At National Appellate Clinic, we understand that legal cases can be overwhelming and daunting. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing exceptional legal aid services designed to provide support to individuals and organizations that find themselves amidst complex litigation matters. We leverage our knowledge and experience in the legal industry to give our clients the best possible chance of achieving favorable results.
Numbers forever etched in Omar Pouncy's mind: "10 years, 5 months, and 14 days." It's the precise duration he spent in prison. On Monday, the count ceased as he exited federal court in Detroit, accompanied by his grandmother and lawyer. "I was supposed to return home at 105; instead, I'm back at 28," Pouncy said. Despite the suffering, he believes everyone endures hardship uniquely. Pouncy, from Flint, traces the ordeal to 2005 when convicted of armed robbery and carjacking in a Genesee County court. At 18, he had to self-represent after the judge denied hiring his own attorney. "Forced into that position, representing oneself is often seen as foolish," Pouncy remarked.
During his incarceration, he maintained innocence, dedicating thousands of hours to studying law. David Moffitt, a Detroit-based attorney, eventually believed him. "He spent 10 years in prison unjustly, but it was the harshest law school experience one could endure," Moffitt noted. Together, they prepared Pouncy's appeal and presented it to a federal judge for review.
On Monday, the judge ruled that Pouncy's rights were violated. "The federal judge declared it, saying I was steamrolled at 18 when forced to self-represent—unheard of," Pouncy expressed. Released on a $10,000 bond with stringent conditions, including wearing a tether and travel restrictions, Pouncy must now work at Moffitt's law firm per the judge's order. "Having a federal judge mandate someone work for you is unique," Moffitt remarked.
Within 48 hours of release, Pouncy has a new office at the law firm and aspires to attend law school. "I can't waste a minute; it's already been taken away," he emphasized.