Defense lawyer in deadly Metrolink crash is dismissed
Court Alerts
The Los Angeles County district attorney is seeking the death penalty against Juan Manuel Alvarez, who allegedly left his vehicle on the railroad tracks, where a commuter train crashed into it. The train derailed, causing a second crash with an oncoming train.
Alvarez allegedly has contended he was trying to commit suicide and didn't mean to hurt anyone. Witnesses reportedly said he poured gasoline on the vehicle, suggesting he was trying to ensure that it would catch fire or explode.
Pounders said lawyer Norman Kallen was already committed to two other death penalty defenses and could not devote enough time to the Alvarez case. The judge told defense lawyers that he didn't think it would be fair to "sit and wait until you're ready."
Neither side asked for the change, and Pounders noted that Alvarez had not expressed dissatisfaction with Kallen. The judge told the remaining defense lawyer, Michael R. Belter, to press ahead. A second lawyer will be appointed to help Belter.
Belter declined to say whether his client would plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Previous defense lawyers suggested that such a plea might by justified.
Related listings
-
Deadlocked Spector jury sent back to deliberate
Court Alerts 09/21/2007[##_1L|1262784295.jpg|width="120" height="80" alt=""|_##]The judge in the Phil Spector trial on Thursday ordered the deadlocked jury to resume deliberations on murder charges against the rock producer. Jury deliberations were suspended on Tuesday aft...
-
U.S. court rejects Kerkorian appeal - Daimler
Court Alerts 09/19/2007[##_1L|1177592853.jpg|width="130" height="93" alt=""|_##]A U.S. federal court has upheld a lower court ruling that investor Kirk Kerkorian is not entitled to damages over the merger of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler nine years ago, DaimlerChrysler said on...
-
Mexican drug lord pleads guilty in US court
Court Alerts 09/19/2007[##_1L|1046923081.jpg|width="120" height="88" alt=""|_##]A notorious Mexican drug lord faces life in prison after admitting to running the feared Tijuana cartel in a US court on Monday, justice officials said. Francisco Javier Arellano-Felix, 39, wil...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .