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Attorneys for both sides argue to keep ex-DeKalb super out of jail

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The former DeKalb County school superintendent returned to court as prosecutors and his defense attorneys argued together that Crawford Lewis should not serve time in prison.

On Tuesday, Georgia's Court of Appeal heard oral arguments in the case.  Lewis is out on bond as he appeals his sentence to the three judge panel.

In an interesting twist, both sides agreed Lewis should not serve a single day behind bars.
 
Lewis's attorney said his client agreed to a plea deal in late 2013 and was under the impression he would be sentenced to probation in exchange for is truthful testimony during a corruption trial.
 
Instead, at the conclusion of the case, Judge Cynthia Becker gave him 12 months to serve.
 
"There is no doubt Dr. Lewis fulfilled his end of the bargain... we are not trying to change anything, were just trying to reinforce the basic rule of do what you say you will do," said Lewis' attorney Mike Brown.
 
DeKalb County prosecutor Lee Grant followed up, "It's an unusual case, this doesn't happen."
 
Grant told the judges that the prosecution also believes Lewis should be on probation.
 
Channel 2 Action News had the only camera in the room for the proceeding but Lewis declined our request for a comment after the hearing.
 
The judges are expected to release their finding by December.