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Will Derek Chauvin appeal 22.5-year sentence? Judge Peter Cahill's 22-page memo may defeat it

Chauvin is widely expected to appeal after the defense had asked for probation and had unsuccessfully sought a retrial before the sentencing.

Former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was awarded 22.5 years behind bars on Friday, June 25, for the May 25, 2020 death of Geroge Floyd. Chauvin's sentencing came after in April, he was convicted of several charges, including second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for the tragic death of the Black man. He is widely expected to appeal after the defense had asked for probation and had unsuccessfully sought a retrial before the sentencing.

While sentencing him, Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill said, “This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd. What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy, but at the same time I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies.”

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Can Derek Chauvin appeal his sentence?

According to reports, Chauvin will have 90 days to appeal his sentencing. Before being sentenced, he was given a chance to speak for himself, but he chose not to say much. The former police officer told the court, “I'm not able to give a full formal statement at this time...I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There's going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest, and I hope things will give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”

It has been said that if Chauvin and his defense team appeal, then the Minnesota Court of Appeals will have a year to give its decision. Earlier in April, after Chauvin was found guilty, reports stated that many experts believed the odds were not in his favor. Also, people’s anger toward Chauvin and sympathies towards the Floyd family was expected to be a big hurdle in overturning or reducing the sentencing.

‘Another moment of real accountability on the road to justice’

After the June 25 sentencing, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison expressed his happiness by saying, “Today's sentencing is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice. The outcome of this case is critically important, but by itself it’s not enough.” He also urged to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act as he noted “Lives are depending upon it,” before sending out a message to law enforcement leaders.

Ellison added: “By bringing accountability in law enforcement, you actually promote public safety.” Bridgett Floyd, George Floyd’s sister, said, “The sentence handed down today to the Minneapolis police officer who killed my brother George Floyd shows that matters of police brutality are finally being taken seriously. However, we have a long way to go and many changes to make before Black and Brown people finally feel like they are being treated fairly and humanely by law enforcement in this country.”

'It's definitely not over' says Twitter

Meanwhile, people on Twitter also reacted to the sentencing and predicted an appeal from Chauvin’s side. One user tweeted, “Not surprised by the 22+ year sentence for Derek Chauvin. He was convicted on all charges by a jury no doubt terrified by what might happen with a verdict of anything less. A new trial on appeal seems highly likely.” Another one said, “Derek Chauvin gets 22.5 years. At 45 years old. He will be released at the age of 66.5 years. He can't ever own a gun, will be listed as a predator for life. The judge created a 22 page legal explanation which will likely be important in defeating Chauvin's appeal.” “22 years for Derek Chauvin, he'll be banging in an appeal right away. Now I'm not sure but I think the judges are usually recommended to give 12-15 for 2nd degree murder. And I also think his lawyer wants to appeal the impartiality of the jury. It's definitely not over,” a third social media user added.