Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Judge denies further delays in Sierra LaMar case:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/loca...88854982.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand
The judge scheduled motions for August 31 and tentative jury selection for September 19.
I say put him in a room with his dad....a psychologist....a really good detective. ...a family member of Sierra's......and you may get an answer
I hope they don't get a change of venue. I can understand why it is requested in cases like this but I believe cases should be heard in a court where the crime was committed. The defense can scream about how that might be unfair and not in the best interest of anyone involved but really, if a person commits a crime they should expect to be held accountable in that venue. Before long defendants will be expecting trials in another state because everyone in the state where they did their evil deeds knows their name. I just think the criminals get way too much consideration these days; back in the day, they were told to suck it up and face the music and trial would move forward, well before four years had passed. I am not against a fair trial--I hope all citizens get that. I just would like to see things like change of venue and requests for further delays when a case has not gone to trial after four years be handled with good ole common sense. Kudos to this judge for having the intestinal fortitude to say No.
I don't think the COV will be granted. If the case had been tried rather quickly after his arrest then the DT may have a shot.
Plus COVs are extremely costly since the Presiding Judge, attorneys on both sides, defendant, and all of the witnesses (laypersons, LE, and other experts) would have to be transported to wherever the COV was located and be housed while waiting to testify and during the time they are on the stand which could be days for some individuals.
I do think the Judge will deny it. Has there been a gag order in this case? If so, that will also minimize the chances of getting a COV.
However the Judge may agree to have the jury brought in from another county and they will have to also house and feed them during the duration of the trial including the sentencing phase if he is convicted, which I think he will be.
As financially strapped as CA seems to be in now I just don't see the Judge agreeing to anything that will be costly. Even when Guy Heinz Jr murdered 8 of his family members in Georgia it was tried in the county the crimes happened in even though the DP defense team asked for a COV.
Now in the CA Scott Peterson's case there was much more still in the media close in time of when the trial was to be held so the Judge in that case did move it to another county but it did no good. He still got the death penalty.