O.J. Simpson likely to get a new trial?
(CBS News) Former football star O.J. Simpson took the witness stand in a Las Vegas courthouse on Wednesday, in a last-ditch effort to get a new trial after being convicted in 2008 for his part in an armed confrontation in a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson claims he didn't know his co-defendants were armed in their attempt to retrieve memorabilia he claims was his.
Simpson is currently serving a minimum nine-year sentence for kidnapping and armed robbery.
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Simpson claimed on the stand Wednesday that his lawyer, Yale Galanter, said it was OK for him to try to retrieve the memorabilia. Simpson also contends Galanter wrongly advised him against testifying in his own defense, and failed to inform him about a possible plea deal for much less prison time.
For more on Simpson's case, watch Bill Whitaker's "CTM" report in the video below.
So what are Simpson's chances for getting a new trial following this testimony?
Simpson, according to CBS News legal analyst Jack Ford -- who has covered Simpson's legal fights over the past two decades -- has some "intriguing arguments" this time around, particularly what's being alleged about his lawyer's actions in the case.
Ford said, "Would it have made a difference? We can't say 'yes,' but it's something that could have had an impact on a jury if, in fact, that's all true and if he said it."
Ford described Simpson "charismatic" and "compelling" on the stand and said the fact that the judge is recognizing this case -- when so many like it are thrown out -- indicates they may have a chance at a new trial.
"He's had all his appeals -- they've been turned down," Ford said. "This is the last chance here. Usually, statistically, they just disappear. They're just tossed out. Very few are ever granted. If I'm O.J. and his lawyer, I'm thinking, the fact that a judge was intrigued enough to do a hearing, 'I'm going to take some testimony about this,' at least has to make them think they've got something of a shot."
Watch Jack Ford's full analysis at the top of this article.