The Plainsboro-based group “Support Dharun Ravi” is stepping up its fundraising efforts in view of the lengthy appeals process — and the associated high cost of an appeals lawyer — now facing the Ravi family.
After 22 months of paying New Brunswick-based attorney Steven Altman to defend Ravi in the initial case, SupportDharunRavi.com reported that the family has heard from “qualified appeals attorneys” who are asking for a minimum retainer fee ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
A mass E-mail and Facebook message was sent by SupportDharunRavi.com on Wednesday, July 11. A photo of Ravi outside his Plainsboro home accompanied the request for donations. “Please join us in this new effort to raise the money that will allow Dharun to win his appeal and reclaim his life. Join us to show the prosecutor once and for all that we, the people, stand with One Voice and we will not tolerate this misuse of the justice system,” the E-mail reads. “Thank you for standing with us again.”
Immediately after Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman handed down Ravi’s 30-day jail sentence (which was automatically cut by 10 days for good behavior), Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure said an appeal would follow. On Wednesday, May 23, McClure filed papers with the clerk of the Appellate Division of Superior Court.
On June 11, Altman filed an appeal of Ravi’s conviction on the counts of bias intimidation, invasion of privacy, hindering his own apprehension, and tampering with evidence.
The appeal process could take more than two years while a three-judge panel obtains the necessary documents. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a minimum five-year sentence for Ravi.
Anyone interested in mailing a check to support Ravi and his family’s future court costs can send it to: Dharun Ravi, 10 Schalks Crossing Road, Suite 501-700, Plainsboro 08536. The group also urges supporters to call the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office: 732-745-3332, ext. 3333, or E-mail Prosecutor@co.middlesex.nj.us or bruce.kaplan@co.middlesex.nj.us.
