Selgado’s Attorney Says State Should Utilize Client’s Training as Part of  Punishment  

Former Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser, in her testimony as a diabetic, spoke to the challenges that diabetics such as Selgado endure, and how prison life adds to those challenges. Saldivar said that in a case like this, where the convicted is a trained expert in a field of study, the state should use their training to the benefit of others as a part of their punishment, rather than to tolerate jeopardizing their lives.

 

Arthur Saldivar, Attorney for Oscar Selgado

“She spoke as only she can, about the challenges of diabetes and why it is from her expert and knowledgeable point of view, the prison would not be the best place for Oscar Selgado. We must remember, apart from being the former chief magistrate of this country, Ms. Fraser sat on the Parole Board at Kolby for quite a number of years, so she is intimately in tune and knowledgeable about the conditions of the prison and its capabilities. A part of sentencing has to do with rehabilitation and reformation. Mr. Selgado has the real prospect of losing his livelihood, which is a very grave punishment in itself. What he also has, by virtue of the expertise that he has and the training that he has, is the ability to help a lot of poor people out here, not by coming to court for them, but by providing advice for them. So there should be other ways that we look at to punish him appropriately for this offense that has been committed, but without compromising his life and losing a resource that could otherwise be put to good use for the public at large.”

 

The proceeding was adjourned until nine-thirty Friday morning.