially issue a sentence that is longer than the recommendations under state guidelines.
Derek’s attorney Eric Nelson in defense requests “a strict probationary sentence, along with a period of incarceration equal to the time he has already served. In the alternative, Mr. Chauvin respectfully requests that the Court grant him a downward durational departure.”
Eric claims there are several “compelling circumstances” to warrant a sentence of probation, including Chauvin’s lack of a previous criminal record; a preliminary diagnosis of heart damage for Chauvin; and the average shorter life expectancy for police officers. Nelson also cites Chauvin’s “respectful” attitude in court and cooperation throughout the trial “in the face of unparalleled public scorn and scrutiny.”
Nelson’s motion also claims the aggravating factors for a greater sentence are “unwarranted.”
