Casey Anthony case: Judge wants list of expenses from defense, new attorney joins defense
Accused child-killer, Casey Anthony, was in court Thursday to ask a judge to approve the Orange County Clerk’s determination that she’s indigent. This would allow her legal team to use public funds to defend her.
Casey appeared to be in good spirits and smiled as she sat with attorney, Jose Baez, and the newest addition to her team, Cheney Mason. According to WFTV, Mason is one of the top defense lawyers in the nation and has successfully tried 50 murder cases.
Bill Sheaffer, WFTV’s legal analyst, said Casey’s new attorney is “a founding father of the Central Florida Defense Association” and said his presence on the team “is a game changer.”
In court, Mason said to Judge Stan Strickland, “I’ve been asked to join and I’m doing it pro bono [free of charge]… We’re just seeking confirmation of Ms. Anthony’s indigency and I don’t think that should be in question.”
Baez told the judge he had been paid $205,000—funds that came from a payment to Casey from ABC in the amount of $200,000, along with $5,000 from an unknown donor.
Judge Strickland requested the defense provide him with an itemized list of where the team has spent funds up to this point. He will review the information and subsequently make a determination regarding Casey’s indigency.
Casey is charged with the first-degree murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Her trial is scheduled to begin in May 2011.
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Comments
While you're focused on money being spent in the Casey Anthony matter, perhaps it's time for the People to know what the U.S. Prosecutor's office is spending. That would include, but is not limited to, jailing Casey Anthony, the FBI involvement, law enforcement costs, etc. And, a detailed accounting of what has been spent investigating Kronk and the possibility that he murdered the child. This is a two way street and the government should have transparency and account for every single penny. Their grand standing is nauseating.
Tsi U Marpo
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