NEW YORK (AP) - An appeals court has ruled that a New York City man can go forward with his lawsuit against the city even though he pleaded guilty in the case.
Michael Poventud served nine years in prison before his 2005 conviction for attempted murder and robbery was reversed on grounds authorities withheld evidence from his lawyers.
Poventud opted to plead to a lesser charge of attempted robbery rather than face another trial.
He was released in 2006 and filed a federal lawsuit. He alleged police violated his constitutional right to due process.
In 2012, a federal judge dismissed his lawsuit, ruling the law prohibited him from seeking compensation.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday ruled that Poventud’s lawsuit can go forward.
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