The New Jersey Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of a man who walked into a bank in Camden and left with $4,600. Damon Williams slipped the teller a note that said: "Please all the money 100 50 20 10...Thank You." There was no threat of violence or weapon. During closing arguments at Williams trial a Camden County Prosecutor used an iconic picture of Jack Nicholson from the movie "The Shining" to get a conviction on the more serious charge of "robbery" instead of "theft." To be convicted of "robbery" a threat of violence must be a part of taking what doesn't belong to you. Over objections from Williams defense attorney, the judge in the case allowed the prosecutor to use the picture to make his case for a robbery conviction because "actions speak louder than words." The jury went along with the prosecution finding Williams guilty of the more serious charge. He has been in state prison since 2017. Yesterday, New Jersey's Supreme Court ruled the prosecutor should not have been allowed to use the photo. The high court's decision was unanimous. Justice Lee Solomon writing: Prosecutors must walk a fine line when making comparisons whether implicit or explicit, between a defendant and an individual whom the jury associates with violence or guilt. Williams sentence has now been vacated and he will get a new trial.
Source: NJ.COM