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On Monday, a grand jury began hearing evidence in the death of Eric Garner, the Staten Island man who died after being held in a chokehold by a police officer during a confrontation in July. The jury will determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

Officer Daniel Pantaleo is seen in an eyewitness video confronting Garner for allegedly selling loose cigarettes in Brooklyn. After refusing to comply with officers, Pantaleo and other officers held Garner down. He was pronounced dead at the hospital after on call paramedics failed to revive him at the scene.

The proceedings come five weeks after the medical examiner found that a banned chokehold used by Officer Daniel Pantaleo contributed to the death of Eric Garner on Staten Island. The officer’s lawyer, Stuart London, said he expects it will take at least a month for the panel to reach a decision.

“My client is gratified that the grand jury process has begun,” London said. “He looks forward to a full, fair and thorough investigation.”

London added that the officer “believes that he committed no misconduct.”

Pantaleo’s defense is prepared to explain his actions weren’t a chokehold, but a takedown move the officer learned through training with the NYPD.

Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, predicted Pantaleo would be cleared. The union has insisted the officer used a takedown move — not a chokehold — that’s taught by the Police Department.

“If the evidence is presented fairly, without emotion from the street, as it is in a courtroom — just the facts, ma’am — I believe there will be a no true bill,” Lynch said.

Garner’s death was labeled a homicide after it was determined he was killed by the chest and neck compressions from the move and his stance during the confrontation.

It was previously announced that NYPD officers will undergo a three-day retraining period to learn the proper use of force during an arrest.

SOURCE: AP | VIDEO CREDIT: News Inc.