DETROIT – "White Boy" Rick Wershe has spent nearly 30 years behind bars since he was convicted of possessing more than 650 grams of cocaine in 1988.
He has been denied opportunities at parole during his prison stay, but on Thursday, he is finally meeting with a parole board for a hearing about his possible release.
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This is one step toward a chance at freedom for Wershe, but what can come out of Thursday's hearing?
LIVE UPDATES: 'White Boy' Rick Wershe parole hearing
Wershe's attorney, Ralph Musilli, is with him as he testifies in front of parole board members, who will also have an opportunity to question Wershe at the hearing. Two members of the parole board and Assistant Attorney General Scott Rothenal are the officials hearing Wershe's case.
After questioning, Musilli can call more witnesses, and the public is allowed to comment.
When the hearing ends, the transcripts will be collected and sent to the parole board for review. A decision on Wershe's possible release will not be made at Thursday's hearing.
The earliest date that a decision could be made is July 9, the next scheduled parole board meeting. At that meeting, the board members could decide to approve or deny Wershe's parole or ask for more time and push the decision back to their August meeting.
If the parole board votes to release Wershe at one of their meetings, it will take 29 additional days for Wershe to be released from prison.
The Local 4 Defenders have full coverage of the developments. Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.
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