The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General has indicated that it will refile charges against former State Representative Mike Veon. After a preliminary hearing last week, District Judge Joseph Solomon concluded that the evidence presented by the Commonwealth was not enough to justify holding Veon for trial. The Attorney General’s Office disagrees. For more information, go to:...
In the News: OH Lawyer held in contempt vindicated on appeal
An Ohio attorney held in contempt of court for refusing to try a case three hours after meeting his client has won his appeal. In August 2007, Public Defender Brian Jones requested a continuance after he discovered that the client he had just met was facing a trial the same day. Judge John Plough postponed the case for 2 hours. When Jones refused to proceed, Judge Plough held him in contempt of court. Jones was ordered to pay a fine and...
In the News: Georgia legislators to reconsider need for unanimous decision for death penalty
After a jury was unable to unanimously decide to execute Brian Nichols, several Georgia lawmakers are reconsidering legislation that would lower the number of juror votes needed impose the death penalty. Under current Georgia law, a jury must unanimously choose to impose the death penalty. If the jury is not in complete agreement, the judge may only impose a life sentence. For more information, go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28222533/ Share...
In the News: Pastor sentenced for comments made about a judge
Edward Pinkney, a professed Baptist minister, was convicted of violating his probation after stating that his sentencing judge “could be punished by God with curses, fever and ‘extreme burning’ unless he changed his ways.” Pinkey claims that he was simply paraphrasing scripture. An uninvolved judge ruled that Pinkney’s statements were threats and sentenced Pinkney to three to ten years in prison for violating his...
In the News: MN court denies Sen. Larry Craig ‘s appeal
A Minnesota court of appeals has denied Sen. Larry Craig’s appeal to invalidate his guilty plea. to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Craig argued that his guilty plea was inaccurate and that the disorderly conduct statute was unconstitutional. The appeals court rejected both of his claims. Craig has the right to appeal the court’s decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court. For more information, go to:...
Commentary: A lesson to be learned from Plaxico Burress
Friday night, former-Pittsburgh Steeler and current New York Giant Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh while in a New York club. Although the obvious lesson to be learned from Burress’ predicament is the importance of carefully handling a firearm, this incident has raised the issue of having a valid license to carry a firearm. Burress’ attorney, Benjamin Brafman, announced Sunday afternoon that he expected Burress...