Criminal Defense Lawyer News Feb 2009: criminal defense attorneys.

Criminal Defense Lawyer News Feb 2009

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Defense Attorneys In Lawless Juarez Besieged on All Sides
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico -- It is common for lawyers everywhere to cover their office walls with diplomas. The Mexican criminal defense attorney Salvador Urbina is making a different statement. His walls are hung with swords -- a hundred sabers, daggers, cutlasses and Japanese katanas, the blades ke... (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT)

Defense: Cop accused of murder used wrong weapon
OAKLAND, Calif. (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:15:49 GMT)

Grant County man gets millions for poor defense
A Grant County man has been awarded $3 million for spending months in jail because of poor work by his public defender. Felipe G. Vargas — who spent... (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:24:33 GMT)

Buck mortgages properties to pay fees
STONINGTON — Charles F. Buck, arrested last week for the 2002 murder of his wife, Leslie, has mortgaged four properties he owns in town, including the home of his deceased wife’s mother. The mortgages are held by criminal defense lawyers as a way to fund his legal defense. (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:59:52 GMT)

Defense: We're ready
The fate of a Cambridge City man accused in the slaying of his girlfriend could be decided in the next two weeks. James McFarland is accused of strangling his girlfriend to death at her home in Centerville in 2007. His trial begins Monday. (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:04:11 GMT)

Ousted Illinois governor's next fight is in court
Now that he's been ousted from the governor's office, Rod Blagojevich is pinning his hopes of staying out of prison on a father-and-son duo of defense attorneys, one of whom grabbed the limelight at R&B superstar R. Kelly's sex tape trial. (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:26:54 GMT)

Could the I.C.C. Try Israel?
The International Criminal Court is looking into a request by the Palestinian Authority to investigate whether Israel committed war crimes during its recent operation in the Gaza Strip, a senior court official told Davos Diary. (Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:39:27 GMT)

AP IMPACT: SWAT teams deployed in 911 fraud
Doug Bates and his wife, Stacey, were in bed around 10 p.m., their 2-year-old daughters asleep in a nearby room. Suddenly they were shaken awake by the wail of police sirens and the rumble of a helicopter above their suburban Southern California home. A criminal must be on the loose, they thought. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:44:31 GMT)

Due process for judges, free speech for students
Ordinarily criminal defense lawyers stand up for due process of law, and, in doing so on behalf of their clients, help ensure due process for everyone. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:27:26 GMT)

Inside Story: Joseph Tacopina
Someone on a blog once vowed to drink my bathwater," says New York's-and it could be argued, America's-most high-profile criminal defense lawyer, Joseph Tacopina. It's Friday, January 9, mere hours after the sentencing of his client, accused cop killer Lillo Brancato, and the attorney is relaxing in his corner office high atop Madison Avenue. Well-groomed and clad in a crisp navy suit, he ... (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:52:18 GMT)

Watchdogs: 154 open criminal probes into Iraq war contracts
A new commission examining waste and corruption in wartime contracts is getting a grim report from government watchdogs who say poor planning, weak oversight and greed combined to soak U.S. taxpayers and undermine American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:13:05 GMT)

Police applaud ruling allowing pat-downs
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed a police officer's right to pat someone down during a traffic stop in the absence of criminal activity won praise from law enforcement officials and cautions from some defense attorneys. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:34:16 GMT)

New: Attorney pleads guilty for failure to pay taxes
A local criminal defense attorney who once worked as a part-time public defender pleaded guilty this morning to failing to file federal taxes from 2000 to 2004 and may be made to pay up to $136,000 in back taxes. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:33:33 GMT)

Rendell subpoenaed to testify at Fumo trial
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is planning to testify next week at the federal criminal trial of a former state senator. Rendell's office said Monday that a few hours earlier he received a subpoena from defense attorneys for Vince Fumo, a fellow Philadelphian accused of corruption. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:29:39 GMT)

Pa. gov. to testify at ex-state senator's trial
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was subpoenaed Monday to testify at the federal criminal trial of a former state senator accused of misusing millions that belonged to the state, a maritime museum and a nonprofit community group. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:39:18 GMT)

Norm Kent Debuts 'Broward Law Blog'
Renowned Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Norm Kent released today the debut of 'The Broward Law Blog,' easily accessible on the Internet at www.browardlawblog.com. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:50:00 GMT)

Pentagon letter undercuts DOJ in Blackwater case
The Pentagon wrote in 2007 that Blackwater Worldwide contractors in Iraq are not subject to U.S. civilian criminal laws. That position undercuts the Justice Department's effort to prosecute five Blackwater security guards for manslaughter. (Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:41:18 GMT)

AP NewsBreak: Sailor electrocuted
A third U.S. service member has been determined to have been electrocuted in a shower in Iraq, and Navy criminal investigators are investigating, The Associated Press has learned. (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:51:46 GMT)

Lawyer enters guilty plea to not filing tax returns
A local criminal defense attorney admitted Monday he failed to file federal tax returns from 2000 to 2004 and may be made to pay up to $136,000 in back taxes. (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:53:15 GMT)

Court closes all criminal cases against Ukrainian interior minister
The Supreme Court of Ukraine has considered a cassation appeal lodged by the Prosecutor General's Office against a decision by Kyiv's Podilsky district court closing all of the cases opened against Interior Minister Yuriy Lutsenko. (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:49:37 GMT)

War crimes accusations rattle Israel
In the wake of the Gaza war, Israel is preparing to defend itself and its soldiers against possible criminal charges in European courts that claim 'universal jurisdiction.' (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:19:58 GMT)

Christopher 2X to co-host radio Q&A radio show about criminal justice
Local R&B and Classic Soul Station Magic 101.3 is debuting a new local radio show answering your questions regarding the criminal justice system. "From the corner to the courthouse, both sides of justice," (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:36:56 GMT)

Navy Investigators Probing Sailor's Electrocution
A third U.S. service member has been determined to have been electrocuted in a shower in Iraq, and Navy criminal investigators are investigating, The Associated Press has learned. (Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:17:29 GMT)

Activists sue over criminal complaint
Anthony Russomanno and Bill Stephens, local Edison Township activists and, until recently, the subject of a criminal complaint from the township government, announced on Jan. 27 that they intend to sue the municipality. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:19:42 GMT)

Swimmer Phelps could face criminal charges in pot dustup
Marijuana-pipe photo leads to investigation in South Carolina Olympic superstar Michael Phelps could face criminal charges as part of the fallout from a photo that surfaced showing the swimmer smoking from a marijuana pipe at a University of South Carolina house party. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:20:23 GMT)

Fumo defense wants son to testify; state objects
Prosecutors say son wasn't sequestered for other testimony. Indicted former state Sen. Vincent Fumo hopes to call his son as a defense witness in his ongoing corruption trial to counter earlier testimony from his estranged son-in-law. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:10:34 GMT)

Prosecutor Bill Mason to offer open discovery through Web-based system
Plain Dealer FileCuyahoga County Proscecutor Bill Mason will unveil a new case managament system to comply with an amendment on criminal prosecution. After years of resisting pressure from the media, the defense bar and judges, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason... (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:41:39 GMT)

Amazon Defense Coalition: New Evidence Shows Chevron Manipulated Lab Results in Landmark Environmental Trial
QUITO, Ecuador----Scientists in the $27 billion class action lawsuit against Chevron in Ecuador's Amazon have discovered that the company manipulated laboratory results to evade a judgment at trial, lawyers for indigenous tribes announced today. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:41:00 GMT)

Records: Conyers paid son, lawyer from campaign donations
DETROIT -- City Council President Monica Conyers used campaign money to pay for a criminal defense attorney, travel and hire one of her sons for campaign work, according to campaign expense reports filed this week. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:10:46 GMT)

Jury begins deliberations in trial of Ware man accused of beating 83-year-old woman to death
NORTHAMPTON - The prosecution painted Nathan J. Ruell as a would-be professional criminal who got a high out of killing. His defense lawyer insisted there is no solid evidence to tie the defendant to the murder of Rose Martowski. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:44:29 GMT)

Lubanga trial unfair, defense says
The defense team for Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Tuesday said secrecy clauses made the trial inherently unfair, adding it struck a blow to the notion of transparent international justice. All but two of the 93 alleged victims of Lubanga taking part in the trial were allowed to do so under the cloak of [...] (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:34:37 GMT)

Former Assistant United States Attorney David Siegal Joins New York Office of Haynes and Boone
Senior white collar federal prosecutor David Siegal has joined the New York office of Haynes and Boone, LLP as a partner in the White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group, where his practice will focus on white collar defense and securities fraud litigation. (Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:05:00 GMT)

International Criminal Court to consider Gaza investigation
The Palestinian Authority and others want the court to investigate alleged war crimes committed during the recent battle with Israel. In a move that could inject a new international actor into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the International Criminal Court will examine requests to investigate alleged war crimes during the recent combat in the Gaza Strip, its chief prosecutor said ... (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:13:21 GMT)

Cross-dressing defendant argues his case, and wins
Andre R. Simpson, a man with a fat criminal history and a thin grasp of the law, got off to a shaky start arguing his own defense. “Now, Mr. Simpson,“ Judge L.A. Harris Jr. warned him at the beginning of his trial yesterday in Henrico County Circuit Court. “When you make your opening statement, it’s supposed to be an opening statement, not an argument.“ (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:42:38 GMT)

Robbery suspect wins own acquittal
Andre R. Simpson, a man with a fat criminal history and a thin grasp of the law, got off to a shaky start arguing his own defense. “Now, Mr. Simpson,“ Judge L.A. Harris Jr. warned him at the beginning of his trial Tuesday in Henrico County Circuit Court. “When you make your opening statement, it’s supposed to be an opening statement, not an argument.“ (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:03:07 GMT)

Self-defense law faces hurdle
FARMINGTON — A bill that would make people who kill or hurt a criminal while defending their property immune from lawsuits faces a hurdle, the bill's sponsor says. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:06:25 GMT)

D.A. wants to keep DeVaul defense on the downlow
The District Attorney’s office is seeking to “seal,” or keep secret, declarations that could help with Dan DeVaul’s defense. DeVaul, the ranch owner and founder of Sunny Acres sober living home, has been charged with criminal violations of county codes. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:46:46 GMT)

Jurors weigh suspect's fate
NORTHAMPTON - The prosecution painted Nathan J. Ruell as a would-be professional criminal who got a high out of killing. His defense lawyer insisted that there is no solid evidence to tie the defendant to the murder of Rose Martowski. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:37:52 GMT)

Riggins to take stand in defense
Jessica Riggins, the woman accused of murder in connection with the shooting death of her husband Rusty, will take the stand to tell a jury that she acted in self defense. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:23:36 GMT)

Hatch case could hinge on specifics prosecutors may not have, attorney says
Defense attorney Greg Eisenmenger called on the case’s new criminal judge, Circuit Judge Robert Hawley, to compel the state to comply with Vaughn’s order: that prosecutors specify the allegedly illegal withdrawals within 48 hours of their taking place. Assistant State Attorney Lev Evans said he can’t yet do that. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:05:33 GMT)

Career Criminal Pleads Guilty To Federal Weapons Charge
A man with a 34-year criminal record who was secretly recorded talking about two slayings and other crimes pleaded guilty this morning to a federal weapons charge. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:41:16 GMT)

Judge OKs Phone Call Monitoring By Prosecutors
A Contra Costa Superior Court judge has ruled that prosecutors have the right to listen to jail inmates' phones calls without permission of their defense counselors. On Wednesday, Judge Charles Treat, citing the state Supreme Court, sided with the county District Attorney's Office and said it was okay for prosecutors to listen in on calls and use what they hear to build criminal cases. (Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:08:10 GMT)

Tow scam case continued
Vince Cardinalli Sr. Photo by: File Photo The complicated case involving a family up against scores of criminal charges stemming from a tow truck scam was postponed Wednesday pending a hearing on the family patriarch's most recent request for co-counsel. Vincent Cardinalli, Sr., 65, ditched his defense attorney months ago to take up the effort himself. Cardinalli, his son ... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:40:09 GMT)

Tow scam case continued
Vince Cardinalli Sr. Photo by: Dispatch file photo The complicated case involving a family up against scores of criminal charges stemming from a tow truck scam was postponed Wednesday pending a hearing on the family patriarch's most recent request for co-counsel. Vincent Cardinalli, Sr., 65, ditched his defense attorney months ago to take up the effort himself. Cardinalli, ... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:42:35 GMT)

Defense calls no witnesses in Marenco murder trial
After hearing a cross-section of prosecution witnesses, the defense in the Christopher Marenco murder case brought no defense witnesses before the jury on the second day of trial Thursday. (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:24:22 GMT)

Panetta: No prosecution of CIA interrogators; Obama will send detainees abroad for questioning
After all why prosecute criminal activity? I mean you can also use the Nuremberg defense. D'oh! That wasn't an excuse then either. Change we can believe in! (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:45:05 GMT)

Accused Officers’ Criminal Cases Being Reviewed
Defense attorneys say they're taking a closer look at their clients’ cases; some are even murder cases, after three Fresno Police Officers were accused of breaking the law. (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:51:54 GMT)

AP NewsBreak: $35M contract despite electrocutions
By By KIMBERLY HEFLING -- Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million contract by the Pentagon to build an electrical distribution center and other projects there. The announcement of the new KBR contract comes just months after the Pentagon, in strongly worded correspondence ... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:05:08 GMT)

AP NewsBreak: Defense contractor linked to soldiers' electrocutions wins $35M defense contract
WASHINGTON - Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million contract by the Pentagon to build an electrical distribution center and other projects there. (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:11:18 GMT)

KBR wins contract despite criminal probe of deaths
Defense contractor KBR Inc. has been awarded a $35 million Pentagon contract involving major electrical work, even as it is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq. The announcement of the new KBR... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:21:05 GMT)

AP NewsBreak: $35M contract despite electrocutions
WASHINGTON -- Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:22:45 GMT)

Bruce Fein Submits War Crimes Charges against Sri Lanka's Defense Secretary and Army Commander
New York: Bruce Fein, former Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States, speaking for the Counsel for a U.S. Tamil Group, Thursday afternoon 3:00 p.m. submitted to United States Attorney General, Mr Eric Holder, the Model Indictment charging U.S. citizen and U.S. green card holder are Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's Defense Secretary, and Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka's Army Commander, ... (Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:44:16 GMT)

2 Experts Approve Insanity Defense
A mentally ill woman who told police she was trying to "kill the demons" when she stabbed her 2-year-old son to death in 2007 may avoid criminal prosecution. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:15:17 GMT)

Firm tied to Iraq electrocution deaths gets $35M contract
The defense contractor, under criminal investigation for the electrocution deaths of at least two soldiers in the Iraq theater, will design and build a convoy support center. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:19:25 GMT)

KBR awarded $35 million Pentagon contract
WASHINGTON — Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million contract by the Pentagon to build an electrical distribution center and other projects there. Last fall, the Pentagon rejected the company’s explanation of serious mistakes in Iraq and its proposed improvements. A ... (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:08:40 GMT)

KBR gets huge contract despite electrocutions
Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million contract by the Pentagon to build an electrical distribution center and other projects there. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:54:45 GMT)

KBR Wins Pentagon Contract Despite Criminal Probe of Deaths
Defense contractor awarded a $35 million contract involving major electrical work, even as it is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:55:59 GMT)

KBR Wins Contract Despite Criminal Probe of Deaths
Defense contractor KBR awarded $35M contract in spite of criminal investigation into deaths (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:39:00 GMT)

Defense contractor KBR awarded $35M contract in spite of criminal investigation into deaths
WASHINGTON - Defense contractor KBR Inc. has been awarded a $35 million Pentagon contract involving major electrical work, even as it is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:27:25 GMT)

German Bosnia film takes critical view of tribunal
A German-made drama about the inconclusive trial of a fictional Serb war criminal may help keep the judicial spotlight on the 1992-95 war in Bosnia, its director Hans-Christian Schmid said on Saturday. (Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:34:35 GMT)

Defense believes drug bust weak; seeks dismissal of charges
Defense attorneys for a California couple, busted on Interstate 80 with more than six pounds of marijuana, believe the probable cause for a search of their vehicle was flimsy. (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:09:00 GMT)

Fugitives owe the city $1 billion
Upwards of 210,000 criminal defendants who failed to appear in court owe the City of Philadelphia a staggering $1 billion, yet for decades the city has done virtually nothing to collect that forfeited bail money.District Attorney Lynne Abraham says the problem "makes a mockery of the bail system." (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:30:56 GMT)

Company involved in Iraq electrocutions gets contract
Defense contractor KBR Inc., which is under criminal investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, has been awarded a $35 million contract by the Pentagon to build an electrical distribution center and other projects there. (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:48:56 GMT)

When deaths are deemed justifiable, self-defense laws don't console families
Ryan Garza | The Flint JournalAn image of a report on the death of Paul Lee Jr. is projected onto his mother, Alice Rawls of Grand Blanc Township. Police said Lee was fatally shot last year as he tried to... (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:05:33 GMT)

U.S. Releases Security Firm From Criminal Laws
WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. government has exempted a major security contractor from the American penal code. The Defense Department has informed Blackwater Worldwide, a leading security contractor for the State Department in Iraq, that it would not be subject to U.S. criminal law in Iraq. The Pentagon sent Congress the letter in 2007 three months after 17 Iraqis were killed in a shootout in ... (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:02:54 GMT)

Life without parole bill would fix 'gaping hole in Georgia law'
Defense attorneys say it as a matter of fact. And some prosecutors don't deny it. That is, district attorneys often mount costly death-penalty prosecutions when they would be more than satisfied with sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole. "It happens more often than the public would ever imagine," said John Marshall Law School professor Mike Mears, who has defended dozens ... (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:14:10 GMT)

Top Scoops
Israel’s Attack on Gaza: Legitimate Self Defense or War Crime? Part I: What law applies? (Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:46:31 GMT)

Open discovery a closed case for Sheriff Stone
LISBON - Count the sheriff among those law enforcement officers upset with a judge's efforts to require investigators to turn more and more of their records in criminal cases over to defense attorneys. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:06:58 GMT)

Hallsville man indicted for first degree murder, armed criminal action
Monday, February 09, 2009 at 4:52 a.m. BOONE COUNTY -- A Boone County grand jury has indicted 38-year-old William Clinch of Hallsville on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the 2007 shooting death of his former brother in law. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:06:22 GMT)

Los Angeles Criminal Attorneys Announce Being Recognized as 'Pre-Eminent U.S. Lawyers' in 2008
Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP is a highly-rated criminal defense law firm specializing in litigating serious criminal cases throughout Los Angeles County and San Fernando Valley courtrooms. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:32:00 GMT)

Judge Recused on Invasion-Rape Case
Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman has recused himself from a case involving a man accused of a home invasion and rape after the defense claims conflict of interest. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:32:38 GMT)

Defense: Former HomeGold chairman not guilty
The former chairman of a South Carolina investment company did nothing criminal and fought for the firm's investors until the end, losing more than $16 million of his and his family's money, a defense lawyer said Monday. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:30:02 GMT)

Lawyer launches bid for bench
Lebanon attorney Timothy T. Engler today announced his candidacy for judge of the Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas. The 47-year-old has trial experience as a civil litigator, criminal-defense attorney and as a former Leb-anon County deputy district attorney. (Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:42:29 GMT)

Madoff in Accord With S.E.C. Ahead of Criminal Deadline
Days before a deadline in his criminal case, Bernard L. Madoff agreed to a partial settlement of civil accusations that he ran a $50 billion Ponzi scheme. (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:02:38 GMT)

Defense: Ex-HomeGold chief not guilty
The former chairman of a South Carolina investment company did nothing criminal and fought for the firm's investors until the end, losing more than $16 million of his and his family's money, a defense lawyer said Monday. Jack Sterling made "mistakes of bad judgment, not mistakes of a bad heart" and is innocent of the securities fraud and conspiracy charges against him, defense attorney Bart ... (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:45:10 GMT)

Defense: Sterling lost in collapse, too
LEXINGTON — Jack Sterling is innocent of the securities fraud and conspiracy charges against him and his family lost more than $16 million in the failure of Carolina Investors Inc. and its parent company, HomeGold Financial, his defense attorney said Monday. “He stayed and fought till the bitter end,” Bart Daniel, a Charleston attorney who is representing Sterling, said of the former HomeGold ... (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:06:26 GMT)

Defense requests new trial for St. Dennis in slaying
The Missoula man convicted of stomping a homeless Navy veteran to death has requested a new trial, arguing that prosecutors failed to disclose evidence critical to his defense. (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:46:32 GMT)

State, defense see different villains in HomeGold failure
LEXINGTON -- A prosecutor Monday called Jack Sterling a critical force behind one of the largest financial collapses in South Carolina, but his defense lawyer said Sterling and his family lost more than $16 million when Carolina Investors and its parent company, HomeGold Financial, failed nearly six years ago. (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:04:26 GMT)

Blagojevich looking for new lawyer
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is accepting applications. And the job he's looking to fill is nothing to sneeze at. He needs a lead criminal defense lawyer. After one top Blagojevich lawyer quit, there's just one attorney officially representing him now -- his longtime friend Sheldon Sorosky. With a massive indictment due in April, he's looking for more. (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:03:13 GMT)

Attorney Seeks Reimbursement For Pou Fees
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The attorney for Dr. Anna Pou is asking the state to reimburse her legal fees for the criminal case the former attorney general brought against her. Rick Simmons said Tuesday that as a state employee, Pou, the defense fund that was set up for her, and the LSU Healthcare Network are entitled to the reimbursement. After the August 2005 hurricane, then-Louisiana Attorney ... (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:49:58 GMT)

Prosecutor Says Williams Smothered Girlfriend, Then Had Sex With Her Dead Body Defense Says Victim Likely Died Of Drug ...
District Attorney Bill Cox told a Criminal Court jury on Tuesday that Michael Montell Williams smothered his girlfriend at the Hampton Inn on Shallowford Road, then had sex with her after she was dead. (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:22:40 GMT)

Attorney seeks reimbursement for doctor cleared of mercy killings
The attorney for Dr. Anna Pou is asking the state of Louisiana to reimburse her legal fees associated with the criminal case the former attorney general brought against her in the deaths of patients at a flooded New Orleans hospital in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Rick Simmons said today that as a state employee, Pou, the defense fund that was set up for her and the LSU Healthcare ... (Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:55:01 GMT)

U.S. Nuclear Policy Termed Anachronistic and Criminal
Pyongyang, February 10 (KCNA) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Gates called for pushing forward "RRW" which has been promoted since the period of the Bush administration, asserting on a number of occasions that it is urgent to modernize the aging U.S. nuclear forces. (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:06:20 GMT)

McField Only Trying To Potty Train 4-Year-Old, Attorney Says
Jamarr Montrel McField never intended to kill four-year-old Keanon Beamon, defense attorney Hillary Hodgkins told a Hamilton County Criminal Court jury Tuesday afternoon. (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:37:23 GMT)

Paavola joins Otten & Seymour law firm
Lawyer Martin R. Paavola will join the law firm of Otten & Seymour, which focuses on personal injury, family law and criminal defense, the firm announced. (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:45:31 GMT)

Ex-Illinois Governor Angling to Rehire Defense Attorney
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was impeached and convicted last month by his state's legislature after federal prosecutors charged him with political corruption, is angling to rehire a top Chicago criminal defense attorney for his legal team. Attorney Michael Ettinger, who is representing Blagojevich's brother, Robert, said that the former governor wants to rehire attorney Edward ... (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:21:47 GMT)

U.S., Madoff agree to delay of indictment: source
U.S. prosecutors and Bernard Madoff's defense lawyers have agreed to postpone a deadline for the filing of a criminal indictment against the alleged swindler, a person close to the matter said on Wednesday. (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:30:13 GMT)

KBR pleads guilty on bribery charges
Defense contractor KBR has pleaded guilty on charges it bribed Nigerian government officials to obtain contracts there. The company will pay $579 million in fines, $402 million of which are criminal penalties. According to the Justice Department, which announced the plea deal today, KBR won $6 billion in contracts to build liquefied natural gas facilities in [...] (Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:42:43 GMT)

Brown's sister comes to his defense
Troubled R&B star Chris Brown's sister has come to her sibling's defense, insisting the singer is a "good boy". Lytrell Bundy agreed to appear on news show Extra to speak out about the negative press her brother is getting following his Sunday morning fight with a person reportedly his girlfriend Rihanna. Brown was charged with making criminal threats following the fracas, which ... (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:44:38 GMT)

Brown's sister comes to his defense
Troubled R&B star Chris Brown's sister has come to her sibling's defense, insisting the singer is a "good boy". Brown was charged with making criminal threats following the fracas, which reportedly left Rihanna needing medical attention for head wounds. (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:48:48 GMT)

Brown's sister comes to his defense
The troubled R&B star's sister has come to her sibling's defense insisting the singer is a "good boy." (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:50:17 GMT)

Witness at Woodland dentist's trial questioned via notes from jury
Jurors hearing the case of a Woodland dentist accused of groping female patients peppered a key defense witness with dozens of written questions Wednesday. The jurors appeared to be trying to sort out whether Mark Anderson's chest massages were legitimate, though inept, treatment for a painful jaw condition, as the dentist claims, or criminal sexual behavior, as prosecutors allege. Written ... (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:12:15 GMT)

Pelosi concerned about a Murtha probe
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders are “concerned” by a widening criminal probe that may involve Rep. John P. Murtha, but sources close to the leadership say there’s no move afoot to force him out as chairman of the powerful Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:40:00 GMT)

Crime scene officers, defense attorney spar in Noura Jackson trial
Defense attorney Valerie Corder challenged Officer David Payment over issues such as what he photographed, what he didn’t photograph, why a closeup was not taken of one site, whether another photograph showed footprint impressions and whether mulch near a bedroom window appeared to have been disturbed. (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:52:17 GMT)

Baverman reappointed U.S. magistrate judge
The federal court in Atlanta has reappointed Alan Baverman as a U.S. magistrate judge for an eight-year term. Baverman, 52, a former criminal defense attorney, was renewed after a merit-selection panel recommended his reappointment. As a judge, Baverman has had a number of high-profile celebrities appear in his courtroom, including rapper T.I. after his arrest on federal weapons charges and ... (Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:40:52 GMT)

Tow case defendant asks for continuance
Vincent Cardinalli Sr. Photo by: Dispatch file photo A San Jose judge continued a case involving scores of criminal charges stemming from a tow truck scam so that one of the defendants can have an attorney present when the judge rules on his most recent motion for co-counsel. Vincent Cardinalli Sr., 65, scrapped his defense attorney months ago to take up the effort himself. However, he submitted ... (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:29:24 GMT)

Tow case defendant asks for continuance
Vincent Cardinalli Sr. Photo by: File Photo A San Jose judge continued a case involving scores of criminal charges stemming from a tow truck scam so that one of the defendants can have an attorney present when the judge rules on his most recent motion for co-counsel. Vincent Cardinalli Sr., 65, scrapped his defense attorney months ago to take up the effort himself. However, he submitted a motion ... (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:11:17 GMT)

Ex-A&M football star, lawyer Ken McLean dies at 65
Before Ken "Dude" McLean of Houston built a lengthy career as a criminal defense lawyer, he won a place in the hearts of Texas A&M football fans for his efforts on the day that the Aggies outsmarted the Longhorns. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:18:28 GMT)

Teens claim self-defense in Mission stabbing
MISSION - Two teens accused of stabbing a pair of men said during their arraignment Thursday that they had acted in self-defense. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:28:46 GMT)

Businessman charged in extortion of Bunny Ranch entertainer's lawyers
SARASOTA — A Bradenton businessman was arrested Thursday after he allegedly tried to extort thousands of dollars from criminal defense attorneys who represented a Nevada entertainer, according to Sarasota Police Department. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:16:10 GMT)

Ex-A&M football star, lawyer Ken McLean dies at 65
Before Ken “Dude” McLean of Houston built a lengthy career as a criminal defense lawyer, he won a place in the hearts of Texas A&M football fans for his efforts on the day that the Aggies outsmarted the Longhorns. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:16:01 GMT)

Defense Papers Reveal "Terror" Excess - Rights Groups
WASHINGTON (AFP)--Pentagon documents released by rights groups Thursday detailed the agency's involvement in "war on terrorism" excesses, fueling debate over possible probes into the administration of former President George W. Bush. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:19:58 GMT)

Mother in chemo case could rely on psych defense
SALEM and mdash; The former Salem mother charged with withholding her son's cancer medications could rely on a psychiatric defense, her lawyer said yesterday. But Kristen LaBrie's lawyer may also seek to discredit the oncologist who has been treating Jeremy Fraser. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:06:52 GMT)

APNewsBreak: `Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller plans to use an insanity defense at his trial for allegedly kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:03:02 GMT)

Man known as 'Clark Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers said today. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:13:50 GMT)

'Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers said Friday. Read comments (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:14:14 GMT)

Clark Rockefeller to use insanity defense
The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he... (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:20:53 GMT)

APNewsBreak: 'Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller plans to use an insanity defense at his trial for allegedly kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter. Rockefeller's lawyers filed notice in court Friday, three days after Rockefeller rejected a plea deal. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:28:45 GMT)

`Clark Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers said Friday. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:19:04 GMT)

'Clark Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers said Friday. Lawyers for the man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller filed notice of the mental health defense in Suffolk Superior Court on Friday, three ... (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:19:35 GMT)

'Clark Rockefeller' Plans Insanity Defense
The man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller plans to use an insanity defense at his trial for allegedly kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter in Boston in July. (Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:27:42 GMT)

'Rockefeller' suspect eyes insanity defense
The man known as "Clark Rockefeller" at the center of a dramatic 2008 manhunt plans to use an insanity defense in his upcoming kidnap trial, court documents showed Friday. (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:20:01 GMT)

Sterling defense challenges spending
LEXINGTON -- Defense attorneys for HomeGold's former chairman took sharp aim at a key prosecution witness Friday, saying she approved payments for the company's chief executive for wallpaper, 20,000 miles of travel and a personal trainer -- all at a time the company was losing millions of dollars and auditors expressed concern about its ability to survive. (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:05:14 GMT)

'Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
BOSTON -- The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers said Friday. ... - The Associated Press (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:14:15 GMT)

Insanity defense likely in rape, molest case
An attorney for a Portland man facing rape, criminal confinement and child molesting charges has filed the documents necessary to pursue an insanity defense. (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:17:42 GMT)

'Rockefeller' to use insanity defense
BOSTON - The man who authorities say pretended to be a member of the famous Rockefeller dynasty and fabricated elaborate stories about his past will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial in the kidnapping of his 7-year-old daughter, his lawyers... (Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:34:50 GMT)

Hall officials seek to improve indigent defense system Court-appointed lawyers more common, costly than in past
Faced with a growing indigent defense bill where costs were once much lower, Hall County State Court officials want to improve how they provide lawyers for the poor in 2009. (Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:02:35 GMT)

Insanity defense for "Rockefeller"
The man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller plans to use an insanity defense at his trial for allegedly kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter... (Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:11:48 GMT)

Half of most serious criminal charges reduced or dropped in Licking County
NEWARK -- The Licking County Prosecutor's Office secured plea agreements in 54 of the most serious criminal cases filed in 2007 and 2008, but to do so almost half of those cases saw the most serious charge reduced or dropped. (Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:57:55 GMT)

Burris goes on defense
U.S. Sen. Roland Burris said he didn't have any inappropriate contact with allies of ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich about his desire for Illinois' Senate seat, and he defended his evolving explanation of what happened as an effort to make sure all the information comes out. "I've always conducted myself with honor and integrity," Burris said at a combative news conference, where his attorney ... (Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:08:56 GMT)

Phelps won't face charges over marijuana pipe photo
Richland County's Lott defends investigation into photo showing swimmer apparently smoking marijuana at party A South Carolina sheriff has decided not to pursue criminal charges against Michael Phelps in connection with a recently published photo of the swimmer with his mouth on a marijuana pipe. (Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:22:03 GMT)

Burris Offers Defense of Evolving Account
Senator Roland W. Burris of Illinois tried to explain why he did not mention phone conversations with the former governor?s brother during testimony last month. (Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:53:06 GMT)

Self-defense law likely struck down: Harsher penalty for sex offenders law heads to Senate
A law that would make injured criminals unable to sue homeowners who injured them while defending themselves likely will fail, state Sen. Steve Neville, R-Aztec, said. (Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:51:08 GMT)

It's criminal to focus on one isolated gun incident
Note to self: Clear out some space in the e-mail inbox. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:04:13 GMT)

Common Pleas Court judges support cuts in criminal code
LISBON - Fair justice, less words. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court judges said they support a proposal by the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission to cut half a million words from the criminal code. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:07:20 GMT)

Melton Defense Relying On Criminal's Testimony About House
The defense in Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's federal trial says testimony deemed questionable will arise in court. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:32:29 GMT)

Izzo's testimony ties him to drugs
After years of downplaying his role in the steroids scandal, Patriots special teams captain Larry Izzo is prepared to testify at Barry Bonds's criminal trial that Bonds's personal trainer, Greg Anderson, gave Izzo performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 with instructions and a schedule for using them, according to federal prosecutors. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:45:00 GMT)

Burris backers not ready for real change
Of all the defenses offered by callers to the Sunday talk show I co-host on V-103, one irate guy's defense was both maddening and intriguing. He argued that Sen. Roland Burris had simply forgotten he had six conversations with former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's operatives. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:12:27 GMT)

Posted: 17-02-2009 , 12:54 GMT
Under the threat of legal proceedings against Israel in the International Criminal Court in The Hague following the war in Gaza Strip, a top Israeli minister made stern statements against Jordan. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:13:19 GMT)

Wendy Byrne murder suspects, both 15, will be in court today
Two New Orleans teenagers accused of fatally shooting a woman in the French Quarter are expected to have a preliminary hearing in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court at 10 a.m. today, after their hearing last week was postponed.... (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:50:29 GMT)

Career criminal back in trouble
Michael Barksdale, repeat offender. Prosecutors thought the 33rd conviction was the charm. Michael Barksdale was convicted in 2004 of first-degree burglary and sentenced to the maximum - 15 years in prison. It was the harshest sentence the career criminal had received in 25 years. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:30:11 GMT)

The night Josh Skare died: murder or self-defense?
Josh Skare's friends said he could be entertaining when he was sober but overly aggressive when he drank. He bragged to them that he had taken a few punches to the head during a fight at the Mall of America and liked it. He said he wanted to do it again. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:31:53 GMT)

Career criminal back in trouble
Michael Barksdale was convicted in 2004 of first-degree burglary and sentenced to the maximum - 15 years in prison. It was the harshest sentence the career criminal had received in 25 years. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:28:20 GMT)

Setback For Defense Ahead Of Trial In SF Bay Spill
A federal judge in San Francisco Tuesday turned down a bid by a ship management company to obtain state pilot records dating back to 1993 as part of its defense against criminal charges stemming from a 2007 oil spill. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:45:38 GMT)

Judge turns down shipping firm's bid for pilot records in bay oil spill case
A federal judge in San Francisco today turned down a bid by a ship management company to obtain state pilot records dating back to 1993 as part of its defense against criminal charges stemming from a 2007 oil spill. (Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:57:12 GMT)

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