Oakland Police Gear Up For Mehserly Verdict Friday

A Los Angeles judge has a difficult decision to make when he sentences a white former transit officer who claims he accidentally killed an unarmed black man in Oakland.

The judge on Friday is scheduled to sentence 28-year-old Johannes Mehserle after a jury convicted him in July of involuntary manslaughter for shooting Oscar Grant on a train platform in 2009.

Mehserle has said he mistakenly pulled his handgun instead his Taser when he shot Grant as he lay face down.

The charge has a sentencing range of two to four years, while a gun enhancement makes him eligible for up to 14 years in prison.

Legal experts say attorneys on both sides have compelling arguments and believe the judge will sentence Mehserle to six or seven years in prison.

Oakland police say they are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to prepare for possible protests after Mehserle's sentencing.

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