San Diego, CA– Member of the defense team for Casey Anthony, currently undergoing serious charges from the California Bar Association,Todd Macaluso, has time for a new client: Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers.
Todd Macaluso takes on his first case as a lead defense attorney and not a aeronautics litigator in civil court.
Macaluso is currently undergoing California Bar complaint proceedings, alleging millions of misused client trust accounts, as well as facing an almost 6 million dollar lawsuit from a former client.
“There was absolutely no wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Merriman,” Macaluso told The Associated Press by phone. “He essentially was doing what was appropriate under the circumstances in trying to protect the safety of Miss Tequila. There were numerous eyewitnesses that will support his version of the events that transpired at his home.”
Todd Macaluso is back in court on the Bar charges September 23, 2009.
Orlando, FL– If yesterday’s antics at the press conferenceof attorney for the search group Texas Equusearch, Mark Nejame, were a precursor to this mornings motions hearing, it should prove to be a long day.
Exactly what pending motions are slated to be heard as there are several before the court at this time, remains to be seen, however, all have been initiated on behalf of the defense team Jose Baez and Andrea D. Lyon.
It is presumed the court will hear: Motion to delay the economic charges against Casey Anthony, motion response on behalf of TES Founder Tim Miller to be certified as a witness in the criminal case, Motion of 90 pages regarding evidence tested by the FBI (insert yawn). Motion regarding Anthony Lazzaro phone records, motion regarding Dominic Casey records and motion to preclude Leonard Padilla, Tony Padilla, Tracy Mclaughlin and Rob Dick from testifying as prosecution witnesses. Motion for anything I forgot.
Strap in. Ride starts at 9:30AM EST, live feed here:
Mark Nejame, Todd Macaluso, Andrea Lyon Argue TES Motion
First Up-Mark Nejame vs. Andrea Lyon TES motion 10:18 AM
White shoes. Repeat. White shoes in court. Got the petty out of the way, thanks for indulging me.
Mark presents to his Honor, Stan Strickland, the vast problematic issues with a broad request, which could encompass 4000 different individuals.
Andrea Lyon argued this is not a fishing expedition, it is the equivalent of the defense relying on the “Trust Me” argument on behalf of the state. They are not looking to expose people’s personal information. Ms. Lyon went on say the defense is willing to hang out at Mark’s office until they get what they need.
Judge Strickland in recent receipt of the answer, deferring ruling upon review in short order.
Jose Baez Argues Tony Lazzarro phone records
Baez argues Lazzarro was served, and that the motion has been narrowed and only received response yesterday at 4PM.
AttorneyJay, for Tony Lazzarro, argues he was not served either, was notified by a third party as to ammended motion. Jay agrees to requesting the 6 week period of records from AT &T, but is not optimistic he will be able to. Furthermore, the materiality of the defense request post July 15, 2008, has not been shown. All communication had ceased by then.
Judge Strickland grants a portion of the defense request, June 1 through September 2008, within 30 days.
Jose Baez Argues Motion to Preclude Leonard, Tony, Tracy and Rob
Baez calls George Anthony. Casey begins weeping openly. George discusses his interaction with the team.
Linda points out Mr. Padilla puts up $50k bond, so how is it he was unaware that his intention was to find his grandaughter. George is doubletalking that they volunteered to provide security only once she was out. Jim Campbell, was the retired LE officer was staying at the home at the time. Mr. Baez had to be present when any person spoke to Casey or was around her, if he were not, a family member had to be present at all times.
George states he knew nothing about the privacy arrangements they agreed to. Linda pointed out there were several people that could have transported Casey back and forth, and that they requested this service.
Ms. Drane Burdick presented the audio interviews of Leonard, Rob, and Tracy, about 3 hours worth which the Judge will review. She requested an original copy of the signed agreements for all parties.
*Secret*.. What Baez presented as the true and correct copies of the executed agreements by all parties is NOT.. Ms. Burdick is aware of this
Judge Strickland points out that Baez has had well over a year to file a temporary restraining order as Padilla as he has been “breaking that agreement” all over TV under this argument.
Ms. Drane Burdick argued Baez motion is essentially a gag order, and their has been no agency established, they posess the burden to establish privlege in the first place.
Oral agreement was hatched upfront between all parties, and prior to the written agreement. The agreement to provide security was a condition of posting the bond in the first place.
BAM… What I eluded to, Tony Padilla did not SIGN that agreement in the motion. Hello, Florida Bar, please hold…
I am intentionally shortening this segment, The State ate his lunch, and I have no clue why, but ruling deferred.
Motion to Determine a Trial DateCheck Fraud
The state argues the check issues are relegated to specific dates and feels although witnesses may overlap, there is not an issue as to hearing testimony in the murder case. Baez is the only attorney on the docket of the case. The victim, Amy Huizenga, is asserting her right as a victim for the matter to be concluded. As an alternative, the State advises they are willing to go the bench trial route, which would allay the concerns altogether.
Ms. Lyon argues it is not their position it should never be tried and it is the states fault for seeking the death penalty in the murder case. Ms. Lyon sugested the state postpone the check fraud charges 60–90 days behind the murder charge.
Judge Strickland is considering this ruling as well
Orlando, FL– Appearing in court today, in advance of an approved pro hac vice motion, Casey Anthony’s lead defense counsel Jose Baez introduced the latest addition to the Baez Bevy of Barristers: Andrea Lyon. Baez took the opportunity to introduce Ms. Lyon in the form of a impromptu commercial, as pointed out by Prosecuting attorney Jeff Ashton.
Lyon is an associate Dean for Clinical programs and Professor at DePaul University School of Law. From her profile, Ms. Lyon claims to have defended over 30 potential capital cases at the trial level, and of those 30, 19 through the penalty phase, winning all 19.
(Editors Note: If a case is in the penalty phase, wouldn’t the term “winning” be an oxymoron? Perhaps a more succinct explanation means “19 of her convicted clients will not fry.” Does that mean she tossed the other 11 losers right after conviction because she knew she had no prayer of saving their hides?)
Baez delivered a 16 page amendment last night following court filing hours and expected the media, who has not as of yet been served, to appear and argue their request for the video of Casey Anthony in the prison infirmary following the news that remains of a small child had been found a few blocks from the Anthony home. Judge Strickland ruled they would have 7 days to intervene and he will hear their arguments to Baez amended motion late next week if requested. Counsel for the county objected several times as to specific incidents contained therein, and deposition transcripts they have not yet received.
Next up, attorneys for Roy Kronk, Jesse Grund and Amy Huzienga argued against the outstanding duces tecum motions surrounding their clients phone and text communication records as an invasion of privacy.
Collectively, a strong case presenting the lack of a good faith basis and materiality for the motion in the first place was argued by all.
Baez responded by alleging Jesse Grund, “for all intents and purposes,” was a suspect in this case who took a polygraph; the good faith basis has been established by the state in available discovery. He went on to say the OCSO should have requested this information from Roy Kronk; at which time Judge Strickland interrupted and informed him he was “straying” and that he did not wish to hear what “they” may have done wrong, but only what the defense good faith basis entails.
Enter Stage Left; Macaluso. I admit it, this is what I was waiting for. As a professional, I feel compelled to acknowledge I was not disappointed. I am on record from the announcement of his potential involvement on the defense team I felt he was the strongest chance Casey Anthony has at an actual defense strategy. Still do. His current embroilment in millions of dollars in civil litigation and looming California Bar charges notwithstanding. He is engaging, charismatic, said “um” the least and bar none had the coolest watch.
(editors note: I couldn’t get a tight enough shot but I’m pretty sure it was the un-affordable to most, Big Bang model Hubolt. Sweet.)
Orlando, FL– In the latest of what seems to be a mounting stockpile of concerns regarding tot mom defense attorney Jose Baez and a member of the defense team, Todd Macaluso, The Orlando Sentinel released the latest bombshell: The Florida Bar DENIED BAEZ ADMISSION the first time around.
Jose Angel Baez, currently under investigation by the Florida Bar Association (FBA) in a minimum of 3 separate inquiries was denied admission to the Florida Bar following his initial application in 1999. This information is in stark contrast with an interview given by Baez below where he states (paraphrase) he made a monetary and travel decision to wait 8 years for FBA membership.
Baez appealed the decision of the FBA to the Florida Supreme Court, which governs the Florida Bar. In their decision, they agreed with the FBA, issuing an order in 2000 that cataloged unpaid bills, extravagant spending and other “financial irresponsibility” up to that time. Justices reserved their strongest condemnation for his failure to stay current on support payments for his only child.
His overall behavior, they wrote, showed “a total lack of respect for the rights of others and a total lack of respect for the legal system, which is absolutely inconsistent with the character and fitness qualities required of those seeking to be afforded the highest position of trust and confidence recognized by our system of law.”
Orlando, Fl– Recently reported exclusively on Blinkoncrime.com, new Attorney for the tot mom’s defense team, Todd Macaluso, who was introduced to Judge Stan Strickland prior to filing his pro hac vicebefore the court during a motion hearing on March 3, 2009, may be out.
Is Macaluso the Madoff of law?
He blazed the interview circuit in Orlando declaring Casey Anthony’s innocence and went so far as to say she should not be in jail awaiting trail and the defense was looking into seeking another bond hearing.
Mr. Macaluso is currently undergoing disciplinary chargesbrought forth by the California Bar. The 10 page initiating document outlining the charges was filed January 23, 2009.
San Diego, CA– Blink on Crime has learned that Todd Macaluso, newly introduced member to the Jose Baez Law Firm Defense Team, is under investigation for a check written on his behalf for 8, 000.00.
It is alleged the check did not clear funds available.
It is unclear if the check in question is a Client escrow account or a direct check from Macaluso’s professional or personal funds.
WFTV’s Kathi Belich asked Mac about the issue following the end of the Motions hearing today to which he replied “the matter is being resolved.”
As of 5PM EST today, no Pro Hac Vice motion has been submitted to Judge Strickland on Macaluso’s behalf, although he has given several interviews espousing the defense position on the case.
A lawsuit filed in Federal Court in July 2003 on behalf of a former litigant to a suit led by Macaluso, the former Cytodyne Technologies, currently operating under the name Nutraquest, Inc, alleges that Macaluso and a reporter for the San Diego Union Tribune conspired to slant their coverage to attract more Clients for Macaluso and defame Cytodyne.
The suit identifies Pennie Crabtree as the wife of Richard Pittner, a senior researcher at SanDiego based Amylin Pharmaceuticals, who is developing an anti obesity drug. The suit accuses Crabtree of a direct conflict of interest, in that Cytodyne and her husband’s company were potentially direct competitors.
Macaluso is slated to appear at a status hearing in front of the California bar in LA on March 24, 2009 on the check issue.
