The SDFLA Blog is dedicated to providing news and notes regarding federal practice in the Southern District of Florida. The New Times calls the blog "the definitive source on South Florida's federal court system." All tips on court happenings are welcome and will remain anonymous. Please email David Markus at dmarkus@markuslaw.com
Friday, September 23, 2005
Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela to get free lawyer
So reports Jay Weaver. This seems wrong to me. Appointed lawyers are meant for indigent defendants. The man has money. Lots of it. He could spend it at Publix or for a doctor or for clothes. Why not a lawyer?
I'm quite sure that he wants to use his money to hire a lawyer who can focus on his case rather than get a court appointed lawyer who cannot devote as much time to his case. And, that's exactly why the government is not allowing him to use his money to hire a lawyer of his choice.
Anybody with a passing knowledge of federal criminal practice, especially in the Southern District, should know that (a) the feds like to seize the assets of alleged drug dealers, thus leaving them with no money to hire a defense lawyer; and (b) lawyers have been prosecuted for money laundering when receiving suspected drug proceeds as compensation for legal services. That's why no private attorney can touch this case.
I'm quite sure that he wants to use his money to hire a lawyer who can focus on his case rather than get a court appointed lawyer who cannot devote as much time to his case. And, that's exactly why the government is not allowing him to use his money to hire a lawyer of his choice.
ReplyDeleteWhy can the government pick and chose who gets to hire private lawyers?
ReplyDeleteAnybody with a passing knowledge of federal criminal practice, especially in the Southern District, should know that (a) the feds like to seize the assets of alleged drug dealers, thus leaving them with no money to hire a defense lawyer; and (b) lawyers have been prosecuted for money laundering when receiving suspected drug proceeds as compensation for legal services. That's why no private attorney can touch this case.
ReplyDelete