Johnson v. Commonwealth

By JUDGE MELVIN R. HUGHES, JR.

As you know, this case involves plaintiff’s claims for damages for false imprisonment and denial of due process and equal protection.

Plaintiff was convicted in the City of Petersburg Circuit Court in 1973 of malicious wounding and attempted murder. Prior to trial, plaintiff’s sanity had been questioned, and he was held in Central State Hospital for approximately one year before being adjudged competent to stand trial. Upon conviction the Judge (as best this Court can determine and according to the parties’ briefs) deferred sentencing for fifteen years upon good…