Trial interrupted by prosecutor misconduct
A Florida judge barred county prosecutors from proceeding in a murder trial because prosecutors listened to phone calls between the defendant and his lawyer.
Judge Susan Lebow said that Brad Weissman and Julie Vogel with the Broward State Attorney's Office violated a rule that everyone who watches Law and Order
knows, The Miami Herald reported. In a written opinion, she said that the bells of common sense
should have sounded.
Lebow's decision leaves the trial of Luis Martinez in limbo. His lawyer, Chris Grillo, who would like the trial to continue with different prosecutors, called the situation a big mess.
I don't think anyone has answers right now,
he said.
Martinez is charged with killing Charles Moretto in 2003, posing as a potential buyer for the businessman's house in Lighthouse Point and his Bentley.
Prosecutors plan to appeal Lebow's ruling. The trial could also go forward with a different State Attorney's Office supplying lawyers.
UPI
-
Related News
- 10 most important world events of 2005
- The rise and fall of Saddam Hussein
- Iraq: Saddam Hussein and another ex-senior officials sentenced to death by hanging
- Analysis: Black Sea Rivalry
- Report: Saddam Hussein has been executed
- On 31 August Moldova celebrates the Language Day
- Sexual humiliation and torture of female protesters reported
- Saddam Hussein handed over to Iraqi authorities, say lawyers
- Saddam Hussein's execution could be within next 48-36 hours
- Deadly blast at checkpoint near Peshawar