Current News - 24 April 2013

UPDATE: My court date has been set for 9 May 2013.  15 days from now.  I wasn't less than excited to hear that today because I had my fingers crossed for a hearing this week.  The judge told my attorney that I wouldn't usually have my hearing until a month out but they made special concessions in my case and moved it earlier.  
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Earlier today....

The latest news I have is that my attorney has taken some official paperwork to the court (Monday, Tuesday was a major holiday) which shows reference of character for me, a military police background check, and verification of employment. She believes this will help convince the judge to set a court date as early as possible. It is believed that once I make my statement at a hearing, my Travel Ban will be lifted since there's no purpose served by me being present in the country. The court possesses the evidence (the two stones) and I have a lawyer to represent me. In Turkey, the defendant is not required to attend court hearings if he/she has an attorney. With that being said, there is no reason to keep me here. In order for the Travel Ban to be lifted, I will have to have a hearing first so that's what we are waiting on. As soon as I am released, I will purchase flight tickets and return home to my family. The court case will continue to proceed in my absence and could carry on for quiet some time.