A high-profile murder conviction of a 32-year-old young mother in Dutchess County is being appealed this week.

Nikki Addimando, who is from Poughkeepsie, was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for fatally shooting her domestic partner and children's father in 2017.

Addimando claimed she was sexually and physically abused by the victim, Christopher Grover.

The court disagreed and denied use of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act – a law that provides judges the discretion to hand down a lesser sentence in cases where abuse plays a significant role in a crime.

"The very legislators who wrote it and advocated for it for years were really dismayed that the judge didn't sentence her using it. They believe the law was made for people just like Nikki's case. So if she can't be sentenced with it, what kind of hope does that give to other victims?" asked Kate Cruz, Addimando defense committee member.

The Putnam County District Attorney's Office tried the case due to a conflict of interest and says it believes the appeal has no merit.

The hearing will be held virtually on Thursday and streamed live from New York Supreme Court in Brooklyn.