DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Charlie Adelson's legal team will present their case for a new trial on Tuesday as they appeal his life sentence for the murder of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel.
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:
Adelson's attorneys, Michael Ufferman and Laurel Cornell Niles, will argue before the court alongside state prosecutors in what legal experts describe as an uphill battle. The appeal centers on several key arguments, including issues with the trial court's denial of a motion for a change of venue, the exclusion of defense-offered text messages, and the denial of a motion to strike the jury panel after potential jurors were caught discussing the case.
Charlie Adelson is the 5th person convicted for the murder of FSU Law Professor, Dan Markel. Most recently, his mother, Donna Adelson, was convicted in September 2025. Other people facing time in prison for Markel's murder include Charlie's ex-girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, and the two hitmen, Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia.
Dan Markel's friend, Jared Ross, said he believes the appeal is a long shot, though he acknowledges the oral argument creates some uncertainty.
"I don't think it lessens it. I mean, anytime that the court grants an oral argument, you have to be concerned that the appeal could go the opposite direction that you want it to," Ross said.
Ross expressed confidence in the state's position.
"I know that the state has the facts on their side, and they also have the conviction on their side. It's very difficult to get a conviction overturned," Ross said.
Criminal defense attorney Tim Jansen said overturning convictions is extremely rare, with only about 22 cases overturned last year. He believes the jury panel issue represents Adelson's strongest argument, but still considers the chances slim.
"So the chances of getting overturned are very rare, very rare. So they got to really uphill. You're pushing a big rock up a hill," Jansen said.
Jansen explained the high burden appellants face in seeking new trials.
"They almost have to prove not only did the judge do wrong, but the verdict would have been different had the judge not done that, and that's a much higher burden," Jansen said.
He noted that even skilled attorneys like Ufferman face limitations.
"Just remember, Michael Ufferman's a brilliant lawyer, but he's subject to the ingredients he's given," Jansen said.
A representative for Ufferman sent this statement to ABC 27 that reads in part:
"This is an active and highly sensitive case, and at this time, we are not able to participate in any interviews or discussions regarding this matter."
The State and the Defense will be allotted 20 minutes each to make their case.
Oral arguments are set to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the First DCA on Drayton Drive.
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