Jabbar Collins spent 15 years in prison for the murder a rabbi. Throughout the legal process, Collins maintained his innocence. While incarcerated, the convicted murderer researched the law and his case. Collins conducted witness interviews and drafted appeals, all in an effort to one day prove his innocence.
According to this New York Times article, after years of working to prove his innocence on his own, Collins hired attorney Joel B. Rudin. Rudin filed a motion on Collins’ behalf, arguing that key material had been held by prosecutors and they knowingly presented false evidence testimony during the trial. As a result of such efforts, the District Attorney’s office agreed to clear Mr. Collins name and under the Unjust Conviction Act, the parties agreed to a $3.5 settlement.
Collins’ settlement represents only one of many the New York City District Attorney’s office has settled since 2000. In total, 66 wrongful-conviction claims have been settled, Collins’ being the seventh largest.
Mr Collins, who works as a paralegal now, had this to say regarding his post incarceration, “I still have nightmares. Waking up and thinking that I’m still there, that I was dreaming about this part of my life.”
If you or someone you know has been falsely arrested, the team at Radford & Keebaugh can help. Contact us by phone at (678) 369-3609 or use our contact form.