Andy Thompson

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Brendan Dassey, who has spent 10 of his 26 years in prison in connection with the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach, is hopeful as he awaits a court ruling that could set him free, his lawyer said.

“I think he is bearing up as well as he can,” said Dassey’s attorney, Laura Nirider of Bluhm Legal Clinic at the Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. “He receives dozens of letters a day from those who want to support him. That means a lot.”

A ruling on Dassey's appeal by Federal Magistrate William E. Duffin of Milwaukee could come at any time. “It could happen tomorrow. It could be six months from now," Nirider, told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Final legal briefs in the lawsuit were submitted last June. Nirider said the defense team is being patient as it waits for a ruling

“We’re just trying to be respectful of the court’s process,” she said.

Dassey’s attorneys are seeking a new trial for their client, or a hearing on a request for a new trial, according to Nirider.

DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up for "Making a Murderer" updates

TIMELINE: History of the Steven Avery case

RELATED: “Making a Murderer” coverage, archived stories and more

The suit claims that Dassey — who was 16 at the time of Halbach’s slaying — was illegally arrested and imprisoned, and that his confession was coerced. The prosecution insists that Dassey was treated fairly during the interrogation process and points out that his convictions have been upheld by the Wisconsin court of appeals.

Dassey and Avery were convicted of killing Halbach, a 25-year-old photographer, in Manitowoc County in the fall of 2005. Authorities say Halbach was murdered after visiting Avery Auto Salvage near Mishicot to take pictures for a car magazine. Avery is serving life in prison with no possibility of parole; Dassey is serving life, but will be eligible for parole consideration on Oct. 31, 2048.

Dassey has received considerable support from legal scholars and criminal experts across the country since the release in mid-December of “Making a Murderer,” a 10-part Netflix docu-series that highlights the investigation and legal proceedings against Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery.

Nirider, who said she is in contact with Dassey, said the docu-series has been a godsend for her client.

“Brendan is more hopeful now than he has been in a long time, partly because his story has been told and heard,” she said. "Brendan is a very simple soul. What you see is what you get.”

Nirider said “Making a Murderer” has had a wide-ranging impact.

“I don’t think anybody anticipated that this program would become this sort of international hit,” she said. “We’re happy that it has.

“We’ve gotten hundreds of emails, phone calls and letters from people who have ideas that might be able to help Brendan or express their support for Brendan. It’s wonderful to get those letters and emails.”

Andy Thompson: 920-996-7270, or awthompson@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @Thompson_AW