On Feb. 15th it turns out proposed new counsel for the defense of accused murderer Conrad Murray, previously worked with a law firm that had defended Michael Jackson. A rep from the law firm of Geragos and Geragos arrived at the court to inform judge Pastor that there could be a conflict of interest if Nareg Gourjian was to operate on counsel of the defense since he had previously worked at their law firm and stated he felt it was their duty to inform the court.
The defense claimed they did not see the conflict and Gourjian stated he was not involved with the Jackson case, that he was a new lawyer at the time and did very little for the case. The prosecution stated they did not know about Gourjian’s prior representation. Upon hearing counsels opinions judge Pastor decided it best to hear from both Jackson’s estate and his previous counsel Mark Geragos before making a ruling on whether or not he will allow Gourjian to serve on defense counsel. He stated that he wanted to be fair and allow Jackson’s estate to express concern or lack thereof regarding the attorney and will request estate rep. Howard Weitzman and former attorney Mark Geragos to appear at next hearing which will be held on the 24th of Feb. at 1:00 p.m.
Judge Pastor informed the court that the defense turned in questions and some discovery just before he took the stand. The people had not filed their questions at the time of hearing.
The people informed the court they still had not received any discovery or statements provided from the defense. The defense claimed that they had absolutely no discovery to turn over to the prosecution, only work product. Defense attorney Chernoff stated that he would make requests for statements given and present them by the 28th.
The prosecution stated the defenses lack of presenting discovery was gamesmanship and was putting the people at a disadvantage asserting that they wanted fair process for discovery so the people can have their right to a fair trial.
Judge Pastor informed both sides of counsel that he wants to go to trial on the 24th and that the law requires it be provided within 30 days before trial and that he defense is conducting ongoing discovery. Judge Pastor said he was not going to wait thirty days before trial but that defense should provide information as soon as they receive discovery.
Defense attorney Chernoff later addressed a need for judge Pastor to sign an order allowing them to receive fingerprints from SID. The prosecution opposed the suggestion and requested the judge allow them to obtain the prints then give them to the defense stating they have done so with every other document having them watermarked and date stamped asking judge Pastor for all to come through them.
Chernoff stated the evidence belongs to defense and prosecution and all has been covered with watermarks and date stamps making it where they can’t see what’s going on and the fingerprints unidentifiable. He further stated there was one print that nobody has identified. Judge Pastor signed the order directing results to be issued to both the prosecution and defense.
Judge Pastor inquired of the prosecution if he would be opposed to having attorney Grissold to conduct proceedings in his stead while he is out of town for the week of the next hearing and was informed no, however when the prosecution realized that dates could be placed on calendar during his absence he expressed his concern which judge Pastor alleviated stating that he would allow Attorney Grissold to contact him before court recess to seek his approval of dates.
It seems the trial is getting closer and closer yet with discovery not being turned in, fingerprints still being conducted and lead prosecution leaving the state in the midst of it all it is becoming more and more apparent that to answer the previous question posed here “IS Anyone Ready?” that neither side of counsel is ready for trial.
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