Tag

Vacated Conviction

All articles tagged with #vacated conviction

legal2 years ago

"Trump's Bias Voided Bergdahl's Desertion Conviction"

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton has vacated the court-martial conviction and sentence of Bowe Bergdahl, the former soldier who admitted to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. The judge ruled that the appearance of bias was created when the military judge overseeing Bergdahl's case applied for a job in the Trump administration, while assuring attorneys that he was impervious to pressure from then-President Donald Trump. The ruling gives Bergdahl a clean slate, revoking his dishonorable discharge. The judge's actions were deemed misleading, and the case highlights the importance of maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice. The next legal steps are unclear, and it remains to be seen how the Army and Justice Department will respond to the ruling.

military2 years ago

Former US Soldier's Desertion Conviction Vacated by Judge

A federal judge has vacated the military conviction of former U.S. Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who pleaded guilty to desertion after leaving his post in Afghanistan and being captured and tortured by the Taliban. The judge ruled that the military judge overseeing the court-martial failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest, as he had applied for a job as an immigration judge. Former President Donald Trump's strong criticism of Bergdahl during the 2016 campaign was also cited as a factor. Bergdahl's lawyers argued that Trump's comments influenced the case.