JUDGE LAND"S DECISION
If Judge Land feels Don has a chance for the 11th Circuit to grant him a new trial, then it's pretty certain he will release him. That means Don will be at home with his family for the Holidays. If he is at home then he will be able to rest and rejuvenate, get some much needed nourishment, reunite with his family and friends and his dog and enjoy life on the outside of prison . . . and can go into the courtroom in Atlanta on January 13th with a sense of restored health and dignity.
DON ENTERS THE COURTROOM
On Monday he was led into the courtroom from the wings, in a red, faded jumpsuit with the words "County Jail" on the back. His hands were shackled to his waist and ankles. His hair was not brushed, he had a few days of stubble on a face that was thinner than usual. Someone said he was about 20 lbs underweight.
For the first several minutes, Don did not acknowledge the friends and family sitting behind him. But then he turned around, before the judge entered the courtroom, and seemed to want to make eye contact with each individual there. Lifting his shackled hands he blew his wife a kiss and tried to wave to all his family and friends. For the rest of the hearing he was focused on what was in front of him.
An intern on the case sat next to him, occasionally putting his hand on Don's back to whisper something to him. That intern was Joseph Siegelman, Don's son. Joseph was just a kid when this nightmare started. Now he is a lawyer who has been a great asset on Don's legal team.
Maybe cautiously optimistic is the best anyone can feel this week, until Judge Land issues his decision.
Keep the fire burning, we'll be back to let you know his status!
Peace,
Sharron
Friends of Don Siegelman
