Defense Out Of Money? KC Files For Indigent Status

Lottie - you have many great points in your last comment.

Thanks Julie! :)

The state should say hell to the no on this one.

Defense Wants Help Paying For Casey's Defense

Posted: 6:30 pm EST March 5,2010
Updated: 8:07 am EST March 8,2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony’s defense team asked a judge Friday to declare her indigent, for some of the costs of her case. Orange County taxpayers would pay for part of the trial, if a judge accepts the motion.

VIDEO REPORT: Taxpayers Could Foot The Bill

“The defense team is faced with extensive costs to defend Miss Anthony, ensure she receives a fair trial, and prevent the State from taking her life. The initial cost estimates for defending Miss Anthony have been far exceeded by the additional costs incurred since the State’s decision to pursue the death penalty. As a result, the defense is seeking state assistance to subsidize the costs of travel, serving subpoenas, hiring experts to interpret evidence and transcripts, deposing in- and out-of-state witnesses and investigating all aspects of the case,” the defense team’s media spokesperson wrote in a release issued early Friday evening.

Eyewitness News found out the fees for Anthony's attorneys would not be included in what taxpayers have to pay.

Since taxpayer dollars could be involved, the judge could question Anthony's attorneys about any possible book or movie deals that may be planned.

If Anthony does have money coming in from any such deals, she would be obligated to reimburse the county.

Anthony has been in jail since October 2008 and faces the death penalty for allegedly murdering her daughter Caylee.

http://www.wftv.com/news/22757843/detail.html

Defendant's Motion For Determination Of Indigency For Costs

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/28249113/Casey-Motion-for-Indigency-03052010

okay... here is MY issue on this..


KC had the right at the beginning of this whole case to be awarded a court appointed attorney. she denied the need, and hired jose baez on her own account.

after all this time, she has had the "benefit" (work with me here) of having her own personally picked attorney. when, if she would have went with the court appointed, he/she would be working a full case load on other clients, and she would get what she would get..

now, she has her personally hand picked defense team, that has devoted all this time and $$ to her defense alone, and NOW she wants to be declared indigent and let the taxpayers foot the bill.....

if this is the case, why on EARTH would ANY defendant EVER take the court appointed attorney?? when they can hand-pick their high profile defense team, and THEN ask the state to foot the bill...????? i know i sure wouldnt take the court appointed either..

this cannot fly.. if they allow KC to keep her high profile defense team, and forcing the tazpayers to pay for it, they are setting precident that they really do not want to set... talk about opening pandora's box..

there is a year until trial, if KC wants to be indigent, she should have to take a court appointed attorney.. no more "scheme team." there is plenty of time for a new attorney to take over the case, for cryin out loud, they havent even taken a depo yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will we learn more about the defense money?

posted by halboedeker on March, 8 2010 5:40 PM

What about the mystery of Casey Anthony’s finances?

Answers are likely after the defense team moved to seek partial indigent status for her means. She is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

WESH-Channel 2’s Bob Kealing summed up the situation this afternoon: “Although she spent more than $100,000 on legal fees from some mystery source, Casey Anthony has filed new court papers saying that she’s broke and needs taxpayers’ help.” About $90,000 of that money went to defense attorney Jose Baez.

WFTV-Channel 9’s Kathi Belich pointed to “the only known source which could have brought that kind of cash”: Disney-owned ABC. Belich said it isn’t known what Anthony paid to some defense members, such as Linda Kenney Baden.

WKMG-Channel 6’s Tony Pipitone also pointed to television networks that paid fees for photographs and video. A legal analyst said there is nothing illegal about that arrangement because Anthony has not been convicted.

No date has been set for a hearing on the indigency issue, Belich added.

WKMG anchor Mike Garofalo stressed costs — not attorney’s fees — are the issue. “Our legal analyst predicts, though, predicts [Judge Stan] Strickland will approve that request because denying it could be seen as preventing Casey from getting the defense she needs in a death-penalty case,” Garofalo said. “Lawyers tell us the costs could reach half a million dollars before it’s all over.”

Orlando attorney Richard Hornsby, who provides legal analysis for WESH, described the indigent process as strict and said it will force transparency in the case.

“The public has a right to know how the private attorneys were paid,” Hornsby said. “At the hearing, they will say, ‘Judge, before you can declare her indigent, under the statute you have to make him [Baez] disclose the source of his funds,’ and so that is going to happen.”

Public defender Bob Wesley told WESH that indigency means full disclosure is required in the spending of state money.

“There will not be a whole lot of visibility until the process is over because otherwise you’d be disclosing what steps you’re taking to the presentation of your defense,” Wesley said.

Judge Stan Strickland also set a date for the start of the murder trial: May 9, 2011, barring further delays.

Strickland has said a decision on a change of venue is coming. Oscar Hotusing, a former judge and a legal analyst for WOFL-Channel 35, predicted a change is “highly probable” because of heavy media coverage.

WKMG’s Mike DeForest reported on the defense team’s motions, filed today, to keep certain things out of the trial: Cindy Anthony’s 911 call, other statements made by George and Cindy Anthony, and photographs of Casey Anthony partying. “The defense is trying to limit the number of bad things that the jury could hear about Casey Anthony,” DeForest said.

WFTV also reported that the prosecution had released two CDs of evidence to the defense team. They include 300 pages of documents plus information about Joy Wray, a Seminole woman who said she has knowledge of the case, anchor Martie Salt said.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/03/casey-anthony-will-we-learn-more-about-the-defense-money.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Casey Anthony is considered to be indigent
Clerk of Courts finds she meets the guidelines.

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
5:57 p.m. EST, March 9, 2010

Casey Anthony is considered to be indigent by the Orange County Clerk of Courts, according to documents filed this afternoon.

This is the first step needed for Casey Anthony to get state financial help to pay for her defense. Her indigent status allows her access to certain costs, such as hiring expert witnesses and investigators.

However, Orange Circuit Court Judge Stan Stickland will have to approve these costs.

Casey Anthony, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony. On Dec. 11, 2008 — five months after she was reported missing — remains of the two-year-old were found in woods near her family home. Authorities ruled her death a homicide but could not determine her cause of death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The trial is scheduled to begin in May 2011.

Casey Anthony filed documents last week, saying two of her attorneys have run up a $112,000 bill for their work. In the motion, Casey Anthony claims she doesn't have enough money to pay for her defense. She has no income, no savings and no assets.

Experts say this is not an uncommon request in complicated death penalty cases.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-indigent-20100309,0,4154128.story

So I guess they've used up all the Caylee blood money they could accumulate. The high profile attorneys and experts have achieved their goal. FAME, notoriety and book sales...sickening

This is not a surprise... I think we all expected this would be approved. And JS will also approve it. Thankfully, though, there will be limits and the defense WILL have to account for the monies they spend!

Casey Declared Indigent

Posted: 6:18 am EST March 10,2010
Updated: 9:43 am EST March 10,2010

Meanwhile, Casey Anthony says she is broke and can no longer afford to pay to defend herself against the murder charges she is facing. Late Tuesday night, the Orange County Clerk of Courts agreed and declared her indigent.

However, criminal defense attorney Chris Smith said that should be the least of anyone's worries.

“The real concern is they did this case and it wasn't prepared properly and has to be tried all over again. I think that's where everybody's real concern should be,” Smith said.

Casey has already paid lead attorney Jose Baez nearly $90,000 and Andrea Lyons has received more than $20,000 in compensation. Smith said that is nothing when you consider all the work that has gone into the case since Caylee Anthony was killed two years ago.

“Those fees are actually pretty low given the amount of work in this case,” Smith said.

Smith said that the real cost to defend Casey will start now, now that taxpayers will pay for investigations, expert witnesses and her attorneys’ salaries. Casey is not scheduled to go to trial until May 2011 and there could be appeals after the trial.

Smith said taxpayers should not worry about that too much, because every dollar spent on indigent defendants is closely monitored by the Justice Administrative Commission in Tallahassee.

“You have to go through a very intense process to get every cost approved prior. You’re going to have to go and get it authorized to get paid subsequent. So they get two hearings,” explained Smith. “The Justice Administrative Commission doesn't give up its money very easily. They’re going to file a lot of motions [and] fight for every dime.”

Before their client was declared indigent, Casey’s attorneys were not required to disclose how much money was being spent. Now, everything becomes public record.

Some of the money to pay Baez and Lyons may have come from hundreds of thousands of dollars that the ABC network paid Casey for exclusive photos and videos of her daughter she is accused of killing. Sources told Eyewitness News that most of defense attorney Andrea Lyons’ compensation has been spent on airfare and investigations.

http://www.wftv.com/news/22794649/detail.html

Casey Anthony will get public defender

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
Updated: 9:54 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Casey Anthony is considered to be indigent by the Orange County Clerk of Courts, according to documents filed Tuesday.

This is the first step needed for Casey Anthony to get state financial help to pay for her defense. Her indigent status allows her access to certain costs, such as hiring expert witnesses and investigators.

However, Orange Circuit Court Judge Stan Stickland will have to approve these costs.

Casey Anthony, 23, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony. On Dec. 11, 2008 — five months after she was reported missing — remains of the two-year-old were found in woods near her family home. Authorities ruled her death a homicide but could not determine her cause of death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The trial is scheduled to begin in May 2011.

Casey Anthony filed documents last week, saying two of her attorneys have run up a $112,000 bill for their work. In the motion, Casey Anthony claims she doesn't have enough money to pay for her defense. She has no income, no savings and no assets.

Experts say this is not an uncommon request in complicated death penalty cases.


http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/casey-anthony-will-get-public-defender-338334.html

I didn't see anything in that article to support the writers headline!!!! I thought I had read on the indigent application that she did NOT wish a Public Defender to be appointed...only costs for witnesses etc.

I don't know Estee, I noticed that too, I just posted it because it was a new update. Maybe someone else knows?

From what I read elsewhere, KC is NOT getting a public defender. JB & Company are not going anywhere. Not sure why they titled their article as they did....

That's OK Jules...I guess she did it for the eye grabbing effect, to lure people into purchasing the paper...Ya see it all boils down to that eva loving $$$$....

Clerk Of Court Declares Anthony Indigent
Judge Must Now Approve Declaration

POSTED: 12:15 pm EST March 10, 2010
UPDATED: 12:23 pm EST March 10, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony is one step closer on Wednesday to getting tax money to help pay for her defense.

Based on an affidavit that Anthony filled out, Orange County's Clerk of Court Lydia Gardner late Monday declared Anthony indigent.

Judge Stan Strickland must now give the declaration his approval. Anthony's defense would then be able to apply to the state to help recoup costs.

Also added to the court file on Wednesday was a letter from a citizen in Fernandina Beach encouraging Strickland to decline Anthony's request and appoint a public defender to her case.

http://www.wesh.com/news/22797661/detail.html

BBM

That's exactly what I think Judge Strickland should do... I doubt he will do it, but it's what she deserves.... she was INDIGENT from the first time she was arrested, when she actually REQUESTED a public defender represent her....

Whatever happened to that??

I certainly hope that a PD is not appointed in this case as it would/could delay the trial even more....

maybe we should ALL send strickland a letter and let him know our wonderful thoughts on WHY the taxpayers shouldnt be forced to provide her with a "dream team"

she is required to be provided A competent lawyer (aka.. public defender) NOT a whole team of attorneys and high $$ experts.

Casey Anthony; Judge sets date for indigency hearing

Kyle Cassandra
March 10, 2010 5:37 PM

Casey Anthony has cleared the first hurdle to get taxpayer money for her defense. The Orange County Clerk of Courts has declared her indigent. Now its up to the judge to aprove it.

A hearing for the Defendant's Motion for Determination of Indigency for Costs in the State vs. casey Anthony case will take place next Thursday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m.

Judge Stan Strickland will oversee the hearing and if he agrees with the clerk, Casey will be able to get public funds for everything from bringing in expert witnesses to scientific research. But Orange County Public Defender Robert Wesley says Strickland will have a say in how the money is spent.

"The court receives applications from the lawyer for what they would like to have authorized and how much, and then the court sort of has an oversight role in those cases," said Wesley.

Last week, Casey's attorneys filed a motion saying she had already spent more than a $100,000 on her defense and had no more money.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2010/03/casey-anthony-judge-sets-date.html

I hope she has to report that income to IRS....

Estee wrote:I hope she has to report that income to IRS....

All income you receive in the form of money, goods, property, and services that is not exempt from tax has to be reported to the IRS. Income from selling videos and photos is definitely not one of the things exempt from tax. If she didn't report it, we might see Tax Evasion added to her list of crimes.

J4a, don't they have to prove who actually sold the videos and pictures? Did the money from ABC go to GA and CA, or did they give it to KC? I'm sure Bozo and his team ended up getting the money, put who was the checks made out to?

I hope GA and CA reported what they got as income too. Will they have to report the cost of their 'mini-vacation/cruise' as income or as a gift? Isn't tax on gifts higher than tax on income?

Oh...Goody, Goody...and I wonder just how she expects to PAY those taxes???? Unfortunately I don't think she can barter her way out of it for say a pole dance!!!! Federal prison is pretty cushy, from what I've heard, so I hope she doesn't have a chance of going there...She's got it too easy now!!!

sitemama wrote:J4a, don't they have to prove who actually sold the videos and pictures? Did the money from ABC go to GA and CA, or did they give it to KC? I'm sure Bozo and his team ended up getting the money, put who was the checks made out to?

I hope GA and CA reported what they got as income too. Will they have to report the cost of their 'mini-vacation/cruise' as income or as a gift? Isn't tax on gifts higher than tax on income?

The IRS probably wouldn't have any problem finding out who ABC paid. Even if Casey gave Bozo the videos and photos to sell in exchange for his services, that is considered bartering income, which is taxable.

The Anthonys wouldn't have to pay tax on the cruise, but they would have to pay tax on anything they sold to generate the income that paid for the cruise. If the cruise was a gift, they wouldn't have to pay tax on it because it is the giver of the gift that has to pay the gift tax, not the recipient. However, most people never have to pay the gift tax because you are allowed to give somebody up to $13,000 a year in gifts before you have to pay tax on them.

From the WESH article:

Also added to the court file on Wednesday was a letter from a citizen in Fernandina Beach encouraging Strickland to decline Anthony's request and appoint a public defender to her case.

Here's the letter:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/28682558/Correspondence-to-Judge-03092010

State has ‘severe concerns’ about Casey Anthony’s request to be declared indigent

The JAC said it is concerned with Casey Anthony’s request to have state funds used for part of her defense expenses

By Amy L. Edwards, Orlando Sentinel
3:32 p.m. EST, March 12, 2010

The state commission that doles out the public money used in criminal court cases said has "severe concerns" about Casey Anthony's request to be declared indigent.

An attorney for the Tallahassee-based Justice Administrative Commission questioned Anthony's need for public money for her defense on a first-degree murder charge because she already has paid out more than $110,000 in legal fees, according to a document filed with the Orange County Circuit Court and obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.

Anthony's defense team filed a motion last week asking that Anthony be found indigent for costs — meaning the state would pay for certain expenses related to the murder case.

Casey Anthony is charged with killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Marie in 2008. She has pleaded not guilty.

Anthony recently signed affidavits indicating fees of $89,454.83 and $22,500 have been paid or will be paid to defense attorneys Jose Baez and Andrea Lyon, respectively.

Because of those claims, "the JAC has severe concerns regarding the Defendant's indigency," JAC assistant general counsel Christian D. Lake wrote in his filing.

Baez and Lyon are not seeking public funds for attorney fees, and their motion stated that Lyon, a law professor at DePaul University, is working pro bono.

They also are not seeking reimbursement for already incurred costs, said Liz Brown, spokeswoman for Baez and Lyon.

How Anthony, 23, can afford to pay for her defense is a topic of much debate. She had no assets when she was arrested on check-fraud charges in 2008.

Her defense has included nationally recognized expert witnesses, such as pathologist Dr. Henry Lee, who testified for O.J. Simpson at his murder trial.

Baez has refused to say how Anthony is paying her attorneys.

Prosecutors have speculated Anthony's "seeming conversion from pauper to princess" could be based on the sale of her photos and videos to media companies.

TV networks often pay "licensing fees" for videos and photos.

In its response to Anthony's request, Lake said attorneys must submit an affidavit attesting to the estimated amount of attorney's fees and the source of payment for those fees.

Lake also wrote that state laws require the court to consider when Anthony retained private counsel, the amount of any attorney's fees and who is paying the fees.

When Casey Anthony filled out her affidavit, she said the fees paid or to be paid to the attorneys were or are being paid by herself.

The Orange County Clerk of Courts found Anthony indigent.

A hearing on the indigency motion is scheduled for next week before Circuit Judge Stan Strickland, who will review the Clerk's decision.

In Florida, judges have to give approval for the various costs when defendants are found indigent.

The JAC can only pay costs that are authorized under Florida law, such as for court reporters, interpreters, investigative services and experts. Dollar amounts for these items are pre-set in each judicial circuit.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-court-costs-20100312,0,5687781,full.story

Goody gumdrops...now maybe we will see just who paid who what for whateva...also how much they think future expenses will be.."dollar amounts are pre-set"...

I've been thinking about this late-coming indigent status request and haven't voted yet. Now I'm voting Hell NO!

It doesn't seem right she should be able to change horses in the middle of the stream. Seems like what you say in the beginning when you hire a lawyer rather than having one appointed for you, should count for something.

From J4A's post above linked to source > When Casey Anthony filled out her affidavit, she said the fees paid or to be paid to the attorneys were or are being paid by herself.

If she ran out of money I say Jose can suffer the costs of defending her himself because he took this massive case without really knowing if Casey could pay throughout. And he's known it was a dp case for a long time!

The average Joe who is indigent from the onset doesn't have the luxury of creating a dream team. He takes what he can get, and certainly who he gets will be good at their jobs. It doesn't seem right that Casey bypassed what should have been her average Joe situation and now wants it just because she ran her out of money to pay her dream team . She did not have $$$ from exploitation of Caylee's death when Baez agreed to take her case. He, therefore, knew he was getting into a risky situation where he may not get paid, and that his experts might not get paid.

Yeah, IMO it's Baez's fault and he should eat it! I'm sure he's got insurance to help him pay for his screwups.

ETA: Crap! I forgot to vote before I posted!

I just listened to a segment on Blog Talk RAdio that Richard Hornsby was on...It had his insight into this subject...quite interesting I might add...Give it a listen..

www.blogtalkradio.com/watts-up-with-this/2010/03/15/watts-up-with-this

Casey Anthony wants state to help pay for defense

By Jean Casarez, In SessionMarch 17, 2010 7:39 a.m. EDT

Orlando, Florida (CNN/In Session) -- Casey Anthony is headed back to court in Orlando, Florida on Thursday -- this time to tell a judge she has run out of money and needs state funding for costs associated with her upcoming murder trial.

Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, and has pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled to begin on May 9, 2011. The state is seeking the death penalty if she is convicted.

Caylee Anthony's body was found in a lot near her grandparents' home in December 2008. The grandparents, George and Cindy Anthony, have been supportive of Casey Anthony but now are fighting foreclosure, according to a complaint filed by Bank of America.

What is usually a routine application to the clerk to declare Casey Anthony indigent and provide money for her defense may become a contentious issue during Thursday's court hearing.

The Justice Administrative Commission, the state agency that oversees funding, has voiced opposition, saying in court papers it has "severe concerns" about whether Anthony qualifies for financial assistance.

"Miss Anthony has received no income during the time she has been incarcerated," her defense maintains.

Jose Baez, Anthony's lead defense attorney, and Chicago death penalty attorney Andrea Lyon argue in their four-page motion that they are not asking the state to pay their legal fees but to assist with funding for other costs to defend Anthony.

Miss Anthony has received no income during the time she has been incarcerated.


As the case headed to trial, the state released thousands of pages of discovery documents. The defense is seeking help with costs that include service of subpoenas, investigative costs, travel, fees charged by experts to interpret forensic evidence, expert witness fees and the cost of depositions.

Baez, Lyon and Linda Kenney Baden are representing Anthony at her trial. According to the defense motion, Lyon will be appearing pro bono -- in other words, free of charge.

The defense attorneys argue in their court papers that Anthony is entitled to financial assistance under the constitution's Sixth Amendment, which protects her right to a fair trial.

Because prosecutors have indicated they are seeking the death penalty, Anthony also is entitled to "the unique standard of care required for a capital defense," the attorneys assert.

Financial affidavits released by the court, in what appears to be Casey Anthony's handwriting, estimates fees paid to Baez at $89,454.83. Lyon's fees are estimated at $22,500. In the affidavits, Casey Anthony says the fees for both attorneys "were or are being paid by myself."

Anthony notes that her income is "zero" and her assets are "zero." She did not list her debts or liabilities.

According to the legal papers, money earmarked to pay Lyon has been used to cover costs, and she has not been paid. "She has been and continues to appear pro bono," the motion states.

The central focus of the commission's response appears to be based on Anthony's own financial affidavit: "Because the defendant has been able to provide over $110,000.00 in her defense, the JAC has severe concerns regarding the defendant's indigence."

Their response cites Florida law, which requires the court to consider "when applicant retained private counsel" and "the amount of any attorney's fees and who is paying the fees."

In regard to travel expenses, the response states that counsel will need to properly complete a travel voucher, but also states that "JAC does not pay for reimbursement of travel expenses for privately retained counsel."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/17/florida.casey.anthony.broke/?hpt=Sbin

Public: Don't give Casey Anthony money

Drew Petrimoulx
March 17, 2010 7:38 PM

Casey Anthony will be back in Orange County court Thursday morning where her attorneys will ask for public money to fund the defense.

But the Judicial Administrative Commission questions whether the accused child killer is truly broke.

Public defenders like Orange County's Bob Wesley are used to asking for taxpayer money to mount a defense.

"There is a fund appropriated by the legislature for cases like this," he told WDBO.

State statue allocates $15,000 in public money for indigent defendants to fight capital cases. But they're usually tried by court-appointed attorneys.

Casey Anthony wants to keep her private attorneys and get taxpayer money to fund their investigation, an uncommon arrangement according to Wesley.

WDBO asked folks outside the courthouse what they thought about giving public money to Casey's defense.

"She doesn't deserve it," said a woman named Nicola. "She should have to pay for everything."

Diana Evans echoed her thoughts.

"I don't think that she deserves any help," she said.

The state board in charge of doling out public money for indigent defendants seems to agree.

The Justice Administrative Commission will be in court Wednesday asking how it's possible that Casey doesn't have enough money to fund her defense when she has already paid her lawyers over $100,000.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2010/03/public-dont-give-casey-anthony.html

Casey Anthony's source of money revealed at hearing

Last Update: 4:44 pm

ORANGE COUNTY, FL -- Casey Anthony's defense team publicly revealed at an indigency hearing Thursday why taxpayers should pick up a portion of her legal tab.

They said she is broke.

But where did the money come from up until recently? "The American Broadcasting Company," said lead attorney Jose Baez after being pressed by Circuit Judge Stan Strickland and prosecutors.

Baez said ABC paid Casey $200,000. He said those funds have been exhausted and that a total of $275,000 has been spent so far. He said another $70,000 came from an attorney who is no longer on the defense team. $5,000 was a private donation.

Baez said he has no knowledge of any future TV or book deals.

Last week, the Orange County Clerk of Court found Casey to be indigent.

But judge Strickland wanted more details about how the money was distributed. "How money was spent in the past does have a bearing on what I intend to do now," he said.

Strickland decided to defer his ruling, which is expected on Friday.

Casey was present at Thursday's hearing, but did not speak.

Before the proceedings began, it was revealed that well-known Orlando defense attorney Cheney Mason has joined the defense team. He told the court that he is working pro bono.

"You do not come any larger than J. Cheney Mason," legal analyst Bill Sheaffer told WFTV. "This is a game changer."

Casey is accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, in 2008.

Sources: wftv.com, orlandosentinel.com

http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/news/local/story/Casey-Anthonys-source-of-money-revealed-at-hearing/2TYqSbjtqk-uVtRGJ9gWIA.cspx

Judge delays ruling on whether Casey Anthony is indigent
March 18, 2010

ORLANDO -- A judge on Thursday asked Casey Anthony's defense team to explain how attorneys have spent nearly $300,000 before ruling whether Anthony can be declared indigent.

Orange County Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland presided over the hearing and asked the defense to provide an itemized list by Friday detailing how they have spent the $275,000 Anthony has already paid in fees and costs.

It was disclosed in court on Thursday that ABC paid Anthony $200,000. Of the remaining money, $5,000 came from a donor whom Baez did not identify and $70,000 was given by California-based attorney Todd Macaluso, who has since said he has withdrawn from Anthony's case. Baez said Macaluso provided the funds to help defray defense costs.

Strickland said he will decide if the state should pay for Anthony's defense costs after reviewing the list.

Attorney Cheney Mason, who recently joined the defense team, said the public defender's office cannot afford to pay for the case, and Anthony's defense team will work pro bono.

"There are some expenses we have to have to give her due process," Mason said.

Attorney Andrea Lyon, a death penalty expert, testified that none of Anthony's money remains.

She said she has spent at least 1,000 hours working on the case, not counting the hours of the 14 students in her DePaul law class that she has working on the case with her.

Jose Baez also said the money that Anthony has provided has already been spent on fees and costs related to the case. Those costs will now have to be explained.

Anthony, who turns 24 years old on Friday, remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in the death of her daughter, Caylee, whose remains were found in an Orange County wooded lot in December 2008. Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing about five months earlier. Anthony has pleaded not guilty.

The Justice Administrative Commission, which is in charge of public funds used in criminal cases, said it has severe concerns with Anthony's claims.

Indigent requests are not unheard of in murder cases, though most defendants are found indigent early in the process.

Meanwhile, new evidence that the state of Florida did not want Anthony’s defense team to see immediately has been unsealed.

The judge gave the state 30 days to check out claims by another inmate that Anthony had told her things relevant to the case.

Prosecutors said the inmate also pointed them to a second inmate who had about 50 written notes from Anthony.

The state said the notes and conversations are relevant to the case but added that they are not a confession from Anthony.

Baez has 15 days to review the new evidence and decide if the defense will ask the court to block its release.

Also, the state attorney's office told Local 6 that it will be releasing about 1,000 pages of new documents in the case later this week or next week. It's not clear, though, what information the documents contain.

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100318/BREAKINGNEWS/100318003/1086/Judge+delays+ruling+on+whether+Casey+Anthony+is+indigent

Another doc dump, can't wait.

OK Judge S....declare Casey indecent, indolent and indigent, but let's hear the details of who she "paid" from all the blood money she was paid for pics of the child she murdered.

Cali wrote:OK Judge S....declare Casey indecent, indolent and indigent, but let's hear the details of who she "paid" from all the blood money she was paid for pics of the child she murdered.

they can start by explaining how she's broke if ABC gave her $200,000 and she's only spent about $112,000 on her defense so far.

Casey Anthony defense budget challenged by state agency

By Anthony Colarossi, Orlando Sentinel
2:14 p.m. EDT, October 18, 2010

The state agency funding Casey Anthony's criminal defense is challenging many of the recent requests the defense team has made for certain costs in the case.

Casey Anthony attorneys, Jose Baez and Ann E. Finnell, filed a motion to set a "reasonable budget" for the "penalty phase" of the case.

They've requested costs for: a private investigator not to exceed $5,000; a psychiatrist or psychologist at a "reasonable hourly rate" not to exceed $7,500; costs for copying medical and school records not to exceed $1,000 and an additional 100 hours for a mitigation specialist at a "previously approved rate."

They've also requested travel expenses and lodging for Finnell, not to exceed $4,000; travel expenses for an investigator or mitigation specialist to go to Ohio with lodging and expenses not to exceed $1,500; and travel expenses and lodging for Finnell from Jacksonville to Orlando at approved rates if the case goes to trial.

The Justice Administrative Commission is authorized to pay "due process" costs in the case. The JAC recently filed a 9-page response, challenging many of the defense team's specific requests.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-defense-costs-challe20101018,0,4182604.story

That sure looks pretty cut and dried to me...I guess there will be a hearing...I can't wait to hear the arguments...after all "things are different in a DP case"...seems like we've heard that song before...

Prosecutors File Motion In Anthony Case
Motion Seeks Information On Defense Funds

UPDATED: 2:31 pm EST November 22, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Prosecutors in the case against Casey Anthony have filed a motion to learn more about defense funds.

In a motion to compel additional discovery, prosecutor Jeff Ashton asked for a variety of information about the defense team's expert witnesses.

The motion asks for records of contracts and expected compensation, as well as bills that have been submitted and paid.

Read The Motion

Read more: http://www.wesh.com/caseyanthony/25878060/detail.html

Way to go Mr. Ashton!!! We the people of the State of Florida demand to know exactly where our money has/is gone/going...This should clarify a bunch of questions and give the State a leg up...A lot is included in this request/motion...We want answers!!!

I thought it was wonderful the way the motion was worded. JA sure is hip to all the DT's antics. He was sure to specify, ANYONE that has worked for the defense, past or present.

How Is Casey's Defense Team Spending Taxpayer Money?

Posted: 4:32 pm EST November 25, 2010Updated: 6:24 pm EST November 25, 2010

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- WFTV read through 322 pages of financial documents Thursday, detailing exactly how Casey Anthony's defense team is spending Orange County taxpayer money. WFTV learned the defense is spending a lot on what prosecutors believe is a wild goose chase.

VIDEO REPORT: Taxpayer Money In Casey Case

In the documents, the defense spent thousands of tax money on talking to EquuSearch volunteers, many of whom they've apparently admitted behind the scenes that they didn't need to talk to.

Casey Anthony's defense team claims to have found 150 new EquuSearch witnesses who searched the exact area where Caylee Anthony's remains were found, months before that, and sent its private investigator, Jeremy Lyons, to talk to them.

He billed taxpayers almost $8,000 in September and October. After all that tax money was spent, prosecutor Linda Drane Brudick told the judge the number of new possible witnesses was greatly exaggerated publicly by the defense.

"When I asked Mr. Mason about that he told me he believed there would be 6 to10 individuals that may qualify as having relevant information,"

Defense expert Dr. Henry Lee has billed state taxpayers more than $8,000 for three days worth of work and travel from Connecticut. He claimed to be giving taxpayers a 50 percent discount and months ago, defense attorney Cheney Mason told a judge that Lee would be willing to work for oranges.

Read more: http://www.wftv.com/news/25921057/detail.html

Casey Anthony defense gets $4,500 for experts, other costs

The Justice Administrative Commission has already paid out $41,654.69 for Anthony's defense.

By Anthony Colarossi, Orlando Sentinel
9:45 a.m. EST, February 25, 2011

Chief Judge Belvin Perry this morning approved additional payments to help defend accused killer Casey Anthony.

During a brief hearing, Perry approved $4,500 for mitigation-expert costs and videoconferencing for expert witnesses.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/caylee-anthony/os-casey-anthony-friday-hearing-20110225,0,3608910.story