Casey Live in Court on Indigency Hearing - March 18, 2009 - Strickland deferred Answer/ A new attorney, J. Cheney Mason, is now on the defense team Pro Bono/New information of letters Casey wrote to another inmate.

Who is the guy sitting next to Casey?

I am thinking that the notes that Casey wrote to the other inmates never mention Caylee.

She doesn't even try to catch her parents' eyes.
Guilty bitch.

Over and out.........I didn't understand what Strickland was referring to that wouldn't be released for 5 days, but would probably be released to the public at some point.

So, Strickland gave the defense 15 days to go through the letters and then they w/be released to the public.

Casey Anthony has a new attorney. Orlando attorney J. Cheney Mason has joined Casey's defense team. He said he would work on the case pro bono.

According to Mason's website, he began his private law practice in Orlando, Florida in 1971 after admission to The Florida Bar. His areas of practice include Criminal Defense, Marital and Family Law (Divorce Law), Entertainment Law and Trial Practice, with a strong emphasis on Marital and Family Law and Criminal Law. He is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, certified by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Mason is frequently a guest lecturer before various Bar and Legal Associations and has published numerous legal articles. J. Cheney Mason is often invited by the news media to provide expert commentary on legal issues involving criminal law and marital and family law, and he is active in numerous local and national legal organizations. He has volunteered his time to teach trial techniques to young Prosecutors and Public Defenders at the annual workshop at the University of Florida, College of Law.

Cheney is the recipient of numerous awards from a variety of professional organizations for his dedication to and accomplishments in the legal profession. In 2004, he was awarded the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

He is currently is rated as an "AV" lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

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Casey Anthony remains jailed on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee who was last seen in June of 2008, but she was not reported missing until a month later. Her remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11, 2008. Investigators say the toddler's body was found with duct tape over her mouth.

Casey has pleaded not guilty and claims a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.

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Cheney is a top gunslinger that they have just brought in - they need him!

I don't know what's going on......I have a double post and if I delete on the other one disappears too. I'm leaving both of them. Deal with it! :lol!:

Don't have to deal with it. I deleted one and the other is still there. :scratch:

artgal16 wrote:Cheney is a top gunslinger that they have just brought in - they need him!

Yes, it seems so. I think he will take up the Bozo slack. I don't like him. He is very cocky.

I dont like him either! Hes full of himself!

I don't understand why Mason wasn't brought up to speed about the case (i.e. the need to account for $275k already spent) and why he didn't even seem to know the names of his co-counsel!

FROM JANUARY 23 2009 CF NEWS INTERVIEW WITH
CHENEY MASON:
Cheney Mason has practiced law in Florida for nearly 30 years. He's been on several high-profile cases, including the Lisa Nowak case.

News 13 asked him about paying for a defense of this magnitude. Mason said Baez might be thinking more about notoriety than a payday.

"There's some lawyers that take cases when they can't get money simply because they want the free publicity. They think it’s going to have people to storm the doors to hire them," Mason said.

He quickly pointed out that if any attorney were to write a book about a case they worked on, they wouldn't be able to practice law in Florida.

Mason also said if Anthony were to claim she was partially indigent, the state could help pay for the case and any expensive experts.

“It can be a very expensive process, in order to ensure the evidence is tested and the defendant has a fully and just trial,” Mason said.

Regardless of experience or credibility, one thing most defense lawyers agree on, including Baez, is that the details of any case should come out in the courtroom and not on the courthouse steps.

“She's not guilty yet. We still don't know such little things like are there any fingerprints of hers on this duct tape? Any trace evidence to link it to her house," Mason said.

Baez did not return our calls Thursday.

To give an idea of how much trials can cost, Mason said he wouldn't consider taking this case unless he got $1 million up front. END OF INTERVIEW
SOURCE:
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Soooooo, why did Cheney Mason take this case now?
Did he get his million dollars up front!

Maybe he already got his crate of oranges, artgal!

Posted: 10:55 am EDT March 18,2010Updated: 1:15 pm EDT March 18,2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- At an indigency hearing Thursday morning in the case against Casey Anthony, there was a major shake-up in the defense team. Renowned criminal defense attorney J Cheney Mason, who is based in Orlando, has now joined the defense team (visit his website).

CASEY ARRIVES: See Images | Raw Video
INDIGENCY HEARING: Part 1 | Part 2 | See Images
'SECRET' MOTION: Judge Unseals | State's Motion
INDIGENCE DETAILS: Motion | Fees | Application

“You do not come any larger than J Cheney Mason,” WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said. "[He] absolutely believes he can win this case."

Mason is one of the top defense attorney's in the country.

“This is the most significant event for the defense since the discovery of Caylee’s body," Sheaffer said.

Cheney has tried 50 murder cases successfully and is a part of a number of anti-death penalty organizations.

“[Cheney] is a founding father of the Central Florida Criminal Defense Association,” Sheaffer told WFTV. “This is a game changer.”

The addition of Cheney to Casey's defense could mean there will be more changes to the team, including the dismissal of Andrea Lyon. However, that has not been announced and Lyon was in court for Thursday's hearing.


INDIGENCY DECISION HANGS ON DEFENSE'S LIST

Casey was in the court room wearing a a striped, light-colored, button-down, long-sleeve shirt and dark pants (images | raw video) Thursday morning for her indigency hearing. She was all smiles as she sat down between attorney Jose Baez and new addition J Cheney Mason as the hearing got underway.

“I’ve been asked to join and I’m doing it pro bono [free],” Mason said in court at the start of Thursday's hearing. “We’re just seeking confirmation of Ms. Anthony’s indigency and I don’t think that should be in question.”

[CASEY ARRIVES IN COURT See Images | Watch Raw Video]

CASEY ARRIVES IN COURT
See Images | Watch Raw Video
“I think it needs to be out here in open court. So, if they want to tell me what happened in the past, the court is willing to listen,” Judge Stan Strickland told Cheney, referring to money already paid to attorneys in the case.

Under oath, Baez told Judge Strickland he received $205,000 early on in the case, made up of $5,000 from a yet unnamed donor and $200,000 from ABC, the latter being something WFTV reported over a year ago.

After much discussion, Judge Strickland asked Casey's defense team to submit an itemized breakdown of exactly where the team has spent money to this point. It will be after Judge Strickland reviews it that a determination on indigence will be made.

Most defendants who are declared indigent get a public defender, but because Casey and her lawyers have already established a relationship she would get to keep them.

If Casey's request is granted by the judge, her team does not just get a blank check. She will only get money for state-approved expenses, like investigators and court reporters. Also, if the judge thinks Baez has misspent any of the money he has made, the lawyer could have to fund some of his own services.


JUDGE UNSEALS MOTION; DEFENSE GETS 15 DAYS

Meanwhile, the 'secret' evidence motion (read it) that the prosecution had withheld from the defense was unsealed by Judge Stan Strickland Thursday morning (read judge's order). As a result, the public now has an idea of what that evidence is, but the actual evidence has not been released.

'SECRET' MOTION: Judge Unseals | State's Motion

According to the State's now-unsealed motion, “The Orange County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an inmate in the Florida Department of Correction, who stated that she had communications with the Defendant while in the Orange County Jail.”

According to the State’s motion, “that inmate was interviewed on or about the 22nd day of January 2010 and relayed potentially relevant statements by the Defendant, which are not in the nature of a confession, and gave the name of another inmate who also had communication with the Defendant. The second inmate, presently incarcerated in Federal Prison, was interviewed on or about the 27th day of January 2010 and reluctantly confirmed communication with the Defendant adding that she had received approximately fifty written communications from the Defendant which were then in the possession of another individual whose identity was provided to the Orange County Sheriffs Office.”

The motion goes on to reveal that the State believes “the documents ... appear to contain relevant statements of the Defendant,” but do not include a confession.

The State continues, “In a subsequent the interview with F.D.L.E. on February 12 2010, the federal inmate detailed how her friendship with the Defendant began and developed, how the documents came into existence, were transmitted and were maintained. She stated the friendship and all communication ended when she was transferred to federal custody. She stated that the friendship was not at the request of any law enforcement personnel nor was she asked to relay any information obtained to any law enforcement personnel. She did imply that an Orange County Corrections officer may have facilitated the communication once the friendship had begun but indicated a desire not to ‘get anyone in trouble.’”

At the end of Thursday's indigency hearing, Judge Strickland agreed to give the defense 15 days before releasing the actual evidence referenced in the State's motion. After 15 days, the actual evidence will be released unless the defense files a motion to block it.

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So regarding these 50 or so communications with another inmate which apparently one of the deputies
helped pass between the inmate and Casey, this is now what was sealed by Strickland at the States request and now is unsealed except that the contents of the notes has not been released, but deemed relevant evidence! phew! Apparently something about how she was paying for her defense is included
in these notes but there is no confession.

charminglane wrote:She's back. She must have needed to kiss some frogs.

Hey! Let's not defame frogs, please!

TruTV just replayed the part of the hearing where Lyon's said the team couldn't fit in the jury room! I thought cameras added ten pounds, not took them away! These folks must be plumper than they seem on TV! lol

This is rather terrifying news about Cheney Mason joining the defense - what is WITH these people wanting to free this child murderer - frankly Im really really worried about this guy - he has a sense of entitlement that I dont like - he asks Strickland
"you trust me dont you" he is a damn defense lawyer that is an improper thing to ask the judge! What the heck is that all about - yeah, sure we trust you so much we dont even need a trial - if you say Casey is innocent - we will just let her go - Im sick sick sick
of this!

Just when we think we have heard it all, it gets more twisted. I would think Casey's defense team isn't at all happy about her writing those letters.

And, if this Mason attorney wants to take the bull by the horns and defend Casey pro bono and is local and so damned awesome, then let Bozo, Baden and Lyons go and defend her. He can pay for the court costs if he is that adamant about defending her. I really do not see why the Florida taxpayer's should have to pick up the tab on this. Over$200 grand has already been paid. I could see it if she were indigent from day one but that is NOT the case.

Strickland should give Casey a choice:

Keep the attorneys you have and find a way to pay for your defense and/or let the attorney's pick up the tab or family members, donor's, etc. OR

fire them and get a public defender.

Anthony Indigency Ruling Delayed
State May Have To Pay For Casey Anthony's Defense

POSTED: Thursday, March 18, 2010
UPDATED: 1:48 pm EDT March 18,2010
Casey Anthony
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A judge on Thursday asked Casey Anthony's defense team to explain how attorneys have spent nearly $300,000 before ruling whether Anthony can be declared indigent.

IMAGES: Hearing | Casey, Caylee | Evidence

Orange County Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland presided over the hearing and asked the defense to provide an itemized list by Friday detailing how they have spent the $275,000 Anthony has already paid in fees and costs.

It was disclosed in court on Thursday that ABC paid Anthony $200,000. Of the remaining money, $5,000 came from a donor whom Baez did not identify and $70,000 was given by California-based attorney Todd Macaluso, who has since said he has withdrawn from Anthony's case. Baez said Macaluso provided the funds to help defray defense costs.

Strickland said he will decide if the state should pay for Anthony's defense costs after reviewing the list.

Attorney Cheney Mason, who recently joined the defense team, said the public defender's office cannot afford to pay for the case, and Anthony's defense team will work pro bono.

"There are some expenses we have to have to give her due process," Mason said.

Attorney Andrea Lyon, a death penalty expert, testified that none of Anthony's money remains.

She said she has spent at least 1,000 hours working on the case, not counting the hours of the 14 students in her DePaul law class that she has working on the case with her.

Jose Baez also said the money that Anthony has provided has already been spent on fees and costs related to the case. Those costs will now have to be explained.

Anthony, who turns 24 years old on Friday, remains jailed on first-degree murder charges in the death of her daughter, Caylee, whose remains were found in an Orange County wooded lot in December 2008. Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing about five months earlier. Anthony has pleaded not guilty.

The Justice Administrative Commission, which is in charge of public funds used in criminal cases, said it has severe concerns with Anthony's claims.

Indigent requests are not unheard of in murder cases, though most defendants are found indigent early in the process.

Meanwhile, new evidence that the state of Florida did not want Anthony’s defense team to see immediately has been unsealed.

The judge gave the state 30 days to check out claims by another inmate that Anthony had told her things relevant to the case.

Prosecutors said the inmate also pointed them to a second inmate who had about 50 written notes from Anthony.

The state said the notes and conversations are relevant to the case but added that they are not a confession from Anthony.

Baez has 15 days to review the new evidence and decide if the defense will ask the court to block its release.

Also, the state attorney's office told Local 6 that it will be releasing about 1,000 pages of new documents in the case later this week or next week. It's not clear, though, what information the documents contain.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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When I look at KC sitting there in court with all these people arguing about her fate, I just want to slap her! This is so ridiculous that all this time and money is being spent on this mess when she should just stand up and cry: " Let's forget all this ....I did it!" Wonder if that ever crosses her mind. Of course, she will never do that...She may even get away with it if it drags on and on, and more twists and turns allow for mistrials and appeals...About GA and CA...I thought the body language was very revealing...I didn't see them even speak except one time when she got up and left the room...She stayed turned away from him the whole time...

Personally, I don't think she gives a damn about him or he her. Their body language today in court spoke volumes. Did you see when Casey was getting up to leave George said "I love you" to her and put his hand on his heart?

I agree, Lisette, and was thinking the same thing. All this hoopla and defense expense and defense attention (which Casey Loves!) when we all know she is guilty. It makes me sick!!

Regarding Cind and George, if her body language today wasnt a confirmation of that affair, I dont know what was, she didnt even glance at him - he was looking furious and she turned her back on him the whole time - would she do that if that affair wasnt true? I didnt see Conway at first but he came at the very end of the hearing. Cheney worries me - I hope there is something incriminating in those letters.

It might be what is not in the letters that will be incriminating.
Or, 'La Bella Vita.' Life after her child was gone.

I just read all of the above posts. Was not able to watch the hearing today.
It infuriates me that yet another person...a DA...wants to take this case on...Pro-bono to boot. It is for his name and reputation it seems.
Yep, I am sure KC loves the attention. Bozo, this new guy, the men that send her $$, the guards that are nice to her, and even other inmates! And this girl is in a jail cell all by herself for 23 hrs./day!! Yet, she seems to have her own "fan-club". Oh she will find her own followeres if let loose in general pop. some day.
What makes me so mad is...where is Caylee? She is dead...not a natural death, nor an accident. She was taken away from her family and loved ones by the woman that is the center of all of this hoopla...her very own mother. Where are all of those on her side? She was the one robbed of a life of promises and dreams. Where in God's name are those on her side??? I wish I lived in Florida.

cherylz wrote:I just read all of the above posts. Was not able to watch the hearing today.
It infuriates me that yet another person...a DA...wants to take this case on...Pro-bono to boot. It is for his name and reputation it seems.
Yep, I am sure KC loves the attention. Bozo, this new guy, the men that send her $$, the guards that are nice to her, and even other inmates! And this girl is in a jail cell all by herself for 23 hrs./day!! Yet, she seems to have her own "fan-club". Oh she will find her own followeres if let loose in general pop. some day.
What makes me so mad is...where is Caylee? She is dead...not a natural death, nor an accident. She was taken away from her family and loved ones by the woman that is the center of all of this hoopla...her very own mother. Where are all of those on her side? She was the one robbed of a life of promises and dreams. Where in God's name are those on her side??? I wish I lived in Florida.

The people are on Caylees side - someone said that Cheney might be the best hope for Casey for a plea deal! I dont care how great he is, I dont think he can overcome the overwhelming facts in this case that point to only one person - Casey Anthony
(I hope!)

Yep, Caylee Marie Anthony is America's little sweetheart. We are on her side. The ppl that blog about her. Not so much the average Joe-schmoe. I am telling you, my friends and family know NOTHING about this case. But we have decided that in our own little way we will see this trial through to the end and see that who is responsible for this atrocious act is made to suffer for it.
May God bless and protect you sweet child...Caylee Marie.

im REALLY curious about these letters...anyone have an idea of what would be relevant evidence, but not a confession? Its like a puzzle...

1) Accidentally admitting caylee was with her on a date she claimed the nanny had her?

2) perhaps her letters spoke of the affair...again we have to wonder how LE got wind of this and went to River's door and then the drama thats come from that.

3) Admitting she had certain ways to keep her daughter 'in check'?

4) Maybe just general disdain whenever she spoke of her daughter in these letters?

any other ideas?

I was thinking maybe she talked about the money how she was paying for a big defense - maybe mentioning ABC or the like. Im sorry now that this is a death penalty case - Im thinking it was the State's mistake
because Baez is incompetent but Lyons and this new lawyer Cheney Mason, also an anti-death penalty lawyer, would never have signed on if it werent a death penalty case. Cheney Mason is a definite threat but maybe he wont go over so well with Floridas jurors, his lack of humility is stunning!

Maybe it was something like she was looking forward to starting a new life???

We will probably find out soon. Will the defense file to with hold them? Of course. Will the Judge grant it or follow the sunshine law as he has always done in the past? KC wrote letters with relevant issues. :cheers:

KC the pathological liar wrote letters/notes to another inmate who told another inmate who gave them to another inmate......insert head spinning...how much will be believable?

JVM is discussing this as I type. I would think NG will have a field day with all of today's "Bombshell's".

Ok here are my thoughts..ready or not!

Casey love, love, loves this attention. To be surrounded by five top attorneys is a narcissitists (sp?) dream world.

Cindy and George are on the outs. Cindys hair is longer, oranger and she has gained weight.

The attorneys are all full of themselves. They are serving Miss Anthony for free but they are losing their souls. I hate defense attorneys.

Casey is able to wiggle her left ear. Watch it its funny.

Concerning what George told "Rover Falls" sorry River Cruz lol might be true. I always thought Caylee might have drowned in that pool and Casey pulled her out. How do I explain the tape on her mouth? Can't.

Cindy and George live for a smile, a look, a crumb from the plate of Casey and nada from that one. She plays those two like a fine fiddle.

Lisette you took the words right out of my mouth. Why didn't the little murderer stand up and say "I did it" and get this mess over with.

JVM brought up a good point. All the money spent on Casey is not the normal for the average Jane or Joe facing the needle. Casey is a star!

The court needs to put something in writing that if any movie, book or anything is written by any person that ever appeared in that courtroom the profits will go to pay the state first. Heck we all know they will write a book. Look at the OJ Trial.

Signing off now..remember you heard it here..first.