Discrimination by the state.. Is there anything i can do?

[heyitsdan03]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio

A few years back in May 2008 i was in possession of a couple stolen credit cards that i used to purchase various things like TV's, computers, iPods, and other expensive electronics. I had a friend with me when i was at the store to purchase all the items. He knew everything that was going on and came along to help me. After we purchased the items we stored them at his house. When i got caught and arrested, the police had surveillance photos of us at the register, walking out the door together, and photos of the car we were in. After i was arrested, we went strait to his house, where they confiscated all the items. I was prosecuted but he was not. I did 3 years in state prison for that and he didn't even get charged with a crime. When i was talking to my lawyer i asked him if he had been arrested or charged and his response was "They don't want him they only want you." I think this is unacceptable that the state just chose to ignore his role in the crimes and put all the fall on me. Is there anything i can do?

 

[Zigner]

Sure - go forth and sin no more.

 

[cbg]

You mean, can you force the state to prosecute your friend? Or maybe sue them for not doing so?

No to both.

 

[ecmst12]

You're the one who actually committed the crimes. He may have come along for the ride, but proving that as a crime sounds to be more trouble than it would be worth for the prosecutor. And at this point, the SOL has probably expired anyway.

 

[swalsh411]

It's possible your friend gave the police information that they used against you. It's possible the DA looked at it and decided he would not be able to prove every element of the crime.

 

[stealth2]

I would be willing to bet that your "friend" decided to make a deal.