Buju Banton’s lawyer argues for new trial, to hear decision in coming weeks

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Buju Banton 2014Oral arguments in favour of a new trial for incarcerated reggae/dancehall legend, Mark Myrie, more popularly known as Buju Banton have finally been made, with the Grammy-winning singjay possibly having to wait until next February to know his fate.

Buju’s lawyer, Charles Ogletree made the arguments during a hearing inside a Georgia circuit court on Thursday as he attempts to overturn the musician’s 10-year conviction on drug charges. His arguments are based on inconsistencies with the case, citing findings that a juror in the case researched aspects of Buju’s case while it was on trial in February 2011, as well as alleging that he was entrapped by a paid U.S. informant, thus compromising the integrity of the case.

 The arguments were initially granted in August following an appeal three months earlier asking for a new trial. However, according to Ogletree, in an interview with IRIE FM, they may have to wait up to two months for a decision in the matter.

 “I don’t know how the court’s going to rule,” he told the radio station. “It’s still December. We expect a decision in several weeks. It may be February before they decide, but we’re holding out hope that we’ll get a reversal and that will create the opportunity for a new trial.”

 Last week there were reports that Buju requested to be released and deported to his native Jamaica following a recent shift in sentencing  guidelines for drug offenses. However, Ogletree shot down that the request would be successful as he believed the entertainer was not eligible to take advantage of the new guidelines.

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