tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post4463812252895259917..comments2024-02-24T18:44:39.324-08:00Comments on Trials & Tribulations: Casey Antthony: Living La Vita Pro BonoSprockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03837416113512618694noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-36219508300893380142010-03-25T20:29:37.731-07:002010-03-25T20:29:37.731-07:00The alleged mistress of George Anthony (River Cruz...The alleged mistress of George Anthony (River Cruz) has tried to commit suicide. She is in the hospital after ingesting pills. Please pray for her as she has been getting some really awful "hate e mails and Tweets". These were the reason for the suicide attempt.sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00372975265112892344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-38882572693251017182010-03-24T15:07:56.801-07:002010-03-24T15:07:56.801-07:00Pro bono = I'll make my $$$$ with a book/scree...Pro bono = I'll make my $$$$ with a book/screenplay/paid interviews/teaching/symposium opportunities this case is going to give me, and/or I am taking one hell of a HUGE tax deduction.CaliGirl9https://www.blogger.com/profile/06639398512708841968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-38035400292001509882010-03-22T18:27:42.105-07:002010-03-22T18:27:42.105-07:00Katfish, I'm totally with you on that. We nee...Katfish, I'm totally with you on that. We need to move forward at this point and see Casey represented in a way which will not cause appellate issues.<br /><br />Do it once, and do it right.ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-61068767515362165192010-03-22T17:00:07.261-07:002010-03-22T17:00:07.261-07:00I trust Judge Strickland. We don't want the de...I trust Judge Strickland. We don't want the defense to have an appellate issue because the prosecution was privy to how they spent their resources for defense...darn it, much as I'd like to know. :)katfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17677596326492200191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-83878322617917388292010-03-22T13:13:10.356-07:002010-03-22T13:13:10.356-07:00On Friday, Baez brought in his records and Judge S...On Friday, Baez brought in his records and Judge Strickland looked them over. In his Order,<br />Judge Stricklan stated, "The Court has made a thorough review of all items submitted including the cost ledger of Defense Counsel and is satisfied that the Defendant has met all the Statutory standards".<br /><br />These records will not be made public, so we'll never know how the money was spent.ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-32442532825380173552010-03-22T11:10:42.164-07:002010-03-22T11:10:42.164-07:00I apologize in advance if what I'm about to as...I apologize in advance if what I'm about to ask seems a little thick-headed but -- she starts out with $275k, yes? The attorneys can account for $121,454.83. That leaves $153,545.17 UNaccounted for. How is it possible that the judge granted her indigent status given that math?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-48680747782976250242010-03-21T14:08:05.872-07:002010-03-21T14:08:05.872-07:00Shari, thank you for the compliment. I will have ...Shari, thank you for the compliment. I will have to say that I've only read all the motions. I like reading the motions and see them argued in court.<br /><br />We are due for another release of discovery this week. This one should NOT be a bunch of DNA charts!ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-38665640324793361292010-03-21T13:18:48.121-07:002010-03-21T13:18:48.121-07:00ritanita, your last comment was dead on. If "...ritanita, your last comment was dead on. If "only" she hadn't had a private atty. I totally agree she would have been given a highly qualified death penalty atty. Someone brought up the money from Macaluso being from "another" source and given to Casey thru him. I never even thought of that, but it sure is an interesting premise. I didn't hear LKB's comment either. Funny though! I hope you are going to continue to read thru all of this for us as you are good at explaining it all. I guess more discovery is coming soon???sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00372975265112892344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-90321893173128396052010-03-21T07:51:56.653-07:002010-03-21T07:51:56.653-07:00David From TN,
I've watched so many high-prof...David From TN,<br /><br />I've watched so many high-profile murder trials and it's gratifying to see that court-appointed attorneys in these cases are frequently high-profile, competent private attorneys. <br /><br />When appointed at the beginning, these lawyers accept the standard fee and do the job for public service and publicity.<br /><br />The defendant ends up with a solid team and the taxpayers are usually assured that lack of competent representation won't be a reason for the case to be overturned on appeal.<br /><br />While we all end up paying for these defenses, at least we don't end up paying twice.<br /><br />Had Casey Anthony not had a private attorney from the get-go, I have a feeling she would have been given a highly qualified death penalty attorney when she was charged with murder October 14, 2008. I think the case would have progressed much more smoothly!ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-56467018303610760102010-03-21T07:39:51.153-07:002010-03-21T07:39:51.153-07:00Kelleygreen,
I have to agree that Mason's &qu...Kelleygreen,<br /><br />I have to agree that Mason's "fun" comment didn't go over well with the public. I prefer the reason he gave to the judge, thet "(I) eventually get tired of seeing what's going on!"<br /><br />As far as the ABC deal goes, it remains to be seen if Baez was paid as a broker.<br /><br />I don't think Baez said he worked only on this case during the time he's been representing Casey. I do recall one of the State's Attorneys mentioning that Baez had taken on a number of cases since the beginning of the case. This was mentioned in relation to the fraud trial. One of Baez's arguments that he didn't have time to prepare for the trial due to the amount of work he had to do on the murder trial.<br /><br />As for Baez being a solo practitioner; on 8/24/08, I printed out a copy of Baez' web page. At that time, the links worked and listed Gabriel Adam as an attorney. It also listed a case manager and a paralegal. It's difficult to tell now who works in the law firm as the links to that information haven't worked for a long time!<br /><br />Macaluso's donation? He had already "staightened out his books" prior to entering this case. There are a lot of theories out there, so I wouldn't venture a guess except to say that he didn't pay with some other client's money. Whether it came directly from him or funnelled through him is anybody's guess.<br /><br />I missed the LKB statment being a dig at Andrea Lyon. She writes those fiction books with her husband. Lyon writes books which deal with her beliefs about the death penalty and uses her cases more as "case studies" than sensationalization of the cases!<br /><br />Finally, as for Mr. Mason's whining about money issues, you are spot on. It's a favorite mantra of attorneys representing clients in expensive cases.<br /><br />The State's Attorneys indeed do heavy-duty labor for their weekly paycheck. They aren't going to get rich, that's for sure!<br /><br />Thank you so much for your comments!ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-34037458209836203402010-03-21T03:21:15.329-07:002010-03-21T03:21:15.329-07:00Your summary of the hearing is greatly appreciated...Your summary of the hearing is greatly appreciated! :-)Jomonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-43516171346252807452010-03-21T02:42:42.269-07:002010-03-21T02:42:42.269-07:00Excellent recap of the hearing!Excellent recap of the hearing!donchaishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10633448176681880930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-86371706832768097452010-03-20T23:27:11.197-07:002010-03-20T23:27:11.197-07:00Undoubtedly, Mr. Mason is a well-seasoned attorney...Undoubtedly, Mr. Mason is a well-seasoned attorney; however, I worry when an attorney representing a client accused of murdering her child and facing death, tells reporters he's taking on a case "because it will be fun." Just what part of this case is fun, Mr. Mason?<br /><br />I still have many questions regarding the outside sources of funding: <br /><br />First, since Baez brokered the ABC deal, how much money did ABC pay directly to Baez? Afterall, as the broker he is entitled to payment for his services; however, did other copyright owners pay additional fees to Baez for his broker services?<br /><br />Second, why didn't Baez keep records of his billable hours? Did Baez really swear under oath that he has worked exclusively on Casey's case for the past 21 months, or was I hearing things? Now I know why Baez is a solo practitioner--no other firm can afford to keep an attorney who doesn't bring in billable hours.<br /><br />Third, how and why did Todd Macaluso "donate" $70K to the defense team? From whom did Macaluso receive the $70K? Didn't the CA Bar Association determine Macaluso's firm/employees have serious issues regarding client accounts/money? Didn't the CBA determine Macaluso's conduct was so egregious that it "suspended" his license to practice law? Again, why did Macaluso give the money to the defense team? If someone outside the legal biz gave the $70K to Macaluso, was the $70K given to Macaluso with the condition that it was to go directly to the defense of Casey? Who provided the $70K? OR, did Macaluso use the $70K donation as his way to buy his way onto the defense team?<br /><br />Finally, when will Mason stop whining about the amount of money the State spends on this case. Get real, Mason; public employees don't have the "luxury" of spending 2500 hours over 21 months only working ONE case. Public employees, including the prosecutors, work on many cases--every day!<br /><br />Hands down, my favorite part of the hearing's LKB's dig at AL: Judge Strickland asks LKB if she has any book deals pending--LKB reports she's never written a book about any of her high profile clients. Priceless!<br /><br />Keep up the good work, Ritanita!<br /><br />kellygreenkellygreenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15346635781031282707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-72851073869990891442010-03-20T18:42:04.988-07:002010-03-20T18:42:04.988-07:00Ritanita,
Thanks for explaining the funding issue....Ritanita,<br />Thanks for explaining the funding issue. As readers know, I've been helping to cover the Christian-Newsom trials in Knoxville TN for T&T. Judge Baumgartner appointed the best defense attorneys in Knoxville to represent the suspects, two attorneys for each in DP cases. All the defense attorneys in the first 3 trials were paid by Tennessee taxpayers, myself included. <br /><br />At least one of Vanessa Coleman's attorneys in her upcoming trial was hired by her parents. I'm not sure about her other attorney.<br /><br />One of the attorneys assigned to Letalvis Cobbins was Bruce Poston, the highest-profile defense attorney in Knoxville. Readers might remember him defending Eric Maclean on Tru TV for killing his wife's teenage lover. He got Maclean a manslaughter verdict instead of 1st degree murder. <br /><br />Poston managed to get removed from the case by not doing any work. The defense lawyers in the Knoxville trials have conducted aggressive defenses even if they weren't eager to be assigned to it. <br /><br />Cheney Mason is obviously glad to be on Casey Anthony's defense team. As I commented months ago, this is a case a publicity-conscious defense attorney wants. <br /><br />It was no surprise to me that Linda K. Baden and Expert Witness Henry Lee found their way to this trial. <br /><br />David From TNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-49220755486413590782010-03-20T17:43:32.326-07:002010-03-20T17:43:32.326-07:00wow, sounds like my predictions on new lead atty. ...wow, sounds like my predictions on new lead atty. and Ms.Lyon may come to fruition. To hear Baez say he "didn't keep track of hours" is soooo laughable. Does any atty. ever NOT keep track of billable hours???? Please! They even charge you for phone calls at each quarter hour. Baez knows how many billable hours he has put in and he is so full of baloney. <br /> The phone call between the JAC and the court was horrible. The system needs a better way of handling telephonic testimony. Certainly in Orlando, there has to be a rep. that could have come to court for this agency.sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00372975265112892344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-19730145893414567222010-03-20T16:36:48.238-07:002010-03-20T16:36:48.238-07:00FRG, I have no idea what will happen to the defens...FRG, I have no idea what will happen to the defense team now. I hope that Lyon stays on because she is very good at the death penalty phase. It's possible she won't have to appear at every hearing (saving her transportation expenses... FL law does not allow for out-of-state attorney travel expenses). <br /><br />Linda Kenney-Baden's strength is in questioning the scientific witnesses.<br /><br />I think it's possible Mr. Mason will be the <i>de facto </i> lead attorney in the case. <br /><br />We should get a better idea of Baez' role when we see the next hearing.<br /><br />Wes, how Casey got her private attorney so fast is still a mystery. She had originally filed for indigent status.<br /><br />The good news here is that now, her attorneys cannot be paid through the JCS. As Mason, Lyon, and Kenney-Baden all announced that they were appearing <i>pro bono</i>, that will save the State of Florida a great deal of money. Baez was the only one who did not state he would be appearing <i>pro bono</i>, I wonder what he has up his sleeve.ritanitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01798894468241676294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-47067588763039676032010-03-20T16:09:49.547-07:002010-03-20T16:09:49.547-07:00There were so many pics in the public domain, why ...There were so many pics in the public domain, why would a "legit" news org like ABC be willing to pay for more?<br /><br />So she gets her dream team (defense team) lined up and only NOW she is indigent? Imagine slaving your way thru Law School to defend the likes of this "thing".<br />Wes J.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6757696342634699253.post-5445524303081916422010-03-20T14:10:49.755-07:002010-03-20T14:10:49.755-07:00Ritanita,
I have to thank you so much for your art...Ritanita,<br />I have to thank you so much for your article!!!! I have watched on the computer and had missed some parts.<br />Wow, spokesperson Marti Mackenzie was paid $10,000 to do what??? I want a job like that. LOL<br />I don't believe AL will leave the case, she wants her name on the news along with the others, well I don't care so much about her after I heard that lecture of hers, I believe in Miami, FL. I know you like her so I will leave it like that.<br />As far as JB goes he will stay, he needs more than any of the other lawyers to keep his smirky face on the news. I really hope I am wrong and both of them AL and JB leave. <br />I am looking forward to take a look at the rest of the unaccounted money... why can't we see that? That's not fair. <br />I have read about that ABC made deal with JB. On this article from yesterday ABC's writes:<br /> http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=10150122<br />Snip:<br />"Circuit Judge Stan Strickland issued the ruling a day after her attorney disclosed that ABC had paid the Florida mother and her relatives $200,000 for exclusive use of family photos and videos."<br />Her relatives??? Hmmmmmm.<br />I just hope that JAC does investigate this properly we don't need any grounds for a future appeal.<br />I am really outraged by the fact ABC overpaid for videos and photos for the accused killer KC. <br />BTW, Valhall wrote a wonderful article today, if you have time read it.<br />Let's see what's next. LOLFRGnoreply@blogger.com