Even though it looks like the District is about to lose the high-profile Louis Robles trial, we still have one other huge one starting this week -- "the Miami 7" trial. Here's Vanessa Blum's article outlining the start of the case. And here's Jay Weaver's, and the AP.
This is the trial involving seven guys from Liberty City who spoke to undercover officers about blowing up the Sears Tower in Chicago and other buildings in Miami. The government has described that group as "more aspirational than operational." Will their words and actions in this case be enough for conviction? How will the Jose Padilla trial sit in jurors' minds? Stay tuned -- same bat time, same bat channel.
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
Monday, September 17, 2007
Robles to take more time
Further to our post below, Robles will be taking 15 years and 3 counts. Wow. That is an awful lot of time for a first time non-violent offender.
If the government believes 10 years is just, how can it agree to this deal?
Sorry for the short and sloppy post. On the road today.
--David Oscar Markus
www.markuslaw.com
305-379-6667
Louis Robles to plead?
That's what Julie Kay is reporting. Apparently, a hearing is set for 9am tomorrow. I wonder if he is pleading to the original deal or taking more time. More to follow.
--David Oscar Markus
www.markuslaw.com
305-379-6667
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Another high profile trial to start this week
This time it's USA v. Louis Robles. Here's Julie Kay's preview of the trial.
I'm sure both sides (defense -- Hector Flores; government -- Mike Davis and Luis Perez) were working hard this weekend, even though they had settled the case months ago. The problem is that the judge wouldn't accept the 10 year deal agreed on by the parties because he believed that the deal was too sweet for Robles, who turns 60 next year.
We've discussed this issue a number of times and we asked whether the government would simply dismiss the indictment and permit Robles to plead guilty to a 10 year count (or two five year counts). Well, it appears that the answer is no. So if Robles loses this trial, he will certainly appeal on this issue, and it looks like a good one.
So SDFLA readers, is this trial worth it? The government doesn't want it. The victims don't want it. The defense doesn't want it. The receiver doesn't want it. The trial will last about a month, costing the system six figures.
By the way, can you imagine if Robles walks?
I'm sure both sides (defense -- Hector Flores; government -- Mike Davis and Luis Perez) were working hard this weekend, even though they had settled the case months ago. The problem is that the judge wouldn't accept the 10 year deal agreed on by the parties because he believed that the deal was too sweet for Robles, who turns 60 next year.
We've discussed this issue a number of times and we asked whether the government would simply dismiss the indictment and permit Robles to plead guilty to a 10 year count (or two five year counts). Well, it appears that the answer is no. So if Robles loses this trial, he will certainly appeal on this issue, and it looks like a good one.
So SDFLA readers, is this trial worth it? The government doesn't want it. The victims don't want it. The defense doesn't want it. The receiver doesn't want it. The trial will last about a month, costing the system six figures.
By the way, can you imagine if Robles walks?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Clerk of Court to move in mid-November
Clarence Maddox, clerk of the court for the Southern District of Florida, has resigned. He sent the following email today to the entire court:
Dear Friends:
Several weeks ago Chief Judge Moreno informed the District Judges of my interest in and pursuit of the Circuit Executive position in the Sixth Circuit. Earlier this week, following an interview with the Sixth Circuit Judicial Council, I was selected to succeed Jim Higgins as Circuit Executive upon his retirement later this year.
I discussed my interest in pursuing this position with Judges Moreno and Zloch last May, in the earliest stages in the application process, and I have kept Chief Judge Moreno apprised of my status in the selection process on a regular basis. This morning I informed Chief Judge Moreno of my selection and he wished me well, we had a brief discussion about planning for the transition process, and I assured him that I would work with the Court to provide for as seamless a transition as possible. In that regard, I may work closely with the committee chaired by Judge Lenard as a process for identifying a successor to the Clerk's position is outlined and implemented. I have not yet confirmed my start date with the Sixth Circuit, but I anticipate that I will commence my new duties in mid-November. Between now and then, I will likely have some limited travel to locations in the Sixth Circuit to participate in meetings with future implications for the Circuit.
My experiences these past eight years with the Southern District of Florida have enriched me personally and professionally, and I believe that we have accomplished a great deal together. I am grateful to you all for your support, understanding, and friendship, and it has been my privilege to have served and been a part of this great organization.
My most sincere thanks to you all for your support as well as my best wishes for your continuing success! cm
Clarence Maddox
Court Administrator - Clerk of Court
United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida
301 N. Miami Avenue, Room 321
Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 523-5001
Thanks to a close friend of the blog for the tip. So, who should be the next clerk?
Dear Friends:
Several weeks ago Chief Judge Moreno informed the District Judges of my interest in and pursuit of the Circuit Executive position in the Sixth Circuit. Earlier this week, following an interview with the Sixth Circuit Judicial Council, I was selected to succeed Jim Higgins as Circuit Executive upon his retirement later this year.
I discussed my interest in pursuing this position with Judges Moreno and Zloch last May, in the earliest stages in the application process, and I have kept Chief Judge Moreno apprised of my status in the selection process on a regular basis. This morning I informed Chief Judge Moreno of my selection and he wished me well, we had a brief discussion about planning for the transition process, and I assured him that I would work with the Court to provide for as seamless a transition as possible. In that regard, I may work closely with the committee chaired by Judge Lenard as a process for identifying a successor to the Clerk's position is outlined and implemented. I have not yet confirmed my start date with the Sixth Circuit, but I anticipate that I will commence my new duties in mid-November. Between now and then, I will likely have some limited travel to locations in the Sixth Circuit to participate in meetings with future implications for the Circuit.
My experiences these past eight years with the Southern District of Florida have enriched me personally and professionally, and I believe that we have accomplished a great deal together. I am grateful to you all for your support, understanding, and friendship, and it has been my privilege to have served and been a part of this great organization.
My most sincere thanks to you all for your support as well as my best wishes for your continuing success! cm
Clarence Maddox
Court Administrator - Clerk of Court
United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida
301 N. Miami Avenue, Room 321
Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 523-5001
Thanks to a close friend of the blog for the tip. So, who should be the next clerk?
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