Mehserle's Attorneys Seek Release On Bail

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― Attorneys for a former San Francisco Bay area transit officer sentenced to two years in prison for shooting and killing an unarmed train passenger are seeking his release on bail while he appeals his involuntary manslaughter conviction.

Los Angeles County court officials tell the San Francisco Chronicle Monday that Johannes Mehserle will appear for a bail hearing on Dec. 3.

Mehserle was sentenced Nov. 5 for last year's fatal shooting of Oscar Grant on an Oakland train platform.

The judge threw out a separate conviction for intentionally firing a gun saying he believed Mehserle's testimony that the former officer had meant to use his Taser instead of his handgun.

With credit for time served, Mehserle could be eligible for release in about seven months.

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