Victor Sifuentes: And during the trial, evidence was introduced that my client had been a heavy user of methedrine for a period of more than 10 years.
Federal Judge Jackson: I hope you're not going to ask us to consider that a mitigating factor.
Victor Sifuentes: A recent doctoral thesis completed only last month on the long-term effects amphetamines makes it a mitigating factor, Your Honor.
Federal Judge Emmanuel: Five different psychiatrists were called to the stand. Every one of them testified about the effects of long-term addiction to amphetamines.
Victor Sifuentes: Yes, but none of them knew about the results of this research.
Federal Judge Constance Gregg: With all due respect, counselor, this attempt seems a little desperate.
Victor Sifuentes: Your Honor, my client is scheduled to die tomorrow. I think an evaluation of this new evidence is warranted before you comment on its legitimacy.
Federal Judge Emmanuel: Let's do this without the attitude, counsel.
Victor Sifuentes: I mean no disrespect to the court, but I grew up with Hector Rodriguez, I know him personally, which causes me to take this case personally.
Federal Judge Emmanuel: Well, don't. Your relationship with him has no relevance here.
Victor Sifuentes: My relationship with him puts me in a position to recognize his capacity for change and rehabilitation, which is directly relevant to death penalty cases, Your Honor.
Federal Judge Constance Gregg: This is not an evidentiary hearing.
Victor Sifuentes: I knew Hector Rodriguez on drug, I know him off drugs. He's off of them now, Your Honor.
Federal Judge Jackson: You're not a character witness, Mr. Sifuentes.
Victor Sifuentes: That's right, Your Honor, I am a lawyer. The three of you are judges. And we are all here to administer justice. Killing Hector Rodriguez doesn't accomplish that.
Federal Judge Constance Gregg: In your objective opinion.
Victor Sifuentes: I know him. None of you do. And I respectfully request that until you can be as sure as I am about all of this, please don't let this man be killed. Please. Thank you, Your Honors.