He has nothing to lose by appealing. He might at least get a charge thrown out, as Mohamed Noor did. And he has numerous grounds to ask for a new trial. Just as one example, an activist lied to get on the jury.
Appeal judges are always reluctant to grant a new trial, but when you're facing long years in prison, it's worth a shot.
It's best he doesn't get one. He would have less chance than I'd have of walking free of hate speech charges with a female judge.
Public defenders are for people the state wants free. They will influence the decision towards what the state wants.
He has nothing to lose by appealing. He might at least get a charge thrown out, as Mohamed Noor did. And he has numerous grounds to ask for a new trial. Just as one example, an activist lied to get on the jury.
Appeal judges are always reluctant to grant a new trial, but when you're facing long years in prison, it's worth a shot.