O.J. Simpson files notice of appeal

May 28, 1997
Web posted at: 9:55 p.m. EDT (0155 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- As expected, lawyers for O.J. Simpson formally filed a notice of appeal Wednesday for a new trial, hoping to overturn a civil jury verdict holding the former football star liable in the slayings of his ex-wife and her friend.

Attorney Daniel Leonard said the filing sets the stage for a new phase of Simpson's legal battle. "This is the last piece of paper that will be filed in the trial court," he said. "It puts the trial court and the court of appeal on notice."

At a later date, Simpson's lawyers will file a lengthy brief detailing why they will seek an appeal.

His lawyers lost the first legal round when the judge in the civil trial refused to set aside the jury decision or reduce the $33.5 million damage award. It could take nine months or more before a higher court actually hears arguments in the case, and longer than that before reaching a decision. Or the appeals court could decide to let the lower court decision stand without giving a reason.

Simpson was acquitted of criminal murder charges in the stabbing and slashing deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The families of the victims sued him, and a civil court jury in February found him responsible for the deaths.

Plaintiffs in the civil trial have been trying to collect on the damage awards by seizing Simpson's assets. His Brentwood home is in foreclosure, and he has said he has no income. At a recent hearing, Simpson said he didn't know the whereabouts of many of his possessions, including his Heisman Trophy, which he won as the nation's top college football player in 1968.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.  

Special Section

• Simpson Civil Trial

• Video Almanac: 1994 - O.J. Simpson charged with murder
• Video Almanac: 1995 - Simpson aquitted
• Video Almanac: 1996 - Simpson civil trial
• Video Almanac: 1997 - Simpson liable for deaths

Related stories:

• Simpson quizzed on assets - May 15, 1997
• Simpson transfers assets awarded to plaintiffs - March 31, 1997
• O.J. watches as deputies take golf clubs, other possessions - March 28, 1997
• Simpson must turn over Heisman, $500,000 in valuables - March 27, 1997

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