Former Sooner QB's Conviction Tossed
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes
Former OU QB Thompson's conviction overturned: [Charles] Thompson, who was arrested at the height of his college football career at OU for dealing cocaine, recently won the battle to clear his name in a public intoxication case when the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously reversed his conviction and threw out a $69 fine, citing a lack of evidence. "A lot of people thought it was a small matter in terms of a fine, but it was a big matter in terms of my reputation,” Thompson said. "I never should have been arrested.” At trial in January 2007, five witnesses testified there was no alcohol in the room and that Thompson had not been drinking. But a city judge believed the officers and found Thompson guilty. He was fined $69. Thompson appealed the case, saying he wanted to clear his name. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously reversed the city court's decision. An opinion written by Judge David B. Lewis said the evidence in the case did not support a conviction because the city failed to prove Thompson was drunk in a public place. Thompson said he feels vindicated by the decision. Oklahoma City officials declined to comment. Thompson thanked his attorney, Mike Johnson, who said he waived legal fees to challenge the case because Thompson is a friend. (The Oklahoman)
Former OU QB Thompson's conviction overturned: [Charles] Thompson, who was arrested at the height of his college football career at OU for dealing cocaine, recently won the battle to clear his name in a public intoxication case when the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously reversed his conviction and threw out a $69 fine, citing a lack of evidence. "A lot of people thought it was a small matter in terms of a fine, but it was a big matter in terms of my reputation,” Thompson said. "I never should have been arrested.” At trial in January 2007, five witnesses testified there was no alcohol in the room and that Thompson had not been drinking. But a city judge believed the officers and found Thompson guilty. He was fined $69. Thompson appealed the case, saying he wanted to clear his name. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously reversed the city court's decision. An opinion written by Judge David B. Lewis said the evidence in the case did not support a conviction because the city failed to prove Thompson was drunk in a public place. Thompson said he feels vindicated by the decision. Oklahoma City officials declined to comment. Thompson thanked his attorney, Mike Johnson, who said he waived legal fees to challenge the case because Thompson is a friend. (The Oklahoman)
Labels: Charles Thompson, Former Sooner
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