Andre Brown, a man who had his conviction overturned after spending more than half of his sentence in jail, might be sent back to prison due to a legal technicality just after three years of gaining his freedom. Brown, who was sentenced to 40 years in 1999 for two counts of attempted murder but always claimed innocence, was released in 2022 by a Bronx judge citing ineffective assistance of counsel, allowing him to start a new life in Connecticut with his two children.
Imagine the heartbreak of being released from prison after 23 years only to face the possibility of returning due to a legal loophole. Brown, who turned his life around by working with youth after his release, received a shock when the Appellate Division reinstated his conviction, forcing him to serve the remaining 17 years of his sentence. The victims’ families have opposed Brown’s clemency petition, which is still under review by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Brown, who feels like the forgotten victim in this case, expressed his fear of returning to prison despite not committing the crime. The urgency of the situation is evident as the deadline for Brown to surrender approaches on Friday. His attorneys are pleading for more time to present his case to the governor and reconsider his sentence, arguing that a 40-year term for attempted murder is outdated and unnecessary in today’s society.
The emotional toll on Brown and his family is evident as he faces the possibility of being imprisoned once again, leaving his loved ones behind. Despite his terror of returning to confinement, Brown remains hopeful for a positive outcome. The case is set to be heard in court on Friday, with the fate of Andre Brown hanging in the balance.
