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?

thanks snaz.. i really wasnt sure..

i noticed 2 things at the hearing.. one being the absence of the ants .. the other i am sure i am going to catch hell for, but here it goes... why is BC in a wheelchair?? i watched him figit, and move, and almost stand up out of the wheelchair to reposition himself.. i was under the impression that he was paralized. i wouldnt put it past a lawyer to use it for a sympathy "not guilty" or civil verdict.. i know.. i know.. im terrible.

Snipped:
Brad was born September 10, 1965 in Washington D.C. He is the oldest of three children. Brad and his family moved to Brevard County in 1977 and lived on South Merritt Island. In 1981, Brad was paralyzed in a surfing accident just north of Sebastian Inlet. After nine months in a physical rehabilitation hospital located in Orlando, Brad returned to high school and graduated in December 1983 from Melbourne High.

http://justice4caylee.forumotion.net/dedicated-link-thread-links-only-please-f7/brad-conway-anthonys-new-attorney-t842.htm

So I guess he truly is paralyzed.....

Randi, the guy in the wheelchair, in court today was not Brad Conway. I don't know who he was, but I think he must have been a reporter, as he was taking lots of notes, and I don't usually see BC taking notes.

What kind of day was it for Casey Anthony’s defense team?

posted by halboedeker on May, 6 2010 5:45 PM

What kind of day was it for Casey Anthony’s defense?

WFTV-Channel 9 listed setbacks today in a hearing on expenses for the indigent defendant:

***Her attorneys asked that she not have to attend hearings. “Casey Anthony doesn’t like people criticizing her appearance or actions, so she asked to stay in jail during future hearings,” WFTV’s Kathi Belich said. But Chief Judge Belvin Perry said she would have to attend most of them, saying he didn’t want to give her grounds for an appeal.

***The defense wanted to keep its experts’ names secret, but Perry “made defense attorney Jose Baez name names,” Belich said.

***The defense wanted to buy two cars — with taxpayer money for $6,000 — to conduct air tests; Perry denied the request.

Why that request? ”While it may sound like a silly idea, it gives you a sense of how closely the defense wants to challenge the so-called sniff test showing the odor in the car of Casey’s was from decomposition,” WESH-Channel 2’s Bob Kealing said.

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

Perry denied the defense team’s request to seal records about how her attorneys will spend taxpayer money. Perry said a blanket sealing of the information wouldn’t be appropriate.

“This is not a total blow to Casey Anthony’s defense team,” WESH’s Jeff Lennox said. “The judge says if they’re worried about any information that may be released in the near future, they can go ahead and deal with it on a case-by-case basis with the court.”

And the day was hardly a wash for the defense.

WOFL-Channel 35’s Holly Bristow highlighted that Perry allowed the defense to keep some out-of-state experts, such as Dr. Henry Lee. “In the end the judge approved 16 of the 19 requests the defense made, but he flat out denied spending state funds for a jury expert,” Bristow reported.

What of the overall expenses?

“We didn’t find out an exact number for how much money Casey’s defense will cost taxpayers, but we do expect to get a better idea in an order from Judge Perry,” WESH’s Kealing said.

What kind of day was it?

WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer offered this analysis: “The judge is not going to send the defense to court in a Rolls-Royce. He’ll send them to court in a compact.”

Sheaffer’s said Perry’s rulings “are ensuring the integrity of the system, they’re ensuring that the taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.”

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/05/casey-anthony-what-kind-of-day-was-it-for-casey-anthonys-defense-team.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entertainment%2Ftv%2Ftvguy+%28TV+Guy%29

I think the defense hired all of those unknown people to be stand-ins.

(Expert, out-of-towners, of course.)

I had taped the hearing and finally got around to watching it last night.

I like this judge! He doesn't seem to get as confused and Strickland seemed to when Baez and company obfuscated things. So he cuts right to the meat of things.

From the expert population the defense wants to use, it seems they are going to try to prove 1) there was no dead body in the trunk of the Pontiac, 2) the remains weren't put in the woods while Casey could have done it.

But...but...but...if Casey didn't do it, then who did? They surely can't be planning on suggesting a mysterious nanny actually DID have Caylee and eventually killed her!

Not sure where to post this, so I'll put it here:

GRACE: Back to Dr. Henry Lee, who, as you all know, is a famed forensic scientist on the Anthony defense team. Dr. Lee, I`ve just got to ask you, you know, tot mom Casey Anthony was siphoning gasoline from her family`s car to fill up her own tank. How the heck are you getting paid? I`m sure you`re costing a pretty penny. Dr. Lee does not come cheap.

LEE: No, we did not get any pay for that and for -- I`ll say, you know, this country, as you know, everybody entitled a defense. And many forensic experts, we do pro bono cases and that`s our obligation to our profession. As an expert, we look at evidence, doesn`t matter inculpatory, exculpatory, we report (ph) as it is. I don`t think should be labeled as a defense expert going to just for defense. Many time, found more evidence, inculpatory evidence, than the police found. There -- you know, case history, case example, many time we`re allowed to work on the case together. Many of my cases, I let the defense expert observe. It`s nothing wrong.

GRACE: So Dr. Lee...

LEE: Nothing unusual.

GRACE: Dr. Lee, are you telling me that you are working on the case pro bono, for free?

LEE: Yes.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0812/15/ng.01.html

well well well... looks like bozo pulled one over on the new tough judge after all...

i wish the prosecution would pay HALF as much attention to detail as those of us on this website do.. looks like lee was pro bono until the state was picking up the tab, now.. he is going to be paid 150.00 an HOUR and 75.00 an HOUR when he is on an airplane.. WTF??

bang up job digging that one up julie.. wish the judge could be privvy to this interview!!!

Julie, just as a side note, I read yesterday a comment posted by an attorney that although an expert witness (HL) may have started out as pro bono, he is not bound by that.

Convenient, though, don't you think, that he starts out as pro bono (IMO for the notoriety), then when the state is picking up the tab decides it's a good time to be paid.....

Snaz, interesting, I didn't know that. (Don't forget the crate of oranges in between Pro Bono & the money.)

sitemama.. i just saw your post about the guy in the wheelchair NOT being BC.. i am really glad you cleared that up, cause i was SUPER confused.

i thought he looked a little different, but i guess i am just so use to BC sitting there in his wheely, that i just assumed it was him. and i was under the impression that he was paralyzed, and this guy certainly was not..

dont mind me, i am just the tired one, that is usually 2 steps behind everyone else.

Jose Baez in baffling performance outside courthouse

posted by halboedeker on May, 7 2010 4:11 PM

Jose Baez had a pretty good day in court yesterday as Casey Anthony’s attorney. But you wouldn’t have known that afterward when he walked away from reporters outside the courthouse.

It was a baffling moment in this long-running Anthony saga. Baez asked reporters not to follow him to his car and put that request specifically to WFTV-Channel 9’s hard-driving Kathi Belich.

She wouldn’t agree to his request, so Baez walked away. From everyone.

The result: Reporters followed him in a pack, but he made no comment of value.

It was simply strange. Why would Baez miss a chance to cite his successes in front of Chief Judge Belvin Perry? Why would Baez let his reactions to Belich color his dealings with the press corps? (She’s just trying to do her job, and she doesn’t represent the entire media.) Why would Baez give his detractors more ammunition to complain about his style?

Maybe next time Baez should let defense attorney Cheney Mason handle the questions. Mason knows how to handle pressure and pesky reporters. They can come in handy when you have a good story to tell.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/05/casey-anthony-jose-baez-in-baffling-performance-outside-courthouse.html

I thought that whole scenario make him look immature & obnoxious!

Julie, Bozo does that on a daily basis.

That he does.

Taphonomy

Posted on May 6th, 2010 by Valhall

I’m going to make this relatively brief compared to other posts I’ve written on the various topics of forensics. The purpose of this article is just to straighten out the confusion around what an expert in taphonomy is, and what they could bring to the defense team.

When Jose Baez brought up that one of the experts they have on their list was an expert in taphonomy, Judge Perry did a do what. Jose Baez’s response was that it was an expert in human decomposition. That’s true, but it’s not a completely correct way to phrase it…we’ll get to that later. Mr. Ashton objected (to some extent) stating that taphonomy is not a recognized forensic specialty. While that, again, is true, it’s not a completely correct way to phrase it either. So let’s get straight what an expert in taphonomy would be, and why the defense is wanting to include one on their list.

Taphonomy is an over-arching study of the HOLISTIC study of the human (or even animal) decomposition process and the environment. Within taphonomy is included forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic botany, forensic entomology, and a host of other forensic fill-in-the-blank areas. In the old world of engineering (say back in the Gemini phase of the space program) you had electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, aerospace engineers, hydraulic engineers, among many others, and then you had what was called a “system engineer”. These days “system engineer” tends to point to an IT specialist (someone specialized in programming and computer systems), but back in the day “system engineer” meant something else. The system engineer’s job was to integrate all the work of all the specialty engineers working on a project. So for a Gemini space module, the system engineer had to possess a wide berth of knowledge in all systems and how they interfaced and affected each other, and then he worked as a team lead over the various engineers to integrate an operative and successful complete “system”. This is how you should view an expert in taphonomy when it comes to the various forensic experts associated with analyzing decomposition events.

Read the rest:
http://www.thehinkymeter.com/2010/05/06/taphonomy/

From the Trials & Tribulations website:

Long Hearing, Lots Accomplished: The murder trial of Casey Anthony.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Judge Perry appeared on the bench promptly at 9:00 AM this morning. What followed was a long hearing with a lot of detail. What matters most here, is what the defense will be allowed to spend.

As in the previous hearing, the attorneys for both sides were asked to formally introduce themselves to the court. For the prosecution, the usual people were there, Linda Drane-Burdick, Jeff Ashton, and Frank George.

On the defense side were Jose Baez and Michelle Medina. Cheney Mason joined the defense team later in the hearing.

JAC attorney Brad Bischoff was also in attendance today.

Rachel Fugate was there to represent the Orlando Sentinel.

Judge Belvin Perry asked to start with the MOTION concerning expert witnesses first.

Jose Baez requested to deal with the MOTION to seal JAC documents first. Judge Perry agreed.

Baez began by passing out copies of page 43 of the JAC policy and procedure manual and noted that it stated that in limited circumstances, records can be kept under seal.
He pointed out that an indigent defendant has the same rights as solvent decedent.
Baez indicated that there was no alternative to sealing documents to provide Ms. Anthony with a fair trial.

He stated that he could imagine the “floodgates” that would open if public knew every time they filed a motion concerning finances. There was mention of "tabloids" and "leeches"!

He indicated that the Orlando Sentinel has ordered commissary records, the amount of money Casey has in her jail account. They had published "anniversary stories" and what she orders from the commissary. He went on to recite a list of goodies Casey has ordered, and went on to say that the records MUST be sealed and Orlando Sentinel must find another way to sell newspapers.

Read more:
http://sprocket-trials.blogspot.com/2010/05/long-hearing-lots-accomplishments.html

I have to wonder if Perry would have found Casey indigent as easily as Strickland did.

There was $163,000 unaccounted for during the hearing with Strickland, and I know Strickland heard where it went in private with Baez, but it's doubtful Baez produced any sort of details about where the money went. Strickland probably assumed it was just gone in general, as Baez no doubt told him, and didn't push the issue.

I wonder if Perry had been judge then if he could have told him if he didn't show where the money went in detail then he was going to assume it was still available...and deny indigent status until Baez came up with some records.

ETA: Come to think of it, could that large amount have been taxes Casey had to pay on her mass fortune from ABC?

Yeah, no way they'd have paid taxes on that anyhow. They weren't due yet so they probably spent it and then would just claim to the IRS that Casey was indigent. LOL