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Court Error – Improperly Admitted Evidence

By: Derek Hawkins//July 12, 2017//

Court Error – Improperly Admitted Evidence

By: Derek Hawkins//July 12, 2017//

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7th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: United States of America v. William J. Mabie

Case No.: 15-1899 & 16-2432

Officials: EASTERBROOK, KANNE, and SYKES, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Court Error – Improperly Admitted Evidence

This consolidated appeal involves two criminal cases from the Southern District of Illinois. In the first case—which we call the “threat case,” numbered 15-1899 on appeal—William Mabie was convicted of sending threatening letters through the mail. In the second case— which we call the “assault case,” numbered 16-2432 on appeal—Mabie was convicted of assaulting a deputy United States marshal. Mabie received lengthy prison terms in both cases.

Mabie brings multiple challenges on appeal. Specifically, he contends that, in the threat case, the district court improperly admitted evidence under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b). He also argues that, in the assault case, the district court erred by refusing to allow him to proceed pro se and by forcing him to attend trial after he had waived his right to be present in the courtroom. Finally, he claims that he received unreasonable sentences in both cases. We reject these arguments and affirm Mabie’s convictions and sentences.

Affirmed

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Attorney Derek A. Hawkins is the managing partner at Hawkins Law Offices LLC, where he heads up the firm’s startup law practice. He specializes in business formation, corporate governance, intellectual property protection, private equity and venture capital funding and mergers & acquisitions. Check out the website at www.hawkins-lawoffices.com or contact them at 262-737-8825.

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