A formidable presence
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 11:09PM 
As quiet as a church mouse, Ann E. Finnell entered into the Ninth Circuit Court, a Notice of Appearance last Thursday, September 30.
ANN E. FINNELL, the undersigned attorney, hereby enters her appearance on behalf of DEFENDANT, CASEY ANTHONY, joining attorneys Jose Baez, Esq., and Cheney Mason, Esq., inter alia as an attorney for Defendant.
Inter alia, for those not familiar, is Latin for “among other things,” meaning she is joining the crowd. The more, the merrier, so to speak.
What you may not have noticed, though, are two motions rolled into one that came attached with it; something she filed on behalf of her new client, Ms. Anthony. The nerve. Judge Perry wasn’t even given a chance to acknowledge her notification yet.
MOTION TO DETERMINE REASONABLE BUDGET FOR DUE PROCESS COSTS IN A CAPITAL CASE AND MOTION TO INCUR CERTAIN SPECIFIED COSTS
In this two-for-one motion, Ms. Finnell asks the Honorable Court to “set a hearing to detemine a reasonable budget for the penalty phase of a capital proceeding.” This is not in anticipation of a guilty verdict. No, this is more of a “just in case” scenario. Juries can go either way and it’s better to be prepared, and to be specific, this is a motion requesting money for services rendered BEFORE the trial, not after.
On March 19 of this year, Judge Stan Strickland officially declared Casey Anthony indigent and her defense stated that they would continue to work on her case pro bono. Regardless of how Florida taxpayers felt at the time, the state was ordered, through the JAC (Judicial Administrative Commission) to pay for her experts, investigators and other costs incurred. At the indigence hearing, her then-new attorney, Cheney Mason, said the total amount could be about $200,000. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that it will exceed that price tag.
Ms. Finnell, in her motion, assumes that “since Defendant has been adjudged indigent for costs it would seem appropriate that undersigned counsel attempt to establish a reasonable budget for a capital case.”
I’m afraid, in this case, I have to agree with her, but it has nothing to do with siding with the defense. It is because Casey has a right, like any other who stands accused, to have a solid defense, particularly because of the nature of the beast. This is a capital case, and as Judge Perry has stated more than once, death is different. However, just because I agree does not mean he will write a check in the amount she is requesting. He has several options.
- He can agree 100% and grant her wish.
- He can agree and ask her to submit individual bills to JAC as they come in.
- He can disagree and tell her to work with what she’s already got; Jerry Lyons and Jeanene Barrett. Is Mort Smith still in the equation?
Ms. Finnell is very good at what she does. She is a seasoned veteran at this sort of thing. I noticed elsewhere in comments that the defense doesn’t need this attorney since Cheney Mason is already death penalty qualified. Her joining the team has nothing to do with that. It is all about taking care of the penalty phase if Casey is convicted of first-degree murder. That is her specialty and in order to be fair and just, any defendant in a capital case needs someone precisely like her. Indigent or not, they usually get one, and Casey is no exception.
Just what is the Jacksonville attorney requesting? Let’s take a look.
She believes the utilization of a private investigator will be required to provide services in the realm of “locating and interviewing mitigation witnesses,” and“locating and securing documents and other evidence relevant to the penalty phase,” among others I will get to. One of the things that I get a kick out of are those pesky little “other evidence” phrases that one never quite understands. Exactly what it really means is anyone’s guess. It’s almost the same as saying, “well, that’s what they say” to back up a claim, only no one knows for sure who “they” are. Oh, you know, them, those, that evidence.
On with the show… Performing background checks is a reasonable request. So is “researching any other factual issue relevant to the penalty phase such as the credibility and character of the witnesses.” She adds that she does not anticipate the costs for investigative services to exceed $5,000.00 and specifically requests the court to “enter an Order authorizing such costs not to exceed $5,000.00 without further Order of the Court.” That’s rather interesting, because she places this fiscal limit on each of her court requests and it’s the first time I have seen any defense attorney related to this case take responsibility for any money at all, except for what the JAC is willing to pay, and there have been issues already. Judge Perry stated that any bill JAC refuses to pay falls back into the hands of the Baez Law Firm. This woman has, what seems apparent, experience in this department. On this particular issue, she says that the private investigator would be one with whom JAC has a contract and would provide services at JAC rates. So far, so good.
$5,000.00
The next matter at hand concerns the services of a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist at a “reasonable hourly rate” - whatever that may be. Of course, the JAC has a menu that lists recommended rates:
JAC is also rather particular about what it offers. “Prior to retaining an expert, defense counsel must file a written motion seeking authorization to incur the expert services. The motion needs to establish the basis for the expert services by setting forth the reason why the expert’s services are necessary for the defense of the case. The defense has the burden to show the particularized need for the expert’s services.”
Since this leads the court to assure the JAC that what it hands out will have to be meticulously explained by the defense, Casey and her team will get no free rides. In the case of “seeking a comprehensive forensic psychological examination of the defendant, the attorney should ask the expert the number of hours the expert anticipates will be necessary to complete the evaluation,” which translates into: the defense should obtain a good faith estimate from the expert first. I believe Ms. Finnell has done that.
Whoever the expert is would examine and conduct forensic testing on Casey and “render an opinion regarding relevant mitigation” and be available to consult with the defense regarding state experts’ cross-examinations. If necessary, it would include testifying at the penalty phase. The price tag? Her guestimate runs at $7,500.00.
Now, we’re up to $12,500.00
Next up in her list is $1,000 for copies, medical records, school records, photographs and “any other record relevant to any statutory or non-statutory mitigating circumstance or to rebut any aggravating circumstance, and the preparation of trial exhibits of said records.”
$13,500.00
The next item up for the defense is the mitigation specialist and here’s where the instructions are clear. Ms. Finnell does not seem to be asking for anyone new. Instead, she seeks money for who’s already there, in which case, I would have to point the finger at Jeanene Barrett, left over from the Andrea Lyon days. Here, Ms. Finnell “anticipates needing additional hours for the mitigation specialist who has already been approved by the court.” Bingo! She’s not looking for anyone else. She expects this expert to work for an additional 100 hours at a rate the court had already established, and if I can find that out, I will let you know, but if we assume it’s $75.00 per hour, we’re talking an additional $7,500.00, which pushes the bill over the $20,000.00 amount initially reported in the media.
$21,000.00
The esteemed attorney expects to travel “to and from Orlando, Florida and Jacksonville, Florida and Ft. Myers, Florida, to visit with Defendant and Defendant’s family, friends and associates. Multiple trips will be required prior to the start of the trial in this cause.” She intends to use her own vehicle, which is not a 1987 Yugo, incidentally. Let’s see, the JAC states that, “When travel is more than 50 miles or out‐of‐county, an expert may bill for mileage pursuant to section 112.061, F.S. The state rate for mileage reimbursement is $.0445 per mile.”
The distance between Jacksonville and Orlando, from her office to the jail, is 145 miles each way. The distance from her office to Fort Myers is roughly 300 miles. She anticipates at least one trip per month to Orlando and back, and at least two trips to Fort Myers. Overnight lodging is expected for the trips to Fort Myers and some of the trips to Orlando, all of which is feasible. She’s asking for $4,000.00. Let’s see… a round trip from Jax to O’do runs about $134.00. Jax to Ft. Myers would be double that - $268.00. We are 7-8 months away from showtime, so 7-8 Orlando trips would run… let’s give her the benefit of the doubt and say 8 months. 8 trips would cost almost $1,100.00. To Fort Myers and back twice would add up to around $540, bringing our total to $1,640.00, not including hotel stays, and I think it’s safe to assume she’s not going to spend the night at the No Tell Motel, but still, that’s over $2,400 in lodgings. Nope, that one should be questioned by the judge. If the court chooses to approve, it brings our tally much higher…
$25,000.00
Ms. Finnell further anticipates “travel expenses for either one investigator or one mitigation specialist to travel to Ohio, to obtain records and interview potential witnesses.” Of course, this travel would have to require roundtrip airfare, lodging, and per diem expenses, which she expects to be approved at JAC rates. Air fare shouldn’t exceed $600.00 and total travel should not be any more than $1,500.00. That adds another $1,500.00 to our bill.
$26,500.00 grand total prior to trial
The final request is a very important one as far as I’m concerned, because it makes it clear when she expects this money. It makes absolutely no sense that the court would hold this amount until a verdict is rendered and the penalty phase begins, if Casey is found guilty. No, there’s not nearly enough time to collect all of this information. At the same time, something may come to light that is important to the outcome of the trial. This is money the state must hand out very soon in one form or another. Clearly, Ms. Finnell anticipates this because she says that “if this case goes to trial, travel to the site of the trial and lodging associated with the days required to attend the trial will need to be incurred at JAC approved rates. Counsel cannot at this time estimate the number of days required to select a jury, try the case, and conduct a penalty phase if necessary.” You see? This is money she intends to spend leading up to the trial, if it reaches that stage, which it will. The trial and possible penalty phase are not included.
We may not be happy with this price tag, but taking everything into consideration, and I mean everything, Ann Finnell has laid out an expense package that is within reason. Like I said, as much as some of us will disagree, it’s the first thing that’s come out of this defense that makes concrete sense. Finally, an efficient planner has emerged - one who’s not afraid to open her hand and show a couple of cards. No “I’ll have to get back to you on that,” or “I need to look into that.” Here it is, take it or leave it. Personally, I think Judge Perry is going to like her style. She’s no nonsense.
Dave Knechel | in Andrea Lyon, Ann E. Finnell, Ann Finnell, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Death Penalty, JAC, Jeanene Barrett, Jeanine Barrett, Jerry Lyons, Jeremiah Lyons, Judge Stan Strickland, Judicial Administrative Commission, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Ninth Judicial Circuit, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (50)
Dave~~if you ever want me to be your accountant, the answer is a big fat NO!!
Dave~~if they are still going to use Jeanine Barrett, which I think Judge Perry will insist on, she already has logged alot of hours. I thought the JAC had a scale as to how much an expert/specalist would be paid per case NOT per new attorney that comes aboard. Jeanine has already travelled and interviewed Casey relatives so why would Finnell have to interview them all over again? I am sure that Jeanine documented everything. I am not sure the JAC will be too pleased with this request and neither will Judge Perry. This is like double dosing.
I doubt if Mortimer Smith will be asked to stay on as PI for Finnell. I am not sure if Jerry Lyons will meet the qualifications that Finnell is looking for. How many PI's and death penalty attorneys are allowed to work for the defense when the defendant is declared indigent? Granted the attorneys are working pro bono but they are going to run up expenses for travelling and accomodations that have already been expensed out for their predecessors.
Why is Cheney Mason staying aboard this case? It sure doesn't look like he is doing a good job of coaching Baez. Now with Ann Finnell on the team, Cheney is just gathering dust and incurring unnecessary expenses. I just cannot understand how Casey Anthony qualifies to have attorneys of the same caliber, on this case, she now has 2 death qualified. If Finnell had not joined the team, Mason would be handling the penalty phase.
As to the psychiatrist, I believe the defense already has one. Sorry, I cannot recall the name. Even tho this is a 'death' case, I am sure that JAC had put a ceiling on the spending. It will be interesting to see how Judge Perry and the JAC will handle this one.
Thanks for the great article. I am not touching those figures you quoted for travelling with a ten foot pole. You made me dizzy, just reading them. I think you must have been a trucker in your previous life.
Hey, you are still numero uno tho as a writer and reporter,
Great article Dave. I love snoopy's comments. And I tend to agree with her. But we will have to wait and see.
I'm not saying I agree with Finnell. I listed 3 choices the judge can make. The rest is information taken from the motion she filed. At the same time, who pronounced that Barrett's work is done? Who said a PI couldn't continue digging? Who put an end to them?
Read the motion. There's a link to it. I didn't make up those dollar amounts. Finnell did. I just tried to put it all in a perspective we could all understand. As for holding her in any regard, this is the first time the defense has come up with a budget that the court can look at.
Both you and Finnell seem to have overlooked the fact that the JAC does not pay travel and related expenses for pro bono second-banana attorneys.
According to the JAC, experts may not bill for time spent traveling on a case unless an hourly rate has been established by law or court order for the travel time. Generally, travel time is not reimbursable. I DID NOT say she was going to get it, I wrote about her motion. This is what Finnell is asking the court to do.
Furthermore, and I quote from the attorneys' own JAC billing manual, when travel is more than 50 miles or out‐of‐county, an expert may bill for mileage pursuant to section 112.061, F.S. The state rate for mileage reimbursement is $.0445 per mile.
And, in certain circumstances, JAC may object to mileage reimbursement. One such circumstance is where the attorney retained an out‐of‐county expert when there were competent experts available in the county.
Rule 69I-42.003 (1), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), requires the Voucher for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses, Form DFS-AA-15 be used by authorized travelers when requesting reimbursement of travel expenses. In this particular case, the defense attorney is requesting travel expense reimbursement. It does not, nor did I, claim that Finnell was going to get it.
Just like any defense lawyer or prosecutor, throw something at the wall and see if it sticks. The judge decides one way or the other and I'm not making that call.
I am a stickler for detail when possible. I overlooked nothing. If you believe Finnell did, then say so. I just reported on her motion.
Hi Dave. Wow you have done your homework! You dug up the facts and sprinkeled humor on them, Yugo and No Tell Motel - HEE HEE HEE
Thanks, Carol. I always try to lighten up otherwise tedious information. I don't know why I said Yugo, other than it was a junkie car in its day. Yup, the good old No Tell, where she would only pay by the hour.
Dave~~your figures are just fine. I am not disputing them. My argument is, how many attorneys can an indigent defendant have regardless if they work pro bono? Their expenses still have to be paid by JAC and I am sure they have a set limit on how many can be on the case. There is a possibility, since it is a death case, JAC makes an allowance for that. Time will tell.
Dear Dave,
Still reading all posts but most times dont have time to comment. Keep up the good work. I kind of feel like the person that wrote above---how many pro bono lawyers does a person get?--seems like she has more than enough. Sounds like too even the defense is "admitting" to some degree the writing on the wall--GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE--I hope.
Hello, Martha My Dear, from the old Beatles song - I don't think the judge will object to the mitigation attorney. After all, this is a capital case and defendants have the right to retain that sort of specialist. By all means, they should do so because this is a matter of life and death. When the state says it wants to kill you, those are some mighty powerful words.
As for writing on the wall, no, not really. It's best to be prepared for the worse. This is normal, and as long as Finnell works within the court's mandated budget, there's nothing wrong with it. Remember, she's not a convicted baby killer yet, and the law is on her side whether we like it or not.
Trust me, I'm not taking sides on this article, but I did explain what the motion says. It's up to the judge to decide what happens next.
Hey, thanks!
Another great article Dave! I'm sure Ann wrote her motion as she would have for any other client. The mitigation specialist? Does this person try to find people who would stand up for Casey and tell the court why she doesn't deserve the dp? Good luck with that one! Casey's guilt is obvious and that is what is so frustrating to the public. But due process needs to occur regardless. If the defense had anything to prove her innocence Casey would be free on bond right now.
Question regarding bond: Is Casey's bond $500K or more? Could she get out if someone posted it? would it have to be the whole amount or just a %?
Patti O~~Casey cannot get out on bond as she is charged with Murder One. She was bonded out to the tune of $500G but as soon as the grand jury brought down its decision that she could be charged with murder one, that bond was revoked and she was incarcerated.
Dave, thanks for explaining this motion so that all of us can understand it. We may not agree with it, bit it is what it is. It will be up to Judge Perry and the JAC to decide what they are going to do. I tend to agree with what others have said about how many of the same type of attorneys, specialists, etc does one person need. I just want her to have a fair trial so that she can't come back with an appeal and get a new trial. Thanks for all your hard work on this post and for putting some humor in it. I appreciate all you do for us readers and commenters.
I am sure that Judge Perry will welcome a member on the defense team who seems to have things prepared and knows what they are doing. Her motion seems to have everything in it, it should, plus she seems to have figured out what the cost will be. So far we haven't seen that from any of the other attorneys.
Snoopy Sleuth, I agree with you. I just do not understand how Casey Anthony can get all these high dollar lawyers. What is sooo special about this case . I am sure a lot of people would like the same lawyers to represent them but it's unthinkable that would happen. Why did these lawyers not take a case like Haylee Cummings or a dozen other cases that are ongoing in Florida right now. I am so confused about this mess....and I mean a MESS. If this continues on course I will loose all respect for the Florida Bar and the Judicial System. If this was John or Jane Doe please tell me...would they get the same treatment. I think everybody who commits a murder in the state of Florida should be intitled to the same defense.... lie...and lie...and lie some more, and tell the Judge that you can't afford an attorney... then get pro bono lawyers and let the state pay for the experts. Please, Please someone tell me what is so special about this case.
Hi, Patti, thank you. Snoopy is correct. Casey cannot get out on bond, bail, or anything else. The only way she will ever see freedom will be if the jury finds her not guilty.
Ummm, Dave, obviously its not hard to confuse me, as you can see from my other posts, but couldnt the Honarable Judge Perry simply say "no" to the re-interviewing of witnesses as it has already been done? It seems to me that, although what she is asking is "reasonable", that it is a waste of money. Couldnt the Judge simply say review the case notes already performed by the Baez Team?
B-Man~~that is the point I was trying to get across. It is like double dosing. Andrea Lyon put alot of hours in this case until she made her exit. Although she worked pro bono, she rec'd payment from Baez for expenses plus she used some of her own funding. Andrea said that she would make herself available if necessary. She must have a stack of files a mile high. I think Finnell should consult with Lyon instead of starting from scratch. If she doesn't do this, it was a waste of money. I realize that Andrea was paid out of that whopping $320-350 that Baez originally had in the kitty from ABC, donations and Macaluso. There was never an accounting of where all that money went. Once Casey was declared indigent, it seems that the sky is the limit now JAC (tax payers) are coming good for everything. Baez was dragging his heels before JAC entered the picture.
It is great that Finnell has put together a nice little budget for her expense but I feel it is kind of late in the game. JAC has already dished out alot of money for the mitigating specialist, Jeanine Barrett. Is she going to spend another 100 hrs asking the same questions over again to the same people until she gets answers that favor Casey? I would consider that brain washing or harrassment.
Yes, Mary Jo, it is what it is, and the judgre will decide. I look at it like asking for a $5.00 an hour raise and the boss settling in on $1.00. Had the person asked for $1.00, he'd probably end up with fifty cents.
Thank you for thanking me. You are too kind.
B-Man...me thinks that would be too easy...I don't see where either side needs to do double depos...I always thought that descrepancies could be found or questioning would be covered under cross examination...after all it is done Under Oath...I know there will be mitigation and people stating what a great person and Mom Casey was...That's supposed to help HER out...As far as Caylee goes, all the State has to do is show pictures of a beautiful vibrant Caylee and contrast them with pictures of Caylee's bones...A picture is worth a thousand words...SO be it for victim impact statement!!
It's the third choice, B-Man. Judge Perry can tell the defense to wok with what it's got, but at the same time, there is nothing coming from the court that says the investigator(s) and mitigation specialist are through with their work. She may be asking for the amount she expects to pay from now on until the trial. Do we know for a fact that any expert has flown to Ohio? Gone to Ft. Myers? No, we don't, and that's probably what she's addressing.
Dave, will there ever be a public record of the things Baez did to earn the 200,000.00? It seems like he did nothing until recently, and now the state is paying for everything. I read somewhere that the things Baez is doing now is as much for himself as it is for Casey. It said that his being involved with these lawyers, the body farm and the forensics were paving the way for him to become a certified death penalty lawyer. If this be the case, could Casey get another lawyer down the line and use that for an appeal. Should Casey fille an appeal with another lawyer, will the State of Fl;orida have to pay for that .Thank you for another enlightening article. You are helping us all to becme experts. Still working on your new title!!!!!
Good question, Margaret. I don't think the money will ever become public because Judge Strickland sealed the information. Unless it is requested by someone with the authority to change its status, it shall remain sealed.
Baez is working on a death penalty case. An attorney has to have so many years of experience, and criteria in education and work, to become death-qualified. Believe it or not, he is becoming that just by representing Casey. This experience will make him death-qualified.
Since a death-qualified attorney is representing Casey now, this would not give her grounds to appeal.
Hi Dave thanks for this great post an Information.Jean there is no Hailgh Cummings case as of yet no one has been charged with her abduction or murder.There are some pretty high powered lawers though involved in there drug charges.Misty is due to be sentanced this Friday I think.
Hi, ecossie possie, it's my pleasure to bring you this post. It is an honor, trust me.
Is Misty's sentencing this Friday? Well, I'll have to stay tuned in.
Dave have you heard anything about Tim Millers wife being seriously ill? I hope she isn''t, Tim does so much good. does anyone think we will ever find Trenton Duckett, Aja Johnson or Haliegh Cummings?
Margaret, Tim Miller's wife was diagnosed with bone cancer a few months ago. I haven't heard an update on her since that time.
Well, I for one am glad someone is being direct and efficient in stating costs they expect to utilize! I just wish Baez and Mason were as forthcoming. What I don't understand is why the work that's already been done isn't included in with that cost.. is she starting over from scratch? I seem to recall with those jail visit logs that Casey was visited by mental health people for one reason or another. What did Andrea Lyons and her group do exactly besides put on an elaborate show of why they didn't think the death penalty was accurate for a mother who happens to also be a woman. (Sorry, I just didn't like her or her way of doing things)
Awww Snoop, bone cancer isn't good and it acts fast. That man is a saint, and it's sad that something so horrible has to rear it's ugly head when they're under a microscope.
Margaret the last I heard they're sentencing the people involved with Haleigh and will go from there. There have been confessions that are so many and so varied that they don't know what to believe except that she's probably no longer alive. Part of her father's plea deal was that he cooperate with the authorities and go to trial when and if needed.. that's it.
Great post Dave - I think she might get some of the request through but certainly not all. I thought Baez already had the out-of-state PI to take care of Ohio etc. and one for the state of Florida. He also stated that only Baez and Mason would be the ones on the jury selection team for the defense. Seems they are just trying to throw some things in that have already been decided.
Thanks Snoopy, that is so sad. Cindy was so rude to him but he remained a gentleman. Why are those people picking on Dave? Are they that jealous of the way HE HANDLES his blog.with the truth and fairness, or are tthey just sad,stupid, dumb and dumber persons who need to use their brain for something that makes sense, instead of trying to show people how rude and useless they are.
Hi, Margaret, sorry I'm so late, but I've been on the phone a lot tonight. Here is something I wrote and published on my other blog on Feb. 10, 2010. I do not have an update, but I will try to look into it.
From the TES Web site, and I quote...
02/03/10 — Tim Miller’s wife, Georgeann, has been diagnosed with the dreadful illness bone cancer. She and Tim are now making preparations for her much-needed treatments at one of the finest facilities in the world. Tim and Georgeann will let us all know when they decide they are ready to accept visitors or calls. Tim is devastated, and he is not really able to give his concentrated efforts to Texas EquuSearch at this time. We have counted on Tim to make many of our search decisions for years, but naturally, right now, all of his thoughts and concerns are about Georgeann. Tim will be contacting some of our various members and other TES associates from time-to-time, but he does not wish to receive any calls whatsoever at this point. He has been the Founder and Director of this organization for more than ten years … and he still rightfully remains so. He has specifically requested that no persons attempt to contact him by phone – or by any other means. Everyone will know when Tim feels he is ready to return to work. Let’s all please respect and honor his wishes, and let others know likewise. Any updates will be issued through this office. Tim has prayed for hundreds if not thousands of people during their time of need over the years. Now it’s time for all of us to pray for Tim and Georgeann in their time of need. If you wish to leave you thoughts, prayers and well wishes, please leave a comment on this post. We will make sure Tim and Georgeann get them all. Thank you so much.
This should transcend petty arguments between commenters on blogs and forums. Please visit Texas EquuSearch and offer your prayers.
Do it there, not here, and please do not mention my name. This has nothing to do with me and I want NO publicity. Just prayers.
[I have since found out it's next to impossible to leave a comment there, so just remember to pray, if nothing else.]
Yay, Connie! Someone got the gist of my post. Someone is finally being direct and efficient.
No, the work that's already done has been paid. This is for future work. No one has said that Jeanene Barrett, for example, was through with her work. I believe the motion said she has about 100 more hours to go, but when you put it in perspective, what is 100 hours? What sounds like more? 100 hours or two-and-a-half weeks of work? As for Andrea Lyon, she sure did file plenty of DP motions.
Thank you, Nika1. I would guess that with Finnell now on board, some of the rules will change. She's a commanding presence and I'm certain she would insist on having a role in the jury selection. She even mentioned it in the motion. I think you're right on the judge's decision. Most, but not all.
Dave, I am winning hands down. Thank you to everyone who agreed with my comments. LOL Hey, I got the gist of your post, oh did I ever.
Just kidding. This was a great post that generated some very good comments. Nite nite all.
It's important that Miss Anthony and her defense squad not have anything to revisit and complain about after the trial. I think this motion/request will be granted. I'm not thrilled with it only because some of those things were already done and it seems a waste to me to redo them. But I'd rather redo them than redo the trial.
Snoopy - I love generating excellent comments and it's something I'm pretty good at, obviously, because those comments keep enlightening all of us. Yup, you won.
Good morning, marshmallow, I think you're onto something. The judge is not in this for what the public thinks, and he is aware of the subtle nuances that could throw this into an appeal based on prior mistakes. He does not want to do that and he's a smart tactician, just like Judge Strickland was. Watch, they will cry foul later on over the judge they didn't want after all. Mason genuinely believed he could hand-pick any judge he wanted. What a foolish mistake.
Dear Dave my friend, I agree with what you said in the article,, asking for death is a big deal. I was just "thinking out loud". I have been reading here I guess a pretty long time and am very proud of what you have written and how you write it. I agree with you 99% of the time as I know that you have researched things in our behave before you put anything down. Hope everyone here is having a good day. it is FINALLY getting cool here is south Texas. My very healthy 92 year old mother moved here from California in August and made it through the hottest month. She is saying this is NICE about the weather now. Florida is like that too.
Martha, my dear, dear friend, it has finally cooled down here in Orlando, too, and over a week early, I might add. It's great right now.
Yes, I do try to research everything before I write, and I let my opinion sneak in, but I try to be fair to both sides.
Please tell your mother I said hello. I wish y'all the best.
Hi Dave and everybody. First chair, second chair, death qualified, mitigation specialist, etc- I always wonder what the founding fathers of our country would think if they could see all of the types of lawyers one trial can bring. Will the state have access to a mitigation specialist?
Hi, Carol - The state will have the opportunity to cross-examine the mitigation specialist and anyone else the defense puts on the stand if Casey is convicted.
Personally, I think our Founding Fathers would be happy to see even the guilty get a fair trial, but I do think they'd question the fairness of others who cannot afford this kind of counsel. Big case or not, everything should balance out and it doesn't.
Just a thought..didn't Andrea Lyon claim costs for new, and upgrades to existing, computers and other office equipment for her charitable work. I remember her claim in court and enumeration of many items, leaving them with "...not a penny.." DOes she keep the new equipment she said was necessary to work on, and communicate with others regarding the Anthony case? Shouldn't the cost of anything not 'consumed', like paper, ink, and time, be returned to the State of Florida since she is off the case?
You know, dadgum, I don't know, but I'll bet she got to keep it. I don't know what is involved, but I haven't heard anything about the state going after her.
Hi Dave,
Ms Finnell is my cousin and a very good lawyer. In Jacksonville, she works as a public defender most of the time. As some commenters have stated, she is not a high priced lawyer...just doing what is right, giving someone a good defense as the constitution states. Some of her cases have been on Insession and in a documentary.
You are completely right in your post.
Hi, katydid - So, Ann Finnell is your cousin. That's great! I find it difficult to understand that some people don't want Casey to have a fair trial. Check that... they don't want any trial at all, just execution. I'm glad there are people in the world like your cousin. I wish there were more like her.
Hey, do you want me to say hello when I see her?
You can if you would like.
Thank you, katydid. If I have the opportunity to do so, I most certainly will. That will be a pleasant surprise for her amongst the hostile people in the courtroom.
Hi Dave !
I am filled with joy to discover your news bog!!!!! I am honored to be here and look forward to reading up on the latest events every night. Your reporting is refreshing and injected with humor.
Now to the burning thoughts in my mind. How the hell can baez blow 275,000 $$$$ before this even was close to trial?? As from what I see it was not on a brain transplant and he did not spend it on a chin implant. I adore Judge Strickland and was tickled pink when I watched the first hearing with Judge Perry. Baez will be dancing like he has mexican jumping beans in his pants to get out of Judge Perry placing him in the corner with a dunce cap. I look forward to reading in yourw ords the hearing for tomorrow oct 29. cheers!
Hi, SPYgIrL! I am happy you found me and honored to have you. Thank you for enjoying my writing, too.
All I know about the original sum of money was that when Judge Strickland held a sidebar to discuss it with the defense, which included the state, all parties were satisfied with where it all went. That's all any of us know because it's been kept under wraps.
Today will be a very interesting hearing, indeed, and I hope to write about it later or tomorrow. I hope to see you again soon, too.