In a landmark judicial decision on December 19, 2025, the Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction of attorney Oscar Selgado, paving the way for his imminent release after more than a year of incarceration. The ruling represents a significant victory for judicial fairness and due process protections.
Lead defense attorney Arthur Saldivar addressed media representatives immediately following the court’s determination, emphatically stating that continued detention would be unlawful. “His immediate release is not just appropriate but legally mandatory,” Saldivar declared. “The prison system lacks any legitimate foundation to detain him for even one additional night.”
The legal team characterized the appeal as a broader campaign to rectify systemic judicial imbalances rather than merely securing an individual’s freedom. Co-counsel Michelle Trapp articulated grave concerns about procedural equity, noting, “When such judicial misconduct can befall a legally trained professional, imagine the vulnerability of ordinary citizens without legal expertise. This case fundamentally concerned the restoration of justice.”
Appellate judges grounded their decision in the prosecution’s failure to facilitate confrontation rights between defendant and accuser. Saldivar elaborated: “The prosecution’s fatal procedural error involved leveraging fear to excuse the absence of Ramirez from trial proceedings, while neglecting to propose virtual testimony options that would have preserved the accused’s right to challenge his accuser.”
Further compounding procedural irregularities, critical audio evidence reportedly disappeared across multiple government institutions. Saldivar enumerated the agencies involved: “The Director of Public Prosecutions office, police department, court registry, and magistrate’s court—four separate entities—all failed to preserve this crucial evidence.”
The defense characterized this evidence loss as a “blatant subversion of judicial integrity” that contributed to Selgado’s prolonged wrongful imprisonment. While prioritizing their client’s family reunion, attorneys confirmed all legal options remain available regarding potential misconduct claims.
With release paperwork pending processing, Saldivar expressed confidence that Selgado would regain freedom before nightfall, wryly noting correctional facilities would likely wish to avoid false imprisonment allegations. News outlets have solicited commentary from Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal regarding the appellate decision and its implications.