JAC Hearing 5/6/10 (Criminal)

This is the motion filed by the JAC regarding KC's indigency:

Justice Administrative Commission's Post-Hearing Memorandum

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/36596270/03192010-JAC-Post-Hearing-Memorandum

This will be the topic of the hearing.....

Anthony Defense: Seal Expense Records
Hearing To Be Held Thursday Morning

POSTED: Wednesday, May 5, 2010
UPDATED: 4:53 pm EDT May 5, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony and her defense team will be in court again on Thursday to discuss funding for her trial.

Anthony, 23, was declared indigent in March, and now that she'll be getting public money, her defense team has to tell the court how much they're spending and on what.

In Thursday's hearing, the defense will ask newly-appointed Judge Belvin Perry to seal all documents related to the Justice Administration Commission, which provides financial review of the funding.

The defense said that letting the public see how the defense money is being spent could affect Anthony's right to a fair trial.

The hearing will take place at 9 a.m.

Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing in July 2008. Her remains were found in a wooded area near the Anthony family home in December 2008.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/23465765/detail.html

Will the court seal financial records at defense’s request?

posted by halboedeker on May, 5 2010 6:34 PM

What happens at a hearing tomorrow on the budget for Casey Anthony’s case? WFTV-Channel 9 and WESH-Channel 2 disagreed in their analyses this evening.

The defense wants records sealed on how it spends public money to defend Anthony, who is indigent. She is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

In a new motion, Anthony attorney Jose Baez says if the defense’s invoices become public, that could prompt “endless speculation.”

WESH-Channel 2 suggested that Chief Circuit Judge Belvin Perry Jr. is likely to see it Baez’s way. Orlando attorney Richard Hornsby told WESH that Baez’s motion was a fair request and that the public could know the amount of money without the details.

WESH’s Bob Kealing noted that Perry has said he doesn’t need to know details, just the costs.

WESH anchor Jim Payne added, “Attorneys we’ve spoken with said they expect Judge Perry to set aside a pot of money. How much we will find out tomorrow.”

But WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said, “The court is not likely to grant this motion and seal all of the financial records away from the very people that are footing that bill. That’s you, that’s me, that’s the taxpayers.”

Sheaffer found the defense’s motion “rather disingenuous,” especially the point about “endless speculation.”

“It’s Mr. Baez who keeps going on national TV, floating the defense theories,” Sheaffer said.

WFTV’s Kathi Belich reported that another defense motion filed today asks the public to pay for out-of-state experts and their travel. ”Even though state rules say they have to use Florida experts, the defense says it would be more expensive to have new experts start all over again,” Belich said.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/05/casey-anthony-will-the-court-seal-financial-records-at-defenses-request.html

Casey Anthony defense wants documents sealed to keep strategy private
The defense team's request for various funding would lead to speculation, her attorneys argued.

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
3:22 p.m. EDT, May 5, 2010

Hoping to keep their defense strategy under wraps, Casey Anthony's attorneys are asking a judge to seal documents related to the state-funded office that approves costs for indigent defendants.

"Documents and requests for funding will lead to endless speculation as to the defense strategy for defending Miss Anthony and could ultimately affect her right to a fair trial," defense attorney Jose Baez wrote in a motion made public today.

The defense's budget will be the focus of Thursday's hearing before Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry. He'll listen to how much her legal team expects to spend defending the 24-year-old of first-degree murder. The state is seeking the death penalty, which adds costs to her defense.

Perry, who took over the case last month, will hear from the Justice Administrative Commission on how much it's willing to use public money for her defense costs. The JAC is responsible for those payments.

JAC Executive Director Victoria Montanaro could not be reached for comment.

Casey Anthony is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Marie, in 2008. A medical examiner ruled her death a homicide but it could not determine how she died.

Casey Anthony is being held in the Orange County Jail.

In March, a judge ruled the state could pay for certain expenses related to her murder case. Those do not include attorney fees.

Defense attorneys now want Perry's approval to continue using:

• Out-of-state experts. They're not identified in the legal request but have worked hours inspecting evidence and reviewing more than 14,000 pages of investigative material.

Typically, the justice commission requires defense attorneys to use in-state experts but this is an "extraordinary case," the defense team argued.

• Mortimer Smith, an Illinois private investigator who has worked on the case for more than a year. The defense team would use him to investigate witnesses and issues that are out of the state. Florida-licensed investigators would follow up on in-state issues.

• And mitigation specialist, Jeanene Barrett, who has logged hundreds of hours learning about Anthony's life history. The defense argues it would be too costly to replace her at this point.

Her work becomes critical if Casey Anthony is found guilty of murder. During the penalty phase of the trial, the defense will present reasons why the single mother should not get the death penalty.

All agreed to be paid the financial rates outlined by the JAC.

Thursday's court appearance is the first in a string of hearings scheduled by Perry.

Another one on Monday will focus on several pending defense motions, such as a request for change of venue, a request to keep a jury from seeing party pictures of Casey Anthony and a request to keep jail visitation logs private.

A hearing Tuesday will deal death penalty motions.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/caylee-anthony/os-casey-anthony-motions-20100505,0,3558554.story

Casey’s Lawyers Want Strategy To Stay Secret

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 3:04:43 PM
Reported by Adam Longo

ORLANDO -- Casey Anthony’s attorneys do not want you to know what your own tax dollars are paying for, according to a new motion.

A court hearing Wednesday will set the budget for the defense team after Judge Stan Strickland declared Casey indigent in March.

Now, Casey’s lawyers have asked Judge Belvin Perry to seal all documents and invoices relating to defense spending. They don’t want prosecutors to know their defense strategy.

The defense team has also filed a request to keep several out-of-state experts on the payroll.

Read the Latest Motions

• Motion to Seal All JAC Documents (pdf)
  
• Motion to Approve Out-of-State Experts (pdf)
  

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/5/5/caseys_lawyers_want_strategy_to_stay_secret.html

As I stated on another thread..... based on the defense's Motion to Approve Out-of-State Experts, I feel VERY certain that should KC be convicted of murder, they will definitely put the blame for her actions on George and Cindy.

They have been preparing for mitigation with Jeanene Barrett for quite some time, if what they stated in their motion is to be believed.

Fasten your seat belts, Cindy and George.... it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Anthony Defense Wants Funding Records Sealed
Hearing Slated For Thursday Morning

POSTED: 11:59 am EDT May 5, 2010
UPDATED: 8:43 pm EDT May 5, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony's lawyers are asking the judge to seal all state records indicating how her defense is funded.

In the new motion, Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, said their case could be compromised if every invoice that they submit for reimbursement from the state becomes a public record.

Baez said the public disclosure of the invoices will lead to "rampant speculation as to the defense strategy."

Now that Anthony has been declared indigent, she qualifies to reimburse with state tax dollars for certain expenses.

Last week, Judge Belvin Perry said Anthony's money matters are urgent because there are two more hearings scheduled for next week, when the defense is likely to have to bring some of their experts to town.

The defense will need to have authorization from the judge to begin spending money. The team also needs to know how much will be available.

Perry is holding a hearing on the issue Thursday morning.

Anthony is in the Orange County Jail being held on no bond on charges of murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

Caylee's remains were found in a wooded area off Suburban Drive near the Anthony family home in December 2008.

Anthony maintains a nanny by the name of Zenaida Gonzalez kidnapped Caylee.

http://www.wesh.com/news/23461168/detail.html

IMO - Looks like the bloodsucker defense devils are going to deliberately drain the State of Florida dry before the trial even gets underway. They will use every excuse in the book to prolong this case. At this rate, it could be several years before the conclusion. When the jury announces their verdict, defense will go for a mistrial, and they are already busy preparing to use that claim. Wouldn't surprise me if they approve one juror that later will be found to be writing a book or has some other idea of getting rich.

Casey Anthony returns to court today

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
6:31 a.m. EDT, May 6, 2010

Casey Anthony will be in court this morning for a hearing that will focus on how much public money will go toward the cost of defense.

At the 9 a.m. hearing, Orange-Osceola Chief Judge Belvin Perry, who took over the case last month, will hear how much her legal team expects to spend defending the 24-year-old of first-degree murder. The state is seeking the death penalty, which increases defense costs.

The Justice Administrative Commission, the state office that is responsible for the payments, will present its side on the costs.

In March, a judge ruled the state could pay for certain expenses, such as expert witnesses, depositions and travel costs, related to her murder case. It does not include attorney fees

Casey Anthony is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Marie. The toddler disappeared in the summer of 2008. Her remains were discovered in December 2008 less than a mile from her family home in east Orange County.

Casey Anthony is being held in the Orange County Jail.

Her legal team doesn't want to reveal its defense strategy so the attorneys asked Perry to keep the justice commission's documents private. This issue is expected to be addressed today.

"Documents and requests for funding will lead to endless speculation as to the defense strategy for defending Miss Anthony and could ultimately affect her right to a fair trial," defense attorney Jose Baez wrote in a motion.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-budget-hearing-20100506,0,2997370.story

Casey Anthony back in court today
Defense budget and death penalty to be addressed

Updated: Thursday, 06 May 2010, 7:19 AM EDT
Published : Thursday, 06 May 2010, 6:43 AM EDT

ORANGE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Casey Anthony is scheduled to return to court today. Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. will meet with her attorneys to decide how much money the State of Florida will pay towards her defense. On March 19, Anthony was declared indigent by then-presiding Judge Stan Strickland.

Additional hearings will be held next week. Motions to be addressed on Monday include steps by the Anthony defense team to change the location for the murder trial, seal jail visitation logs and exclude hearsay evidence and lay opinion testimony brought forth by the prosecution. On Tuesday, the defense will present arguments against the death penalty, which they contend is unconstitutional.

The defense has filed additional motions to seal all Justice Administration Commission (JAC) documents, which would effectively keep the expenditures of the defense team from being released to the public. The JAC is subject to public records inquiries under Florida law, but also allows for the sealing of such documents through a court order.

Attorneys for Anthony argue that requests for funding documents could lead to endless speculation as to the strategy for defending their client.

Anthony's murder trial is set to begin on May 9, 2011. All depositions of witnesses are to be completed by October 31, 2010. She remains jailed on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee who was last seen in June of 2008, but she was not reported missing until a month later. Her remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11, 2008. Investigators say the toddler's body was found with duct tape over her mouth.

Casey has pleaded not guilty and claims a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/anthony_case/050610-Casey-Anthony

Casey Anthony judge denies seal request

Updated: Thursday, 06 May 2010, 12:54 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 06 May 2010, 6:43 AM EDT

ORANGE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Casey Anthony was back in court on Thursday. Circuit Judge Belvin Perry denied a request from Anthony's attorney to seal all records related to the public funding of her defense.

Judge Perry said Anthony's attorney failed to prove that releasing the information would jeopardize her right to a fair trial. He had argued that making the records public could reveal strategy and the type of expert witnesses the defense is hiring.

Anthony has been declared indigent, allowing public money to pay for expert witnesses and other costs but not attorney fees.

An attorney for The Orlando Sentinel told a judge that the request is too broad.

Additional hearings will be held next week. Motions to be addressed on Monday include steps by the Anthony defense team to change the location for the murder trial, seal jail visitation logs and exclude hearsay evidence and lay opinion testimony brought forth by the prosecution. On Tuesday, the defense will present arguments against the death penalty, which they contend is unconstitutional.

The defense has filed additional motions to seal all Justice Administration Commission (JAC) documents, which would effectively keep the expenditures of the defense team from being released to the public. The JAC is subject to public records inquiries under Florida law, but also allows for the sealing of such documents through a court order.

Attorneys for Anthony argue that requests for funding documents could lead to endless speculation as to the strategy for defending their client.

Anthony's murder trial is set to begin on May 9, 2011. All depositions of witnesses are to be completed by October 31, 2010. She remains jailed on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee who was last seen in June of 2008, but she was not reported missing until a month later. Her remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11, 2008. Investigators say the toddler's body was found with duct tape over her mouth.

Since the Caylee Anthony case first broke nearly two years ago, we've seen investigators haul vacuum cleaner after vacuum cleaner out of the Anthony's home. Casey Anthony's mom, Cindy, told deputies she cleaned Casey's car when it came back from the tow yard because it smelled so bad. In Friday's discovery we learn that investigators tore apart four vacuum cleaners taken into evidence.

FBI lab notes show the vacuums were examined for human hair with characteristics of human decomposition, but, none were found. That's good for Casey Anthony's defense, something her attorneys will likely point out when the state's capital murder case against her goes to trial.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/anthony_case/050610-Casey-Anthony

Judge Allows Casey Funding Records To Remain Open
Hearing Held Thursday At Orange County Courthouse

POSTED: 11:59 am EDT May 5, 2010
UPDATED: 9:46 am EDT May 6, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A judge denied a motion from Casey Anthony's lawyers on Thursday to seal all state records indicating how her defense is funded.

In the motion, Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, said their case could be compromised if every invoice that they submit for reimbursement from the state becomes a public record.

Baez said the public disclosure of the invoices could lead to "rampant speculation as to the defense strategy."

Now that Anthony has been declared indigent, she qualifies to be reimbursed with state tax dollars for certain expenses.

Last week, Judge Belvin Perry said Anthony's money matters are urgent because there are two more hearings scheduled for next week, when the defense is likely to have to bring some of their experts to town.

Perry did rule that some information in the records could be redacted and specific situations may require hearings to determine whether information should be sealed.

The defense needed to have authorization from Perry to begin spending money. The team also needed to know how much will be available.

Many want to know where the money is coming from.

"In general, I think the public probably has a right to know what they're spending taxpayer money on," one resident said.

The hearing was held at the Orange County Courthouse.

Defense attorney Richard Hornsby has experience with similar situations.

"I think it's a fair request, and it's in line with what Judge Perry has already said he would allow them to do," he said.

Anthony is in the Orange County Jail being held on no bond on charges of murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

Caylee's remains were found in a wooded area off Suburban Drive near the Anthony family home in December 2008.

Anthony maintains a nanny by the name of Zenaida Gonzalez kidnapped Caylee.

http://www.wesh.com/news/23461168/detail.html

Judge Denies Anthony Records Request
Casey Anthony Charged With Murder In Death Of Daughter

POSTED: Wednesday, May 5, 2010
UPDATED: 9:52 am EDT May 6, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A judge has denied a request from Casey Anthony's attorney to seal all records related to the public funding of her defense.

Orange County Circuit Judge Belvin Perry, who was recently appointed to the case, said during a hearing on Thursday that Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, failed to prove that releasing the information would jeopardize Anthony's right to a fair trial.

Baez had argued that making the records public could reveal strategy and the type of expert witnesses the defense is hiring.

Anthony has been declared indigent, allowing public money to pay for expert witnesses and other costs but not attorney fees.

An attorney for The Orlando Sentinel told a judge that the request is too broad.

Anthony, 24, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing in July 2008. Her remains were found in a wooded area near the Anthony family home in December 2008.

At a hearing last week, Perry said that the May 9, 2011, scheduled start date for Anthony's murder trial will likely remain.

Perry also discussed a possible change of venue.

The state said it will not oppose most of the defense motion for a change of venue, but that only means a jury would be chosen in another Florida city. The jurors would then be brought back to Orange County for the trial, which attorneys predicted could take up to nine weeks.

Although a ruling has not been made on the change of venue, Perry indicated that if it happens, the jury would likely be sequestered in a hotel room.

"It's no secret that this case has received widespread publicity," Perry said. "The only way ... to make sure that they are not infected or polluted during this proceeding is to sequester them."

Perry took over Anthony's murder case after Orange County Circuit Judge Stan Strickland recused himself. Strickland's move followed a defense motion asking that Strickland be disqualified over a friendship with a blogger.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/23465765/detail.html

Judge Won't Seal Casey's Defense Spending Records

Posted: 4:37 pm EDT May 5, 2010
Updated: 12:56 pm EDT May 6, 2010

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- At a hearing Thursday, Casey Anthony's attorneys asked Judge Belvin Perry to prevent the public from seeing how much tax money they're spending on Casey's defense, but the defense request was denied.

A judge has already declared Casey indigent, who is accused of killing her young daughter Caylee, so taxpayers will now pick up the tab for her expenses. Her attorneys wanted all of the information, which would normally be public, kept secret.

CASEY IN COURT: See Images | Raw Video
IMAGES IN COURT: Baez, Judge, Others In Court
05/06/10 HEARING: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
VIDEO REPORT: Casey In Court For Hearing
MOTIONS: Seal Spending | Pay For Experts
VIDEO REPORT: Defense Wants Spending Sealed

Casey Anthony walked into the courtroom around 8:50am, wearing a frilly, short-sleeve, white button down shirt with blue stripes and with her hair pulled back in a bun (images | raw video). She sat alone at the defense table and waited for her attorneys to arrive. Jose Baez walked into the courtroom around 8:55am and took a seat next to Casey.

“First matter is a budget hearing. There’s also been notice for the date the defense request for the state to file written responses to defendant’s motions,” Judge Belvin Perry said in court as the hearing got underway.

Baez than asked for them to first discuss the motion to seal all Justice Administration Commission (JAC) documents (read it). The JAC is the body that will set forth the defense team's spending, because Casey is considered indigent and taxes will pay for much of her defense. Baez says the defense doesn't want to reveal who their expert witnesses are out of fear it will disclose their court strategy and didn't want to release the amount they're spending.

When Casey was first arrested, she had no money that was legitimately earned; she couldn't even pay Baez's $5,000 retainer. But, instead of opting for a public defender back then, only two months after Caylee had disappeared, Casey sold all of her own videos and photos of Caylee to ABC for $200,000 and two of her attorneys, one of whom has since left the case, raised another $140,000. That money is gone now and taxpayers have no idea where all of it went.

Judge Perry agreed to begin with the motion to seal the records and gave Baez an opportunity to speak first.

Baez argued that the media, "leeches" and "pseudo news media" are most interested in having access to the documents but, while there's a public right to know, it could damage her right to a fair trial. In its motion, the defense wrote, "Documents and requests for funding will lead to endless speculation as to the defense strategy for defending Miss Anthony and could ultimately affect her right to a fair trial."

“Quite frankly, the Orlando Sentinel is going to have to find another way to sell newspapers,” Baez told Judge Perry on Thursday.

Baez made further arguments to support the defense motion and then Judge Perry responded by pointing out Florida Statute 119 (read statute), which deals with access to public records.

“One more question, Mr. Baez, before you take your seat. The JAC is a state agency,” Judge Perry said. “Are there any particular statutory exceptions under [statute] 119 that you’re relying on or are you just relying on what you just told me?”

“I’m relying on my previous arguments,” Baez said.

Judge Perry thanked Baez and then called the Orlando Sentinel's attorney, who is arguing against the motion and wants access to the records, to speak.

“The request is just too broad,” attorney Rachel Fugate, with the Orlando Sentinel, argued. "At this point, I think it’s premature and it’s simply too broad."

An attorney for the JAC also spoke, briefly, but took no specific stand on the actual request and instead pointed out that the JAC does have to comply with Statute 119, unless a judge orders otherwise, and that sealing the records does put an administrative burden on their agency.

The state declined to speak on the matter, saying that they have no stand on the issue, and Judge Perry gave Baez an opportunity to respond to the arguments made.

“I disagree with Ms. Fugate where the public should know, should know what’s going on in the inner workings of the defense,” Baez argued. “It’s not the Sentinel’s life that’s on the line, it’s Casey Antony’s.”

Baez continued: “As to the JAC’s arguments, I would argue they don’t have standing to make an objection. This is a state agency and they will do what your honor orders."

Baez said that having the records sealed should actually reduce the burden on the JAC, suggesting that they wouldn't have to deal with all the media requests for documents if they weren't available.

"So the argument that this is an administrative burden falls on its face," Baez said.

After speaking briefly on the rules governing the release of such documents, Judge Perry quickly responded with his decision on the defense request.

“The court finds that the defense, at this time, has not met its burden to show that a serious and imminent threat to a fair, impartial trial has been met," Judge Perry said.

Judge Perry, though, did offer some flexibility and suggested that there could be some JAC documents that are sealed.

“Basically, we’ll have to do this on a case by case basis, or expert by expert basis,” Judge Perry said and quickly moved the hearing forward. “That takes care of the issue of the motion to seal. I guess the next thing to take care of is setting a budget.”

Baez began the budget discussion with Dr. Henry Lee, one of the forensic experts the defense has used throughout the case. However, Dr. Lee is out of state, something the defense filed a motion to seek coverage for despite the JAC's hesitation to pay for out of state witnesses (read it).

Baez argued for Dr. Lee's future costs to be covered by the JAC, but the JAC argued that it doesn't support the use of out of state experts because of the increased cost. Baez was then invited to speak again, laying out the amount of work Dr. Lee had already done for the case, including inspecting Casey's car, inspecting the site where Caylee's remains were found, as well as inspecting the crime scene analyst photographs and much of the discovery.

"While the JAC has this rule to encourage people to use instate experts, in this case the work Dr. Lee has done can't be replicated by anyone at this late state in the trial," Judge Perry said, authorizing the defense to continue to use Dr. Lee as an expert in their case.

Judge Perry also approved the defense's use of an out of state mitigation expert, but was clear that that expert and Dr. Lee are bound by the rates set by the JAC.

The JAC then asked the judge to set a spending cap on investigation spending. When asked by the judge what they suggested, the JAC suggested 30-50 hours, but Judge Perry immediately said that wouldn't be enough and, after discussion, allowed for 300 hours, despite Baez's request for 480 hours.

After a lengthy debate over the other experts the defense wants to continue using, but doesn't want to disclose in open court, Judge Perry asked for them to do a little more work before any further discussion.

“We’re going to be in recess until 10:45am,” Judge Perry said.

The judge wants to go over the defense list of experts one by one with the JAC and the defense to decide on what will be allowed and learn how much work they’ve already done.

Casey Anthony returned to the court room at 10:43am and the hearing quickly resumed as all parties involved began discussing the many experts the defense wants permission to use, despite them being out of state.

Judge Perry granted the defense request to use the following experts: forensic entomologist, anthropologist, forensic botanist, forensic pathologist, digital forensics expert, a DNA expert, two forensic chemist experts and a canine expert (up to 20 hours of work). Judge Perry was very specific that each approved expert must stick by the guidelines set forth by the JAC. He also granted up to $3,500 for public records requests.

However, Judge Perry denied without prejudice (meaning the defense can file a motion for a hearing) a taphonomy expert, a cell phone expert, and money to purchase two Pontiac Sunfires (approx $6,000) for testing. He also denied with prejudice (meaning it won't be heard again) the defense request for a jury consultant.

Around 12:05pm, the judge and Jose Baez went behind closed doors to discuss the remaining experts and requests Baez has that he doesn't want disclosed publicly or to the prosecution. They emerged less than 10 minutes later.

“Miss Anthony has requested to waive her appearances at these type of things,” Mason told the judge as the hearing was coming to a close. “She’s rather stay where she is.”

The judge, however, said that in death penalty cases things could come up where she may be needed for a response.

“It has been my experience that, in capital cases, that defendants need to be present during the preceding,” Judge Perry said. “If Ms. Anthony is found guilty of anything, it will lead to a post conviction relief proceedings, maybe ... and it always gets back to ‘my lawyer didn’t tell me this’ and ‘if I would have been there I would have done A, B, C, D.’”

Judge Perry, however, did say she did not have to attend status hearings that simply check on the progress on the case, but don’t argue motions.

The hearing ended at 12:30pm, over three hours after it began.

http://www.wftv.com/news/23465730/detail.html

Judge Belvin Perry wows truTV analysts

posted by halboedeker on May, 6 2010 10:50 AM

Chief Circuit Judge Belvin Perry Jr. continues to earn rave reviews.

During this morning’s hearing on controlling Casey Anthony’s defense costs, truTV commentators praised Perry.

On “In Session,” Vinnie Politan said, “Wow! Again, I am just absolutely shocked at the difference that we’re seeing inside this courtroom … and the way the judge is approaching everything. He is thorough, he is fair, and he’s getting stuff done.”

Politan said Perry was walking a tight rope in trying to give Anthony a fair trial but also watch taxpayer dollars.

“I think he’s doing a fine job of walking that tight rope,” said former federal prosecutor Sunny Hostin. ”His reasoning is very judicial … And I don’t think he’s giving the prosecution more leeway than he is giving the defense, and vice versa.”

Politan said Perry is the kind of judge who requires attorneys to be prepared.

Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/05/casey-anthony-judge-belvin-perry-wows-trutv-analysts.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entertainment%2Ftv%2Ftvguy+%28TV+Guy%29

Defense ‘having its wings clipped,’ WFTV reports

posted by halboedeker on May, 6 2010 12:28 PM

How did television see today’s hearing on public money for Casey Anthony’s case? The hearing was still going on as stations offered updates at noon.

WFTV-Channel 9 anchor Vanessa Echols noted that Chief Circuit Judge Belvin Perry Jr. had refused a defense request to have its financial records sealed.

“The defense is having its wings clipped, for sure, after flying through $340,000,” WFTV’s Kathi Belich reported. “The judge is clamping down now on defense spending.”

Belich noted that Perry rejected defense requests for a jury-selection consultant and for two forensic pathologists (the defense gets one instead). But Perry allowed the defense to keep Dr. Henry Lee and some other out-of-state experts.

WESH-Channel 2’s Jeff Lennox said the hearing was entering its fourth hour at noon. “So far, her attorney Jose Baez has talked about 17 different experts and how they are distributing all of your tax money and what they may need in the future,” Lennox said.

Anthony has been declared indigent, and public money will go to pay for expenses in her murder trial. She is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

WKMG-Channel 6 Louis Bolden said, “After today’s hearing, which is still going on, the public will have a right to know how much money is being spent.”

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/05/casey-anthony-defense-having-its-wings-clipped-wftv-reports.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entertainment%2Ftv%2Ftvguy+%28TV+Guy%29

Updated WFTV links to Hearing, Videos, Images, etc.:

CASEY IN COURT: See Images | Raw Video
IMAGES IN COURT: Baez, Judge, Others In Court
05/06/10 HEARING: Pt.1 | Pt.2 | Pt.3 | Pt.4 | Pt.5| Pt.6
RAW INTERVIEW: Baez Talks To WFTV
VIDEO REPORT: Casey In Court For Hearing
MOTIONS: Seal Spending | Pay For Experts
VIDEO REPORT: Defense Wants Spending Sealed

i have a question... i had to work all day, and JUST now started watching the hearing...

who is the black lady at the defense table?? i dont think i have ever seen her before.

Randi, her name is Michelle Medina. As I understand it, she is JB's law assistant. Or she may be one of the attorneys in his office.

Did anyone notice that the A's weren't at this hearing?? Maybe they were afraid that they would be asked to pony up some of their blood money to help pay for the murderer's defense..... they support her (or so they want the public to believe)...... but not THAT much.

I don't remember G & C not being at a hearing before, does anyone else?