Watching American Idol on DVR and wondering if Ellen got a spray tan.
But beside that, I would like to know what you all would like to know. Honestly I am a little bored and see this case moving towards more substantive hearings by May/June.
So what do you want to know about (legally speaking)? So please leave a comment, debate with each other, but leave a comment about what you would like to know more about.
I will either answer the top 10 questions, or address one major topic that everyone is interested in.
p.s. Please vote for Big Mike on American Idol!!!
49 responses to “WTF Do You Want to Know?”
Richard, why in the world didn’t KC just answer one question that John Morgan asked in the Civil Trial & this would have been resolved over a year ago. ALL KC had to do was “confirm or deny” that John Morgan’s ZG was not the ZG she knew (or ever existed.) Why in the world wouldn’t Baez allow KC to say it wasn’t the one she was accusing. LE told CA “that JM’s ZG was not a suspect” & CA went on National TV & said “she was a suspect,” even when the Anthony’s knew JM’s ZG was not a suspect. JM made CA admit this in her deposition & she was breathing fire.
This is absolutely ridiculous that Baez screwed around & allow this now to come to trial, I assume he thought it would be considered “frivolous & dismissed.” I can’t understand any of his logic, it seems he has made terrible decisions resulting in KC looking at the Death Penalty.
Also, one more question, will Lyon’s leave the case as her travel now will be paid for by herself as well as her cost. Is this why C Mason is also on board? I assume she has exhausted the “Defense Fund” at her University since she has spent $50,000.00 of that money. What’s up with this?
Casey’s civil attorney, Jonathan Kasen, answered your first question in a hearing. He would not allow Casey to answer any of the questions submitted to her because if she answered one but invoked her right not to answer the others, she would open the door for the plaintiff to demand that since she did answer one question, she should be compelled to answer the other questions.
I don’t personally believe Morgan & Morgan (despite the talk show claims) were ever willing to drop the lawsuit if Casey would simply look at a photo of their client and state under oath that the plaintiff had nothing to do with Caylee’s disappearance. And IIRC, Jonathan Kasen said in a hearing that Morgan & Morgan never put that pledge in writing (to drop the lawsuit if Casey would only declare under oath that the plaintiff Zenaida Gonzalez had nothing to do with Caylee’s disappearance). Nor would I expect Morgan & Morgan to ever put that pledge in writing because they want money, and they won’t get any if they drop the lawsuit.
Hi Richard,
Since the Zenaida Gonzales defamation case has many of the same witnesses as the murder case, Do you think they will wait until the criminal trial is over before hearing the civil matter? If so, doesn’t that interfere with ZG getting a speedy trial? Will Casey have to testify or can she plead the 5th?
Thanks.
There is currently a civil case jury/pretrial hearing scheduled for May 4, 2010 at 1:30pm.
On December 18, WKMG’s Mike DeForest said about the civil suit: “If the two sides cannot reach a financial settlement by the end of May, a jury will hear this case in early June.”
Hi Richard,
I’d like to know if you think that Mason “snookered” the judge?
Mason said in court, that the defence could give, in chambers, a full accounting of how the defence monies were spent . The judge said no. “if you want public monies … public disclosure.” But ultimately the disclosure was made in chambers. So, it looks like Mason got what he asked for. Or am I misreading this?
Thank you
What are your predictions for this case?
What do you predict will happen now the Cheney Mason is on the case?
will the surprise ending be life w/o parole, or acquittal?
Tell us a bed time story, as only you can ….
Does the FL Bar watch high profile trials like this one and make investigations on their own or does someone have to file a complaint first? Obviously the people that make up the Bar have seen the same documents and watched the hearings like the rest of us… what are they waiting for??
Also, whatever happened to Lee? What type of immunity did he receive for his last deposition?
Thanks!
I watched Mr. Mason (tallented and successful yes, but he’s a bit bullyish and arrogant) defend Nelson Serano (a self-made millionaire) a few years back…Serano did not testify and was convicted and sentenced to death….at the end of the day, will Casey Anthony need to take the stand?
Thank you Mr. H. for being so kind to us. I have learned a ton from you since this case began!
My question is about the legalities now that Casey was declared indigent. Does this mean that each time anyone is deposed or anytime they want to spend money on experts, they will have to make a full disclosure of every penny?
And…….doesn’t it seem strange to you that Mr. Baez didn’t provide us a day-by-day breakdown of his time spent, list what the heck he was doing, and how much he charged for it?
Do you do an accounting system like that when you bill your clients? Something to the effect of: Jail Visit – one hour – $300, Talk with LKB on phone – one hour – $100, In camera meeting with Judge S. – two hours – $600.
My lawyer certainly charges me for every time he breathes my name. Maybe my lawyer is stiffing me!!! Help me understand Richard!
Questions:
1. What is the defense trying to achieve through trial?
A) Avoid the Death Penalty?
B) Manslaughter?
C) Not Guilty?
2. Could you please explain the prosecution’s ex parte motion?
A) Why was it denied?
B) Why did the Judge temporarily seal the information?
3. Is the new trial date binding?
4. What are the substantive hearings we will be hearing in May/June?
Off topic:
I am currently in my first semster studying to become a paralegal. If you were hiring for this position what would you consider most important?
A) Ability to use Nexus/Westlaw?
B) Ability to use law books?
C) GPA?
D) Work history?
E) Writing ability?
F) Other?
Still off topic:
E, B and A (i.e. Research), F, C, D
This is from the My Clerk site for the foreclosure listing on Hopespring:
03/23/2010 Motion FOR EXTENSION OF TIME
03/23/2010 Motion TO STRIKE DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Why would you need a jury for a foreclosure proceeding?
This foreclosure on the house bs going on now just seems like one more way the anthonys think they are special and dont have to live by the same law as everyone else — they go on cruises but they cant make their mortgage payments
Another question I have
Do you think if caseys case goes to trial, that the jurors will get a first hand smell of the car`s smell ?
Thanks Richard for the invite. My question to you is do you think that Baez and Ms. Lyon will stay the course. Mr. Baez to me seems a little on edge lately. Do you think he will step down. Also, do you think that with all the information coming out, depo’s, letters, etc, that a partial jury will be found in the state of Florida.
Thank you.
Richard,
Thank you for fielding questions. Mine is:
If you were defending Casey, what do you think would be your major obstacle and how would you defend it?
TIA
I will keep voting for Crystal for 1st, Big Mike 2nd. Sorry
LOL it’s a toss up for me but I just hope this year it will be won on talent and not popularity like what’s happened in the past … FWIW I think Big Mike, Crystal and Sioban (sp?) are the most talented this year
I would like to know your thoughts of any future arrest of Cindy Anthony.Personally I believe she will be charged. THANKS
To what do you “personally” attribute this belief?
Listening to interviews it seems LE and prosecuters are going in that direction.JMO…I think they are on to her about knowing Caylee was dead but keeping the ALIVE out there to keep the money coming in.Cindy tried to throw all of Casey’s friends under the bus.Also why did she not forward all tips to LE….not just sightings?I believe Cindy knew early on…..George not until later.Cindy kept things from George just like she did Casey’s whole life…….Also I think the BAT PHONES will come into play and lots of info from those.
Hi Richard, I was wondering if you think that Mallory Parker will be a key witness for the prosecution?
I would like to know if Joseph Jordans statement is going help the defense argument re: Spoliation Of Evidence.
Investigator Edwards requested to JJ accompany him to discovery site.
The purpose? so JJ could show Edwards exactly where JJ & crew searched. With & without TES.
JJ told Edwards that he can’t do that with any accuracy because the scene is very different from what it was in 2008. I.E. “post-excavation”.
Does the permanent alteration of the scene, ( as admitted by a key searcher who “swore to tell the truth”), prohibit the defendant from “meaningfully confronting” the evidence?
Mr. Jordan has found himself in a precarious situation.
Can Casey sue certain “Merchants In Misery” for defamation/libel, should she be acquitted?
Can the Anthony elders sue certain “Merchants In Misery” for defamation/libel regardless of the trial outcome?
Do you think the litigant ZFG will ever see a dime from her defamation/libel suit?
Who, if anyone, from the “player” pool would have a standing to sue for defamation/libel?
Aren’t the non-victim “players” all considered “limited public figures” in the eyes of the law without a snowballs chance in hell in capitalizing over ruined reputations?
Do you think there was a “Merchant In Misery” motive behind the “affair” allegation – with the stage being set by “Kiomarie”, who first said George was the only person to allow Spanish women in the home?
Do you think the “River” (ficticious name for Krystal Holloway) suicide attempt was what was meant by “wait for the other foot to drop”?
Do you think there was a “Merchant In Misery” motive behind Caylee Marie Anthony’s disappearance?
Can you please explain how insignificant the drama is, to the capital murder charge, as brought against Casey Marie Anthony, in the People of The State of Florida Vs. Casey Marie Anthony?
And lastly, do you think the State has any bombshell evidence against Casey that they are withholding, or has been turned over to the defense, but has been sealed from public prying eyes because it’s just too prejudicial for the public to see?
Thank you in advance for any, or all, of these dumb questions you might be kind enough to entertain.
Hey Richard!
So glad u r back!
C. Mason really didn’t impress me even though I know he has a great reputation. Do u think Judge Strickland will allow him to get away with his “take over the courtroom” behavior? He comes across as a “know it all”, and I detest that, personally.
Hadley
(off topic: has new baby arrived?)
Hi Richard,
I would also like to know more about C. Mason and if you think Lyon is going to stay on the team … Also, does how much the state has spent so far prosecuting the case have anything to do with what the defense will be allowed in the way of costs? Mason was making this an issue and it left me thinking huh? Does the state now have to match that in the way of experts and costs? That doesn’t seem fair to the taxpayers …
Richard:
I have just been listening to a defense attorney, not baez, that says the 911 calls wont come in. What is your opinion on whether that call comes in , in the criminal case ?
I’m seconding the following questions that have already been submitted:
1. What is the defense trying to achieve through trial?
A) Avoid the Death Penalty?
B) Manslaughter?
C) Not Guilty?
2. Could you please explain the prosecution’s ex parte motion?
A) Why was it denied?
B) Why did the Judge temporarily seal the information?
If you were defending Casey, what do you think would be your major obstacle and how would you defend it?
I have just been listening to a defense attorney, not baez, that says the 911 calls wont come in. What is your opinion on whether that call comes in , in the criminal case ?
And one of my own-
This whole strange River/Crystal tale of an affair with George. How (if at all) does this affect the case?
Mr. Hornsby, what is your opinion on the strength of the spoliation issue which was raised earlier?
Experts Discuss Discovery Of Remains
Pipitone also discussed the finding with a former prosecutor and a defense attorney, and the impact the discovery could have on the Casey Anthony case.
“What does it do to the state’s case now that there’ s a body?” Pipitone asked former prosecutor Elizabeth Rahter.
“Oh, it hugely bolsters the case. A jury is always a little reluctant to convict because they don’t want to convict an innocent person. Absolutely you would not want to do that. So now, there’s going to be no doubt that she’s dead,” Rahter said.
Defense attorney Cheney Mason said claims made by Casey Anthony and Baez that Caylee was alive will now work against them at trial.
“Then all the talking, all the press interviews and the parents going on this show and that show and the lawyer going on different shows establishes they have no credibility whatsoever,” Mason said.
The testing of the remains could be the key to the case.
“The most important thing is how did she die?” Mason said. “It could have been an accidental death — and we’ve talked before — an improper disposal, it could have been a brutal homicide. We don’t know, and until the medical examiner is finished and renders a report, no one is going to know.”
Rahter said an accidental death would be hard to believe.
“What would a reasonable person do in the case of an accident? Call 911 or call your parents or call a close friend. Do you go borrow a shovel from a neighbor, probably not?” Rahter said.
Mason said an insanity defense would be even more difficult to prove, Rahter said.
“It’s really difficult to be not criminally responsible. You have to prove they know right from wrong and they understand the consequences of their actions. Obviously, Casey understood the consequences of her actions because she worked really hard to cover it up,” Rahter said.
If the case plays out how many think, the experts agree on what will likely happen.
“You can pretty well predict there’s going to be a life sentence, either a plea and get it over with or have a circus trial and then be convicted and get life,” Mason said.
“Yeah,” Rahter said.
~~~~~
all these crack shot attorneys..i have to ask..after the “Great” Mason, has said his own team of attorneys have no credibility in this interview..i wonder how he is going to take this piece of bad mouthing and turn it around to make them look credible? lolol.
Don’t be hatin’ because the defense landed Mason.
Mr. Hornsby?
If you were accused of a crime in the 9th Circuit Court in Orange County Florida, would you turn away the pro-bono services of Cheney Mason?
Would you gladly embrace them?
NutterButter-
I don’t think Inky is “hatin” because he is now a part of the defense team. I think people are genuinely turned off by his attitude and I am one of them.
Having Mason on the team actually makes it less chance of a sloppy defense for Casey, which means less chance for acquittal.
The idea of having to listen to his arogance and insults, day after day, is enough to make someone ill…”I just threw up a little bit in my mouth” kind of thing.
I cannot stand arrogant people and he is one of the worst I have ever witnessed.
I agree with Inky on his attitude. Yuk!
Hi Richard,
I would love to know your opinion as to why the state has not charged anyone (mostly George and Cindy) with lying/tampering with evidence. I could understand them not pursuing charges with anybody except for George and Cindy. They have bold-face lied and attempted to cover up any evidence that pointed Casey’s way. Do you think they are possibly waiting until after Casey’s trial?
Also, I second the question above regarding Lee. His lawyer was screaming to the cameras that Lee was seaking immunity (what for?) and then he disappeared. I don’t understand exactly what happened there.
Thanks a billion. Oh, I thought yesterday was Saturday for some reason and missed the radio show! I’ll look later to see if you were on and listen to it. Both of the questions above were going to be the subject of my next call!
Thanks again,
Mary
Sorry…one more thing:
For the life of me, I cannot understand why Judge Strickland allowed Mason to get away with his courtroom performance! Especially letting it slide that Mason called a prosecutor “ignorant”, if I’m not mistaking. And then to ask the judge “don’t you trust me”?
I realize Judge Strickland is laid-back but, in my opinion, he allowed his court room to become a circus and allowed Mason to walk all over, not only himself, but the prosecution as well.
What is your opinion as to why he allowed this to go on? Why he over-looked it? To me, it looked like they are “buddy-buddy” outside of the courtroom and was showing favortism. I’m not saying that is what was going on, only how it looked to an outsider.
This is my last posting for your topic…I promise! lol
Mary
Hello, and thanks for the opportunity to ask questions.
I have a question about defense procedures. (Because I want Casey to have a vigorous defense, so there will be no room for overturning an appeal.)
I know Casey Anthony does not meet the legal criteria for insanity. However, she has a long, well-known and documented history of compulsive and pathological lying. Is there any way a defense lawyer could claim that his client is SUCH a liar that she can’t participate in her own defense? What would happen if the defense attorney went to the judge with this? Would he or she just be excused from the case and another attorney appointed? Could her lying be used to infinitely delay her case coming to plea or trial?
I know all criminals are liars, but is there ever a point with liars where the attorneys simply cannot mount an effective defense to try to save their lives when faced with the DP? Aren’t defense attorneys kind of like a “guardian ad litem” for the accused– kind of bound to look out for their client’s best interests?
Maybe all of what I’m asking is part of the penalty phase, and not the guilt/ innocence portion.Anyway, I’d love to read what you think about this! It would help many of us understand just how a defense team puts together an effective defense in the face of a MOUNTAIN of unfavorable evidence. What exactly is the strategy in a case like this? Casey seems to between a big rock and a very hard place!
saw your billboard on University….great play on words!
what does it say Phyllis?? I’m not local so please fill me in :o)
Thanks!
(billboard picture is a gavel) written across it: Don’t get hammered.
Mr. Hornsby, Esquire
I would think that people, such as myself, are not looking for answers persay because for the most part the public is in complete disbelief of the actions taken by the whole Anthony family.
I myself come to this site on a constant basis to read what your point of view is. Mr. Hornsby you provide an insight that many of us do not. You are a defense attorney. It is your opinion, which is based upon facts and knowledge of the law, people are hungry for.
In short, I would like your opinion and interpretation of events surrounding this case, much like your past blogs which have been awe-inspiring to say the least. What is your perspective of the hiring of Mr. Mason? Do you have any thoughts on the photos of the trunk?
These are just a few,
Sincerely,
Bman
http://theshark.typepad.com/weblog/2009/06/minutes-for-meeting-between-depaul-university-officials-students-over-ousted-law-dean-posted-to-face.html
Good Evening Mr Hornsby et al:
Perhaps the link/article will provide some interest surrounding Ms Lyon spending donations for indigent clients? As for myself I found the presumptuous entitlement
parallels to checkbook journalism, the article extends the mindset of her
academic peers.
Maybe Rozzi could investigate the protocol for Ms Lyon carte blanche [checkbook] membership..lol? Would be investors?
Credibility issues…I dunno know!
Thank you
Mr Hornsby:
M. Cheney stated last year when asked ~ how the case would shake out per se, his revelation “a circus” apropos 🙂 think so!
Albeit the Grandstanding~ IYO will the Defense proffer a plea? Should we believe that M. Cheney change/alter the defense?
IMO T. Lennamon had it correct, so Baez strong-armed/ignored prudent legal
advice. Greed will bite right in the wallet…ha Wonder whats in his wallet today…promissory notes!
Thanks for entertaining my questions.
kate
Correction: ” Cheney Mason” per my post, not Mason Cheney.
Do you think Mason will chum it up again with Judge Strickland on Monday? ;>
How long before the other on-going investigations come to fruition? Are GJ indictments required for fraud cases?
TY
Hi Richard,
I too am interested in your take on Crim 301’s question
crim 301 says:
March 25, 2010 at 3:12 am
Hi Richard,
I’d like to know if you think that Mason “snookered” the judge?
Mason said in court, that the defence could give, in chambers, a full accounting of how the defence monies were spent . The judge said no. “if you want public monies … public disclosure.” But ultimately the disclosure was made in chambers. So, it looks like Mason got what he asked for. Or am I misreading this?
Thank you
Also I want to know what your take is after watching the proceedings. Do you think that Baez, on behalf of Casey Anthony, satisfactorily answered his questions under oath?
I guess I feel that Baez was allowed to get away with murder, in court, all with Judge Strickland’s blessing.
We know he admitted to accepting $70,000 from an attorney who was representing Casey and I was under the impression that this was illegal; and the fact that this declaration was made in court and not shown on the paperwork they filed for indigency, makes me wonder why he was not held to account more (or made to declare) how the money was spent in open court.
Is it really okay for a defense attorney to attend this type of proceeding without the appropriate paperwork, without answers to questions that were obviously going to be asked??? This seems very wrong to me and I would like to hear your opihnion on this all.
Thanks
I am also interested in your opinon regarding Laura Buchanan who is referred to in the latest doc. dump. Why would the dfense still use her in their latest motion when she clearly states that she did not search that area for TES and unlnike J>J> she makes no claims to have given TES documents for that search. I wonder about this especially now that it has come to light that she may have given the defense false documentation (and even if it wasn’t false (which seems very unlikely) the mere fact that she had it to give them would have meant that she had gone against TES protocol and kept the forms instead of handing them in as she was supposed to.
Does this reflect the desperate measures the defense has been reduced to OR is this an attempt to deceive? Surely it only damages their case.
Also in the motion they refer to the MANY people that searche that exact area for TES that they found out about on their own and for which TES has provided no paper work BUT they do not identify any of them. What gives there?
Thanks,
Yoy
How likely is it that a defendant who is black, non-photogenic, truly destitute, and ignored by ABC will appeal his / her conviction of an equally heinous crime by claiming racist policies by the Florida judicial system, i.e. ‘why didn’t I get the breaks that the pretty little white girl did?’
Assuming Casey Anthony has gotten any breaks by the court system. Has she?
Blaise
Blaise, I have thought about your question many times & wondered the same thing. Does KC “raise the bar” in what a defendant is entitled to in Fla. or is it that she got “media whore attorney’s pro bono” begging to participate on her case for the publicity? It seems “unconscionable, imo, that as Richard has pointed out before in C Mason’s “pro bono work on this case,” aren’t there more deserving defendants that may truly be “NOT Guilty,” that deserve the efforts of pro bono criminal attorney’s?
imo, KC will be convicted, she may not get the DP but Life Without Parole. It is difficult for me to understand why these high profile attorney’s want to attach themselves to this “losing case of a beautiful child at the hands of her mother.”
Hello, Mr. Hornsby. Thank you for returning to your blog!
My question:
Casey will be facing seven charges during what we all refer to as her murder trial. I’ll assume she’ll be easily found guilty of the four counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer, but I would like you to explain all possible jury outcomes for the remaining three charges and the likely sentence for each possible outcome.
In other words, if she’s found guilty of first degree murder, then the other charges won’t matter relative to sentencing because she’ll be facing execution or life with no possibility of parole. But let’s say the jurors either unanimously vote to acquit her of first degree murder or else are deadlocked on that charge. What do they do next?
Here are the counts as written in the grand jury indictment:
Count 1. First degree murder (Capital)
Casey Marie Anthony, between June 15 and July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a)(1), from a premeditated design to effect the death of Caylee Marie Anthony, a human being, unlawfully kill Caylee Marie Anthony.
Count 2. Aggravated child abuse
Casey Marie Anthony, between June 15 and July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 827.03(2), cause great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability to Caylee Marie Anthony, a child under 18 years of age, by intentionally inflicting physical injury upon Caylee Marie Anthony, or by intentionally committing an act or actively encouraging another person to commit an act which could reasonably be expected to result in physical injury to Caylee Marie Anthony.
Count 3. Aggravated manslaughter of a child
Casey Marie Anthony, between June 15 and July 16, 2008, did willfully or by culpable negligence, in violation of Florida Statutes 782.07(3) and 827.03(3), while a caregiver to Caylee Marie Anthony, a child under 18 years of age, fail or omit to provide to Caylee Marie Anthony with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain Caylee Marie Anthony’s physical and mental health, or fail to make a reasonable effort to protect Caylee Marie Anthony from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person, and in doing so caused the death of Caylee Marie Anthony.
Count 4. Providing false information to LE
Casey Marie Anthony, on July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 837.055, knowingly and willfully give false information to Yuri Melich, an OCSO law enforcement officer, who was conducting a missing person investigation, with the intent to mislead Yuri Melich or impede his investigation, to wit: that Casey Marie Anthony was employed at Universal Studios Orlando during the year 2008.
Count 5. Providing false information to LE
Casey Marie Anthony, on July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 837.055, knowingly and willfully give false information to Yuri Melich, an OCSO law enforcement officer, who was conducting a missing person investigation, with the intent to mislead Yuri Melich or impede his investigation, to wit: that Casey Marie Anthony left the child Caylee Marie Anthony at the Sawgrass Apartment, 2863 South Conway Road, Apt. 210, Orlando, Florida, with a person identified as Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez on June 9, 2008 or any subsequent date.
Count 6. Providing false information to LE
Casey Marie Anthony, on July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 837.055, knowingly and willfully give false information to Yuri Melich, an OCSO law enforcement officer, who was conducting a missing person investigation, with the intent to mislead Yuri Melich or impede his investigation, to wit: that Casey Marie Anthony informed persons identified as Jeffrey Michael Hopkins and Juliette Lewis, former Universal Studios Orlando employees, of the disappearance of the child Caylee Marie Anthony between June 9, 2008 and July 16, 2008.
Count 7. Providing false information to LE
Casey Marie Anthony, on July 16, 2008, did, in violation of Florida Statute 837.055, knowingly and willfully give false information to Yuri Melich, an OCSO law enforcement officer, who was conducting a missing person investigation, with the intent to mislead Yuri Melich or impede his investigation, to wit: that Casey Marie Anthony received a phone call from the child Caylee Marie Anthony on July 15, 2008 at approximately 12:00pm.
Isn’t Attorney Boy supposed to be reading all responses and writing an insightful column about one of our responses?
Here’s another one — do ANY of the people who the Anthony’s have attempted to throw under the bus (the Grund Family, The Boyfriends, Amy H.) have a civil cause of action against them?
Blaise (Me! Pick me! Pick my responses!)