DAVID MARKUS CONTINUES FIGHT FOR BUJU BANTON

Federal prosecutors have until February 10 to counter arguments made in the 17,000-word appeal by Buju Banton’s lawyer. 

According to reports, the Department of Justice should have filed a response to Buju Banton's appeal on Friday, but the government is dragging its heels. In an interview with New Times, David Markus said among the core issues of the appeal which was filed at the end of December, are whether a shady confidential informant entrapped the reggae entertainer and whether Buju was denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial. Buju's appeal also raises several other concerns, including that the government has been vindictive in its pursuit of a conviction.David Markus and his team will get one last chance to respond after the DOJ submits its response in February. The United States Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta will be tasked with reviewing and ruling on the appeal.

A 12-member panel of jurors found Buju Banton guilty in February 2011 on three charges at the United States Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa.

Buju who is currently severing a 10 year sentence in Miami was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilos of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.