Alvin Thomas is a federal inmate incarcerated in Kentucky, sentenced to 20-years imprisonment for cocaine distribution and possession. During the course of the prosecution, government lawyers initiated asset forfeiture proceedings against his property. Mr. Thomas asserts that because those efforts prevented him from using his assets to hire an attorney of his choice, the government has unconstitutionally impaired his right to counsel. Following its initial Conference, the U.S. Supreme Court requested a response from the government (Case No. 11-813, find the docket here).
Mr. Thomas has asked us to post his briefs:
Petition, filed on December 27, 2011
Reply, filed on May 14, 2012
We have also posted a link to the government’s response:
Brief in Opposition, filed May 2, 2012
The case is scheduled for another Conference on May 31st.