Contact: Jason Yanna
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April 29, 2010
In a legal system that values presumption of innocence, lives can still be ruined
After allegedly striking a drunken, angry man that he could not avoid with his vehicle in South Eastern Massachusetts, Jason Yanna from Virginia has been pulled through a travesty of the legal system which has since ruined his life.
On a business trip far away from home, Mr. Yanna allegedly hit a drunken man who ran into the road after the man had been arguing with his wife. Traveling 10 miles an hour under the speed limit, Mr. Yanna could still not avoid the drunken man, who ended up having massive head trauma.
On April 23, 2009, Mr. Yanna was charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Summoned to appear on June 4th, 2009, the case was dismissed without prejudice, however on the same day, a new citation was issued to Mr. Yanna for the same charge.
Up until June 12th, Mr. Yanna was able to continue work, but not allowed to drive for his job because of the court case. On July 8th of 2009, he was placed on unpaid leave.
Despite having all charges dropped by the police department, the District Attorney is still pushing the case, and has called several pre-trial hearings which have only lead to even more hearings, still leaving Mr. Yanna in limbo and out of work. With the hearings in Massachusetts, Mr. Yanna must make the drive from Virginia for each one.
Over one calendar year has passed and the issue is still being dragged through the court system. With no previous criminal record, and out of work, Mr. Yanna has had to sell everything of value in order to survive and now stands to lose his house.
Mr. Yanna's right to a speedy trial has yet again been delayed with a tentative continuance date of July 17th 2010.
Innocent until proven guilty, but essentailly imprisoned by an ineffective court system.
