Why does Michael Jackson's personal physician need a criminal defense lawyer?

June 30, 5:29 AMHouston Legal Issues ExaminerSami Hartsfield

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In this handout photo provided by AEG, pop star
Michael Jackson rehearses at the Staples Center in
Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo.)

Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has hired Houston attorney Edward Chernoff of Houston-area criminal defense law firm of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P. Mr. Chernoff  was quoted in the Houston Chronicle this morning as saying “[Dr. Murray] has nothing to hide. He will be proven innocent.” Even so, a lot of folks are still wondering: Why did Dr. Murray need to hire a criminal defense attorney?

In the legal arena, it’s not uncommon for folks who may be involved in seemingly suspicious circumstances – and a questionable death of a world-famous pop singer and cultural icon would qualify as suspicious circumstances -- to hire an attorney to protect the rights we Americans cherish so much. Likewise, the doctor’s good name needs to be protected as much as his freedom. A criminal defense attorney, who typically operates under the premise that every American citizen deserves to have their rights protected, and that everyone in our country is legally presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, can be retained simply to ensure that those rights that we are all arbitrarily afforded via our United States Constitution, are indeed protected. The lawyer can be with the client every step of the way, ascertaining that the government follows the letter of the law during its investigation. With all the media attention focused on the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death in general, and Dr. Murray in particular, it’s not surprising that he’s retained counsel. In fact, he’d be unwise not to.

The web-site of the criminal defense firm states this: “We are known for our willingness to accept tough cases and fight hard for our clients’ rights and freedom. Our defense lawyers are board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and include former chief prosecutors, former assistant district attorneys, and former Houston municipal general counsel.” They list DWI defense, drug conspiracy, bank and wire fraud, and sex crimes against children, among other things, as some of their areas of expertise. The firm home page states “If you have been arrested for any criminal charge in Texas, make sure you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.”

The Associated Press is reporting that it took up to thirty minutes for paramedics to be called after Murray found Jackson with a faint pulse. The doctor then is said to have CPR. Murray’s attorney has called the finding of Jackson “fortuitous” for Dr. Murray. Questions remain, however, as to why the doctor performed CPR on Jackson as Jackson was lying in bed. Experts tell us that CPR should be performed on a hard surface, such as a floor. Indeed, in the 911 call,  which has been released to the public, the 911 operator can be heard telling the caller – ostensibly one of Jackson’s security guards -- to get [Jackson] onto the floor for CPR.

Rolling Stone is reporting that the 911 caller, when asked if anyone has witnessed what happened, stated that the doctor was the only person present.

Why did it take thirty minutes to make the call? Murray attorneys have said that Dr. Murray was unfamiliar with the surroundings – a claim that seems peculiar given that he is alleged to have been Jackson’s personal physician for the last three years – and that Jackson did not have a phone in the bedroom.

And did Dr. Murray inject Jackson with Demerol shortly before Jackson lapsed into unconsciousness? A claim, incidentally, Dr. Murray’s attorney has flat out denied.

Dr. Murray has not been charged with a crime and has not been named as a suspect.