Latest news with #SixthCourtofAppeals
Fox News
12-02-2025
- Fox News
Super Bowl champion Dana Stubblefield freed from prison after rape conviction gets overturned
Super Bowl champion and former San Francisco 49ers star Dana Stubblefield was released from prison Tuesday after his 2020 rape conviction was vacated by a California appeals court. Stubblefield, who is Black, had his conviction overturned after the Sixth Court of Appeals determined prosecutors had made racially discriminatory statements during his trial. The Sixth Court of Appeals found that the prosecutor violated California's Racial Justice Act of 2020, which was passed during the summer of racial injustice after the police killing George Floyd. Prosecutors said during the trial that police had never searched Stubblefield's house and had never introduced a gun into evidence, saying it was because he was a famous Black man, and it would "open up a storm of controversy," according to the appeals court's decision. The court said that by determining that Stubblefield's race had been a factor in law enforcement's decision to forgo searching his house, prosecutors had implied that the house would have been searched and that a gun would not have been found had Stubblefield not been Black. Stubblefield has remained in prison since December because a lower court judge said he didn't have the jurisdiction to grant bail or release. Stubblefield's release was granted after the state attorney general's office and appeals office weighed in. Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Hector Ramon granted Stubblefield's release Friday. Stubblefield had served nearly four years of his 15-year sentence. "Finally, an innocent man is no longer sitting in a cage away from his family," Stubblefield's defense attorney, Kenneth Rosenfeld, said in a statement. Stubblefield was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in October 2020, when he was convicted of raping a developmentally disabled woman in 2015 who prosecutors said he lured to his home with a promise of a babysitting job. Defense attorneys argued no rape occurred and that Stubblefield said the woman consented to sex in exchange for money. Stubblefield played in the NFL for 11 years and was named defensive rookie of the year with the 49ers in 1993. The three-time Pro Bowler was named defensive player of the year in 1997 after recording 15 sacks. After five seasons with the 49ers, Stubblefield played for the Washington Redskins for three seasons before rejoining the 49ers for two more seasons. After his second stint with the 49ers, Stubblefield played one season for the Oakland Raiders before retiring after the 2003 season. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-49er Dana Stubblefield freed from prison after rape conviction overturned
A judge has granted the release of former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield after his 2020 rape conviction was vacated by a California appeals court last December. The Sixth Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of the Stubblefield, who is Black, after determining that prosecutors had made racially discriminatory statements during his trial. However, Stubblefield remained in prison because a lower court judge said he didn't have the jurisdiction to grant bail or release. After the state attorney general's office and the appeals court weighed in, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Hector Ramon granted Stubblefield's release Friday from the state prison where he has served close to four years of a 15-year sentence. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'Finally, an innocent man is no longer sitting in a cage away from his family,' said Stubblefield's defense attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld in a statement. Stubblefield was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in October 2020 after being convicted of raping a woman in 2015 who prosecutors said he lured to his home with the promise of a babysitting job. Defense attorneys argued that no rape occurred, and Stubblefield said the woman consented to sex in exchange for money. Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerny objected to Stubblefield's release at Friday's hearing and said his office plans to re-file charges, The Mercury News reported. 'A jury unanimously found Mr. Stubblefield guilty of raping a woman at gunpoint, he was given an appropriate sentence, and we felt that justice had been served," Assistant District Attorney Terry Harman said in a statement. "That justice has been interrupted and although we are disappointed that the judge released Mr. Stubblefield from custody while we await a decision from the California Supreme Court, we remain focused on the sexual assault that occurred, the victim, and the need for accountability and community safety.' The Sixth Court of Appeals found that prosecutors violated the California Racial Justice Act of 2020, a law passed during a summer of protest over the police killing of George Floyd. The measure bars prosecutors from seeking a criminal conviction or imposing a sentence on the basis of race. The appeals court said prosecutors used 'racially discriminatory language' that required them to overturn Stubblefield's conviction. 'The entire trial was infected with error and bias from the start," Rosenfeld said. 'This was a consensual, transactional encounter, and (Stubblefield) lost years of his life due to a flagrantly biased trial that blocked critical evidence and allowed prejudice and racial bias into the courtroom.' Rosenfeld said prosecutors used 'prejudicial racial tropes' and called Stubblefield a 'large Black man' in front of the jury during his trial. The terms of his supervised release include wearing an ankle monitor, not possessing firearms, and being barred from contacting the reported rape victim. Stubblefield began his 11-year lineman career in the NFL with the 49ers in 1993 as the league's defensive rookie of the year. He later won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997 before leaving the team to play for Washington. He returned to the Bay Area to finish his career, playing with the 49ers in 2000-01 and the Raiders in 2003.
The Independent
11-02-2025
- The Independent
Ex-49er Dana Stubblefield freed from prison after rape conviction overturned
A judge has granted the release of former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield after his 2020 rape conviction was vacated by a California appeals court last December. The Sixth Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of the Stubblefield, who is Black, after determining that prosecutors had made racially discriminatory statements during his trial. However, Stubblefield remained in prison because a lower court judge said he didn't have the jurisdiction to grant bail or release. After the state attorney general's office and the appeals court weighed in, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Hector Ramon granted Stubblefield's release Friday from the state prison where he has served close to four years of a 15-year sentence. 'Finally, an innocent man is no longer sitting in a cage away from his family,' said Stubblefield's defense attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld in a statement. Stubblefield was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in October 2020 after being convicted of raping a woman in 2015 who prosecutors said he lured to his home with the promise of a babysitting job. Defense attorneys argued that no rape occurred, and Stubblefield said the woman consented to sex in exchange for money. Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerny objected to Stubblefield's release at Friday's hearing and said his office plans to re-file charges, The Mercury News reported. 'A jury unanimously found Mr. Stubblefield guilty of raping a woman at gunpoint, he was given an appropriate sentence, and we felt that justice had been served," Assistant District Attorney Terry Harman said in a statement. "That justice has been interrupted and although we are disappointed that the judge released Mr. Stubblefield from custody while we await a decision from the California Supreme Court, we remain focused on the sexual assault that occurred, the victim, and the need for accountability and community safety.' The Sixth Court of Appeals found that prosecutors violated the California Racial Justice Act of 2020, a law passed during a summer of protest over the police killing of George Floyd. The measure bars prosecutors from seeking a criminal conviction or imposing a sentence on the basis of race. The appeals court said prosecutors used 'racially discriminatory language' that required them to overturn Stubblefield's conviction. 'The entire trial was infected with error and bias from the start," Rosenfeld said. 'This was a consensual, transactional encounter, and (Stubblefield) lost years of his life due to a flagrantly biased trial that blocked critical evidence and allowed prejudice and racial bias into the courtroom.' Rosenfeld said prosecutors used 'prejudicial racial tropes' and called Stubblefield a 'large Black man' in front of the jury during his trial. The terms of his supervised release include wearing an ankle monitor, not possessing firearms, and being barred from contacting the reported rape victim. Stubblefield began his 11-year lineman career in the NFL with the 49ers in 1993 as the league's defensive rookie of the year. He later won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997 before leaving the team to play for Washington. He returned to the Bay Area to finish his career, playing with the 49ers in 2000-01 and the Raiders in 2003.
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- Associated Press
Ex-49er Dana Stubblefield freed from prison after rape conviction overturned
A judge has granted the release of former San Francisco 49er Dana Stubblefield after his 2020 rape conviction was vacated by a California appeals court last December. The Sixth Court of Appeals overturned the conviction of the Stubblefield, who is Black, after determining that prosecutors had made racially discriminatory statements during his trial. However, Stubblefield remained in prison because a lower court judge said he didn't have the jurisdiction to grant bail or release. After the state attorney general's office and the appeals court weighed in, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Hector Ramon granted Stubblefield's release Friday from the state prison where he has served close to four years of a 15-year sentence. 'Finally, an innocent man is no longer sitting in a cage away from his family,' said Stubblefield's defense attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld in a statement. Stubblefield was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in October 2020 after being convicted of raping a woman in 2015 who prosecutors said he lured to his home with the promise of a babysitting job. Defense attorneys argued that no rape occurred, and Stubblefield said the woman consented to sex in exchange for money. Deputy District Attorney Tim McInerny objected to Stubblefield's release at Friday's hearing and said his office plans to re-file charges, The Mercury News reported. 'A jury unanimously found Mr. Stubblefield guilty of raping a woman at gunpoint, he was given an appropriate sentence, and we felt that justice had been served,' Assistant District Attorney Terry Harman said in a statement. 'That justice has been interrupted and although we are disappointed that the judge released Mr. Stubblefield from custody while we await a decision from the California Supreme Court, we remain focused on the sexual assault that occurred, the victim, and the need for accountability and community safety.' The Sixth Court of Appeals found that prosecutors violated the California Racial Justice Act of 2020, a law passed during a summer of protest over the police killing of George Floyd. The measure bars prosecutors from seeking a criminal conviction or imposing a sentence on the basis of race. The appeals court said prosecutors used 'racially discriminatory language' that required them to overturn Stubblefield's conviction. 'The entire trial was infected with error and bias from the start,' Rosenfeld said. 'This was a consensual, transactional encounter, and (Stubblefield) lost years of his life due to a flagrantly biased trial that blocked critical evidence and allowed prejudice and racial bias into the courtroom.' Rosenfeld said prosecutors used 'prejudicial racial tropes' and called Stubblefield a 'large Black man' in front of the jury during his trial. The terms of his supervised release include wearing an ankle monitor, not possessing firearms, and being barred from contacting the reported rape victim. Stubblefield began his 11-year lineman career in the NFL with the 49ers in 1993 as the league's defensive rookie of the year. He later won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1997 before leaving the team to play for Washington. He returned to the Bay Area to finish his career, playing with the 49ers in 2000-01 and the Raiders in 2003.
Associated Press
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
After Conviction Thrown Out Due to Racial Bias, Friday 2/7/25 Hearing Set to Release Ex-49ers Stubblefield from Prison
Defense Attorneys Rosenfeld & Sawyer, who have represented Stubblefield since 2015 and helped prove racial bias, will argue for Stubblefield's immediate release 'This was a consensual, transactional encounter, yet Mr. Stubblefield has unjustly lost years of his life due to a flagrantly biased judicial process.' — Allen Sawyer SAN JOSE, CA, UNITED STATES, February 7, 2025 / / -- A hearing will take place on Friday, February 7th at 9:00 AM Pacific Standard Time to consider a motion for release from custody for ex-San Francisco 49ers star Dana Stubblefield, whose conviction and 15-year sentence were recently overturned by the California Sixth Court of Appeals, citing racial bias in his trial. The hearing to release Mr. Stubblefield, an innocent man guilty of no crime with his conviction overturned, will take place at California Superior Court Department 23, located at 190-200 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA. Mr. Stubblefield will be in attendance at Friday's hearing (Santa Clara County, Case No. F1660022). Last month, the Superior Court declined to rule on Mr. Stubblefield's release, citing a belief that the Superior Court did not have jurisdiction to hold a bail hearing for Mr. Stubblefield, arguing that the case was still under the purview of the Sixth Court of Appeals. Defense Attorneys Kenneth Rosenfeld and Allen Sawyer, who have represented Stubblefield since 2015 and helped prove racial bias and prejudice in this wrongful conviction, objected to the ruling in a petition to the Sixth Court of Appeals. On January 30th, the Court of Appeals ruled the Superior Court in fact has jurisdiction to hear a motion for release for Mr. Stubblefield. The California State Attorney General's Office also submitted an opinion noting the Superior Court had jurisdiction to hear the motion to release Mr. Stubblefield. Rosenfeld and Sawyer helped prove Stubblefield's trial was infected with errors allowed by the judge from the beginning of proceedings, and on December 26, 2024, the Sixth Court of Appeals issued a definitive, unanimous ruling overturning the conviction. On Friday, Rosenfeld and Sawyer will argue for his release after three years of imprisonment. 'He should be released right now. He is not guilty of any crime and has been sitting in a cell for three years based on a wrongful conviction that has now been thrown out by a forceful, unanimous ruling from the Court of Appeals,' said Rosenfeld. Further, the judge in Stubblefield's case blocked the admission of key police evidence and the accuser's confession that she was a paid sex worker with her own website and business operation and separately admitted to charging clients the exact amount, to the dollar, she charged Mr. Stubblefield. This evidence was directly relevant to the case and the jury should have been able to review it, considering Mr. Stubblefield's testimony detailing the interaction was a paid, consensual transaction. 'There was extreme bias throughout this case, and the judge allowed all of it—from blocking evidence that showed the woman involved was a sex worker by trade with her own website; to Mr. Stubblefield being physically paraded in front of the jury in a concealed box like an animal, under the guise of COVID 'precautions'; to the use of prejudicial racial tropes in front of the jury,' said Rosenfeld. 'The judge allowed it all. I lost count of the number of times our client was called a 'large black man.'' 'This was a consensual, transactional encounter, yet Mr. Stubblefield has unjustly lost years of his life due to a flagrantly biased judicial process,' said Sawyer. 'We earnestly hope Mr. Stubblefield is released on Friday and that the prosecution will take the necessary steps to rectify this injustice and drop the charges against Mr. Stubblefield.' Further, the prosecution attempted to frame the accuser as developmentally disabled, which the judge allowed, in part via admission of an IQ test. The accuser's primary language is Spanish, and the IQ test was administered in English. The jury in the trial rejected all claims of disability and dismissed those related charges. About Kenneth Rosenfeld and Allen Sawyer The Rosenfeld Law Firm and The Law Offices of Allen Sawyer are located in Sacramento, Stockton, and San Jose. As California criminal defense lawyers, Kenneth Rosenfeld and Allen Sawyer aggressively defend a wide range of cases, from first-degree murder to driving under the influence (DUI defense), with a specialty in defending sex offense cases and political corruption cases. As criminal law commentators, Rosenfeld and Sawyer have each made a number of appearances on television and radio, including national media. Their criminal defense law firms practice federal criminal defense and juvenile defense, as well as appellate law, prison law, and mental health law. The Rosenfeld Law Firm Websites: Kenneth L. Rosenfeld The Rosenfeld Law Firm +1 916-447-2070 X LinkedIn YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
