Griswold May Aid Wallace's Defense

Erwin M. Griswold, Dean of the Law School, has made tentative arrangements to appear as a character witness for Fred L. Wallace, a third year law student, at Wallace's February trial in Prince Edward County, Va., on felony charges. Wallace faces a maximum prison sentence of years.

Wallace, a Negre, participated in a July 28 civil rights demonstration in Prince Edward County that led to his arrest on charges that he did "unlawfully, feloniously and maliciously kick, hit, wound, beat, hi-treat, and cause badily injury to (a police officer) with intent to maim, disable, disfigure, and kill (the officer)." Wallace's attorney, George N. Allen of Richmond, Va, said last night that he will enter a piea of not guilty.

Allen said that since Wallace's arrest he has been in "constant contact" with Griswold, and asked the dean in November to testify on behalf of his client. According to Allen, Griswold "gladly connected" to the request, and the two have made plans for Griswold's appearance as a witness in February.

The Richmond lawyer said he felt Griswold's testimony would be "very helpful" in defense of Wallace, although he added that he didn't feel there are "any legal grounds for a felony conviction."

Allen said he plans to cater a motion in January asking that the trial site he moved at least 100 miles from Prince Edward County. The feeling, excitement, and general situation there are such that I don't think Fred could get a fair trial.

Wallace, a Negre, participated in a July 28 civil rights demonstration in Prince Edward County that led to his arrest on charges that he did "unlawfully, feloniously and maliciously kick, hit, wound, beat, hi-treat, and cause badily injury to (a police officer) with intent to maim, disable, disfigure, and kill (the officer)." Wallace's attorney, George N. Allen of Richmond, Va, said last night that he will enter a piea of not guilty.

Allen said that since Wallace's arrest he has been in "constant contact" with Griswold, and asked the dean in November to testify on behalf of his client. According to Allen, Griswold "gladly connected" to the request, and the two have made plans for Griswold's appearance as a witness in February.

The Richmond lawyer said he felt Griswold's testimony would be "very helpful" in defense of Wallace, although he added that he didn't feel there are "any legal grounds for a felony conviction."

Allen said he plans to cater a motion in January asking that the trial site he moved at least 100 miles from Prince Edward County. The feeling, excitement, and general situation there are such that I don't think Fred could get a fair trial.