Derek Chauvin Seeks to Overturn Conviction of George Floyd Murder

Former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pinned George Floyd to the ground on May 25, 2020. The former police officer kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes, causing George Floyd to die at the scene. 

Chauvin was sentenced to 22 ½ years after jurors found him guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He later pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights charge. He is now serving a 22-year sentence in a federal prison in Arizona, which is concurrent with his state sentence. 

According to Oxygen, the former police officer seeks to appeal his murder convictions in state court, waiving his right to appeal under his federal plea deal.

Chauvin’s attorney, William Mohrman, argued that the extensive pre-trial publicity made it impossible for the former police officer to get a fair trial in 2021. According to People, Mohram wrote that the publicity, riots, and $27 million settlement with Floyd’s family were just some of the factors contributing to Chauvin’s unfair trial. 

Prosecutors, including state Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank and Neal Katyal, argued in their brief that Chauvin got a fair trial and a just sentence, according to Oxygen. 

Derek Chauvin will still be required to serve his federal sentence of 22 years even if he wins the state appeal. A successful appeal could set a precedent for future cases involving police officers.