As of press time the jury in Hal Turner's federal criminal trial in Brooklyn is either still deliberating or at an impasse. Perhaps the judge will issue a directive to keep deliberating as its only been one day.
Turner is the avowed shock jock internet radio host who claims his racist, etc. rhetoric were designed to flush out true nuts and violent extremist elements. Turner is on trial for saying that three Chicago federal judges "deserve to be killed" because of some of their court rulings.
Now with the jury deliberating, we hear that Turner fired his lawyers today.
This may be just a ruse so Turner, if found guilty, can use the ineffective assistance of counsel defense on appeal. He did not need to fire his lawyers, but probably thought that an appeal would be stronger if he did. As for the merits, well, let's just say this seems like a stretch and, frankly, an insult to his lawyers (unless they choose to understand the strategic angle). However, if the firing is just a ruse, that could get all parties in trouble for deceiving the court. Not good.
It seems, from this corner, that Turner is just a very unpredictable individual. It makes the entire case that much more interesting. Stay tuned.
Eric Dixon is a New York lawyer who has been practicing law since graduating from Yale Law School in 1994. Mr. Dixon cautions that this article is not legal advice. Mr. Dixon has handled election law and other matters for over two dozen political clients, and also handles corporate investigations, due diligence and sensitive matters including crisis management. Mr. Dixon is available for consultation or comment at edixon@NYBusinessCounsel.com and 917-696-2442.
Turner is the avowed shock jock internet radio host who claims his racist, etc. rhetoric were designed to flush out true nuts and violent extremist elements. Turner is on trial for saying that three Chicago federal judges "deserve to be killed" because of some of their court rulings.
Now with the jury deliberating, we hear that Turner fired his lawyers today.
This may be just a ruse so Turner, if found guilty, can use the ineffective assistance of counsel defense on appeal. He did not need to fire his lawyers, but probably thought that an appeal would be stronger if he did. As for the merits, well, let's just say this seems like a stretch and, frankly, an insult to his lawyers (unless they choose to understand the strategic angle). However, if the firing is just a ruse, that could get all parties in trouble for deceiving the court. Not good.
It seems, from this corner, that Turner is just a very unpredictable individual. It makes the entire case that much more interesting. Stay tuned.
Eric Dixon is a New York lawyer who has been practicing law since graduating from Yale Law School in 1994. Mr. Dixon cautions that this article is not legal advice. Mr. Dixon has handled election law and other matters for over two dozen political clients, and also handles corporate investigations, due diligence and sensitive matters including crisis management. Mr. Dixon is available for consultation or comment at edixon@NYBusinessCounsel.com and 917-696-2442.
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