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[Angel Who Cares]

Two Drew Peterson Attorneys Leaving Case
Updated: Wednesday, 14 Apr 2010, 9:35 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 14 Apr 2010, 10:56 AM CDT
<snipped>
With just two months to go before Drew Peterson goes on trial for the murder of his third wife Kathleen Savio, there's been a major shakeup in his defense team. On Wednesday two lawyers who took part in the month long hearsay hearing this year called it quits.

Andrew Abood (who has been part of the defense from the beginning) and George Leonard (who joined the team last year) cited irreconcilable differences over trial strategy as the reason for withdrawing from the case.

"Because we were unable to work it out, Mr. Abood and Mr. Leonard did the ethical thing that they're supposed to do when the lawyers can't agree and they decided to step aside," said Peterson's lead attorney Joel Brodsky.

Brodsky has now added flamboyant Chicago attorney Joseph Lopez to the team. Lopez is well know for representing mobsters. Last year he served as Peterson's lawyer during a mock trial. His closing argument resulted in a hung jury. "It's an interesting case, I just decided I would get on it, and it's going to be quite a challenge and I'm looking forward to it," Lopez said.

Jury selection is set to begin June 14th. Brodsky said he will be ready to go and this change in the defense team should not present any problems.

The judge in the case still has not ruled on what hearsay evidence will be allowed at trial. His decision will only be released to attorneys. But if prosecutors determine his decision hurts their case, they can appeal, and that could result in a delay in the trial date.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/drew_peterson/20100414-drew-peterson-attorneys-quit

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Shakeup of Drew Peterson's defense team as 2 attorneys file motion to be removed from case
1:09 PM EDT, April 14, 2010
<snipped>
There's been a shakeup on the defense team representing Drew Peterson, just two months before the former Bolingbrook police officer is scheduled to stand trial in the slaying of his former wife. But lead attorney Joel Brodsky says Peterson's trial will begin in June as scheduled.

Attorney Andrew Abood says the motion he and attorney George Lenard filed Wednesday cites "irreconcilable differences." Neither he nor Brodsky would elaborate.

Brodsky says attorney Joseph Lopez will join the defense team. Lopez represented one of several reputed mobsters convicted in 2007 in a major racketeering conspiracy.

Article:
http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-ap-il--drewpeterson-attorneys,0,2601158.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

2 of Peterson's attorneys leaving the case
Wednesday, 14 April 2010 1:56PM
<snipped>
The Drew Peterson defense team is changing: Two lawyers are dropping out and one lawyer has signed on. And that new lawyer says the Peterson defense needs some help.

Out: Attorneys George Lenard of Joliet and Andrew Abood of East Lansing, Michigan.

Both lawyers filed motions saying they had "irreconcilable differences" with the lead attorney on the Drew Peterson case, Joel Brodsky. Attorney Andrew Abood.

"Any time you have three lawyers working on a case there can be problems." Brodsky says there were irreconcilable differences on defense strategy.

He says attorney Joseph Lopez is joining Peterson's defense. "Joe and I have already discussed defense strategy and we're in agreement, so I think that Joe Lopez and I perhaps another lawyer - we're talking to another couple of people - will be prepared to try this case starting on June 14."

Lopez, known for his flamboyant style and often flashy clothes, represented convicted mobster Frank Calabrese Sr. "I think the defense does need some help and I think they've recognized it. I'm no stranger to murder cases. So they've asked me to come aboard," Lopez tells Newsradio 780.

Article:
http://www.wbbm780.com/2-of-Peterson-s-attorneys-leaving-the-case/6803898

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Shakeup On Drew Peterson Defense Team
Peterson's Trial In Murder Of Wife Kathleen Savio Is Set To Start In June
Apr 14, 2010 2:02 pm US/Central
<snipped>
There has been a shakeup on the defense team representing Drew Peterson, just two months before the former Bolingbrook police sergeant is scheduled to stand trial in the slaying of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. But lead attorney Joel Brodsky said Peterson's trial will begin in June as scheduled.

Attorney Andrew Abood said the motion he and attorney George Lenard filed Wednesday cites "irreconcilable differences." Neither he nor Brodsky would elaborate.

Brodsky says attorney Joseph Lopez will join the defense team. Lopez represented one of several reputed mobsters convicted in 2007 in the "Family Secrets" trial for a major racketeering conspiracy.

Article:
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/drew.peterson.defense.2.1632707.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Noted defense attorney joins Drew Peterson's legal team
April 14, 2010
<snipped>
Drew Peterson, going to trial in June for allegedly killing his wife, now has a &#8220;Shark&#8221; in his corner. Well known criminal defense attorney Joseph &#8220;The Shark&#8221; Lopez, who once represented a mob hitman who killed 13 people, is joining Peterson&#8217;s legal defense team.

Moments before filing his appearance in the case Wednesday, Lopez said he&#8217;s getting involved to see justice done. Peterson &#8220;is being blamed for some kind of accident,&#8221; Lopez said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not justice. Justice never rests, and I want to help.&#8221;

Lopez, practicing law since the early 1980s, has represented clients in dozens of murder trials over the years. Most recently, he represented Outfit killer Frank Calabrese Sr. in the historic Family Secrets mob case in federal court, one of several well known mobsters Lopez has worked with over the years. Lopez, known for his colorful courtroom attire and quick wit, also represented Peterson in a mock trial for a local radio station.

Lopez is coming into the case as two attorneys are leaving.

Attorney Andrew Abood says the motion he and attorney George Lenard filed Wednesday cites &#8220;irreconcilable differences.&#8221; Neither Abood nor Peterson&#8217;s lead attorney, Joel Brodsky, would elaborate.

Article:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/peterson/2159252,drew-peterson-shark-lopez-041410.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

2 of Drew Peterson's attorneys quitting
Thursday, April 15, 2010
<snipped>
There's been a shakeup on the defense team representing Drew Peterson just two months before the former Bolingbrook police officer is scheduled to stand trial in the slaying of his former wife.

Two of Peterson's attorneys want to withdraw from his case.

Motions filed in court by the attorneys cite irreconcilable differences with co-counsel Joel Brodsky.

The attorneys say going to trial would - violate their firm's ethical duty to zealously represent the best interests of the client.

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7386418

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Changes to Drew Peterson's defense team
Two attorneys leave citing "irreconcilable difference"
April 14, 2010
<snipped>
Attorneys on Wednesday announced a shakeup of the defense team for Drew Peterson.

Attorneys Andrew Abood and George Lenard cited "irreconcilable differences" with co-sounsel Joel Brodsky in their decision to withdraw from the case.

But Brodsky says attorney Joseph Lopez will be joinining the legal team defending Peterson.

Video: Changes to Drew Peterson's defense team 0:26
http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/12d1...ae4ec79/News/Changes-to-Peterson-defense-team

Video: Two Peterson attorneys quit 0:27
http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/f1af7729-4305-49ca-9e93-cb0cb2085256/News/Two-Peterson-attorneys-quit

Article:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-peterson-attorneys-quit-april14,0,2476996.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

2 attorneys for Drew Peterson withdraw
They cite &#8216;irreconcilable differences&#8217; with co-counsel Joel Brodsky
April 14, 2010
<snipped>
Drew Peterson lost two members of his defense team on Wednesday as attorneys Andrew Abood and George Lenard withdrew from the case citing "irreconcilable differences" with co-counsel Joel Brodsky.

Will County Circuit Judge Stephen White approved Abood's and Lenard's requests to withdraw from the case. When asked if he objected to their motions, Peterson hesitated before telling White he had no objections.

"I think (Peterson) understands, and I think he's disappointed that we're no longer on the case," Abood said after the hearing.

In their motions, Abood and Lenard said they differed with Brodsky over strategy and that proceeding with the case would violate their "ethical duty to zealously represent the best interests" of their client.

Brodsky admitted to differences with his co-counsels about defense strategy but declined to elaborate.

Abood and Lenard spent several minutes speaking with Peterson before the motion hearing. After the hearing was over, Abood shook hands with Peterson and wished him "good luck." "It was a pleasure working with Drew Peterson and Andrew Abood," Lenard said after the hearing. "It's unfortunate it got to the point that it did, but there were no alternatives."

Article:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...414_1_andrew-abood-joel-brodsky-drew-peterson

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Shake-up on Peterson defense team Two out, new high-profile attorney in
4/14/2010 12:36 PM | Updated: 4/14/2010 7:02 PM
<snipped>
The attorneys sparred over key trial issues, sources close to the case said, such as whether Kathleen Savio's 2004 bathtub drowning in her Bolingbrook home was a suicide. Brodsky opposes the suicide defense and plans to argue Savio slipped in the bathtub, consistent with the original autopsy findings suggesting an accidental drowning, the sources said.

Another point of contention dealt with how to present evidence of Peterson's alibi at the time the 40-year-old Savio died. The three lawyers recently met with Peterson in the Will County jail. Peterson sided with Brodsky - his original attorney and with whom he feels most comfortable, the sources said.

"We did everything we could under the circumstances," Abood said, declining to divulge specifics. "We've done our due diligence. There comes a point in time when you have to step aside. Certainly all the theories we intended to pursue would have been based on the evidence."

The 56-year-old Peterson also is a suspect in the October 2007 disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy, 23, but he hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing in that case. Stacy Peterson's family spokeswoman, Pamela Bosco, said the family fears the attorney shake-up may cause a trial delay.

"We just want it done and for this circus to be over with," Bosco said.

This isn't the first defense controversy. Naperville attorney John P. Carroll was briefly on the team but never appeared in court. The former Chicago homicide detective came under fire for a couple of recent cases, including his handling of a downstate death penalty case in which he submitted a $2 million bill to the state's capital litigation fund, prompting reforms after outraged legislators alleged abuses.

Article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=373145&src=2

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Drew's latest 'divorce'
April 15, 2010
<snipped>
Drew Peterson's ship might not be sinking, but his lawyers sure are jumping off it fast enough.

Two of Peterson's attorneys -- George Lenard of Joliet and Andrew Abood of East Lansing, Mich. -- filed motions to withdraw from Peterson's murder case.

The motions for both men cited "irreconcilable differences with co-counsel Joel Brodsky" and stated that "to go forth and proceed to trial would violate our firm's ethical duty to zealously represent the best interests of our client."

New team
With Lenard and Abood departing, Chicago attorney Joseph "the Shark" Lopez filed an appearance Wednesday afternoon to represent Peterson with Brodsky. Brodsky's law partner, Reem Odeh, filed to represent Peterson months ago, but has done next to no courtroom work on the case.
Brodsky, Peterson's self-proclaimed "lead attorney," was retained by the former Bolingbrook cop before Abood and Lenard joined the team. Despite his seniority, the Chicago attorney took a back seat to Lenard and Abood during the landmark hearing held in January and February to determine what hearsay evidence will be allowed at Peterson's murder trial.

Strained relationship?
Abood and Lenard withdrew and Lopez entered his appearance during an impromptu hearing Wednesday afternoon. Abood warmly shook Peterson's manacled hand and wished him good luck. Lenard slapped the jailed man's shoulder.
The courtroom interplay, or lack thereof, between Brodsky and his former co-counselors was less congenial.

Peterson hesitated and seemed unsure how to respond when Judge Stephen White asked if he had any objection to Abood and Lenard pulling out of the case.

Prior to the hearing, Abood said he and Lenard had no problem defending Peterson. "We've done our due diligence," he said, adding, "We left on good terms." Abood declined to discuss Peterson's reaction to losing two-thirds of his defense team. "I don't want to comment on Drew's emotional state," he said. Abood also did not want to detail the irreconcilable differences he had with Brodsky, but was willing to compliment Lenard and Peterson.

"George Lenard is one of the best lawyers I've had the privilege of being co-counsel with," he said. "He's such a good person, and his reputation is so strong, he makes it easy to make the right decision and do the right thing," said Abood, who called Peterson a "great client." Asked his opinion of Brodsky, Abood said, "George is a great lawyer and Drew is a great client."

Lenard was equally flattering in his appraisal of Abood, and said of their departure, "It's unfortunate that this is the result, but under the circumstances, it's the only thing we could have done."

Andrew Abood (from left) and George Lenard, former defense attorneys for Drew Peterson (lower right), talk with Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow as they leave the Will County Courthouse in Joliet on Wednesday. Joseph "the Shark" Lopez (upper right) is now on Peterson's defense team.

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/plainfieldsun/news/2160788,4_1_JO15_PETERSON_S1-100415.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

'The Shark' dives in
April 15, 2010
<snipped>
Only one man took Drew Peterson's murder case in front of a jury and slipped a conviction -- even if it was just a mock trial for a radio show -- and now that man is on the accused wife-killer's defense team.

Joseph "the Shark" Lopez, a Chicago lawyer famous for representing mob hitmen and drug cartels, signed on to defend Peterson the same day two of his lawyers jumped ship.

Those two attorneys -- George Lenard and Andrew Abood -- cited irreconcilable differences with Joel Brodsky, yet another lawyer on the Peterson team. These differences were based on trial strategy and case management, according to the motions Lenard and Abood filed to withdraw from the case. And as far as trial strategies go, Lopez ripped the one Abood and Lenard supposedly wanted to use.

"They have absolutely no concept about how to defend this case," Lopez said. "This is a pretty easy case to defend -- it was an accident," he said. "(Abood) wants to put on an alibi defense. You don't need an alibi defense when it's an accident."

Lopez figured his entrance to the case would likely force Peterson's June 14 trial to be postponed, but Judge Stephen White said during a Wednesday afternoon hearing that it was still on schedule.

Mock trial
While Lopez gained notoriety defending the likes of mobster Frank Calabrese Sr. in a real courtroom, he got a taste of the Peterson case when he succeeded in hanging a jury in a mock trial for WGN radio in a law school auditorium.
During the mock trial, Lopez conceded that "everybody hates Drew," but pointed out that Peterson did some positive things in his life, such as joining the Army and the Bolingbrook Police Department.

"That's not something to sneeze at either," he said at the time.

While Lopez was critical of Abood, the exiting attorney praised his replacement.

"I hear he's a great lawyer," Abood said.

"He comes in on a moment's notice on a big case and files an appearance," he said. "That's pretty big ... right?"

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/bolingbrooksun/news/2160792,4_1_JO15_PETERSON_S2-100415.article

 

[mitzi]

Two more big names join Peterson defense team

Published: 4/22/2010 5:27 PM | Updated: 4/23/2010 12:17 AM

They don't have cool nicknames like "The Shark," but two other high-profile Chicago attorneys known for their aggressive courtroom styles are joining the Drew Peterson defense team.

Attorneys Steven A. Greenberg and Ralph E. Meczyk are expected to file their appearances by Monday to defend the former Bolingbrook police sergeant on charges he killed his third wife as the former couple neared a financial settlement in their divorce.

Both attorneys have handled dozens of murder trials in their lengthy legal careers.

Most notably, Meczyk defended former Chicago police officer Anthony Doyle in the landmark Family Secrets federal mob trial. And, late last year, Greenberg represented triple killer Brian Dugan for the infamous 1983 sex slaying of Jeanine Nicarico of Naperville.

*snip*

Jury selection is slated to begin June 14, but the trial may be delayed if prosecutors appeal Will Circuit Judge Stephen White's anticipated ruling regarding the admissibility of about one dozen hearsay statements.

"The passing of a law designed to convict a specific person makes this a witch hunt; that offends my sense of justice," Greenberg said of a recent hearsay law sparked by the Peterson case. "I look forward to the challenge of ensuring Drew gets a fair trial and is found not guilty."

http://dailyherald.com/story/?id=375396

**Interesting that Drew now has another "mob" attorney and one who defended someone in a very high profile Illinois case. (ie. the Nicarico case.)

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Abood, 'Shark' exchange jabs
April 17, 2010
<snipped>
Andrew Abood, the Michigan attorney who bailed on Peterson Wednesday took some potshots at the Chicago lawyer who replaced him -- Joseph "the Shark" Lopez.

When push came to shove, Peterson apparently stuck with Brodsky over Lenard and Abood.

"Drew and Joel are tied to the hip and very loyal," Abood said. He also thinks Brodsky and Lopez will make a good pair.

"I am sure Joel and Joe will get along really well and that is important," he said. "Thelma and Louise got along really well too -- and I hear Joe Lopez has a nice car." "I do have a nice car," Lopez said of his Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG. "It might cost more than Abood makes all year."

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/bolingbrooksun/news/2168018,4_1_JO17_ABOOD_S1-100417.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

'Shark' joins Drew Peterson's defense amid shakeup
April 19, 2010 12:51 p.m. EDT
<snipped>
Abood said that he and Lenerd were not forced off the case, attributing the decision to leave to personality differences with Brodsky.

"Joel's a different kind of lawyer than I'm used to," he said. "He's a very good lawyer in his office and he's very knowledgeable, but to be a trial lawyer and to present a case requires a certain amount of skill and ability to think on your feet and understand issues and an ability to communicate those issues to jurors."

Brodsky, however, said it was impossible to divorce the concept of clashing personalities from trial strategy when defending a client charged with murder.

"I don't think Joel will be inviting me to any Christmas parties," Abood said.

Article:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/04/19/drew.peterson.lawyers/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Bolingbrook pond searched for remains of Stacy Peterson
April 21, 2010 6:36 PM
<snipped>
A search of a Bolingbrook pond was conducted this morning by a volunteer group organized by Stacy Peterson's sister, a family spokeswoman said.

There have been no new leads as to her whereabouts, the spokeswoman said. So far, nothing has been found.

Article:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/...d-searched-for-remains-of-stacy-peterson.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Two more big names join Peterson defense team
4/22/2010 5:27 PM | Updated: 4/23/2010 12:17 AM
<snipped>
They don't have cool nicknames like "The Shark," but two other high-profile Chicago attorneys known for their aggressive courtroom styles are joining the Drew Peterson defense team.

Attorneys Steven A. Greenberg and Ralph E. Meczyk are expected to file their appearances by Monday to defend the former Bolingbrook police sergeant on charges he killed his third wife as the former couple neared a financial settlement in their divorce. Both attorneys have handled dozens of murder trials in their lengthy legal careers.

Greenberg and Meczyk join lead attorney Joel Brodsky, Reem Odeh, and Joseph "The Shark" Lopez, who also was a lead attorney in the Family Secrets trial. Lopez filed an appearance last week after Andrew Abood and George Lenard withdrew, citing "irreconcilable differences" with Brodsky regarding key trial strategy issues.

Article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=375396

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Two Attorneys Join Drew Peterson Team
Updated: Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 8:37 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 8:18 AM CDT
<snipped>
Attorneys Steven A. Greenberg and Ralph E. Meczyk have filed papers to join the team.

Greenberg represented Brian Dugan in the Jeanine Nicarico case. Both men also worked as lead attorneys on the Family Secrets mob trial. They're known for their aggressive styles in court.

Article:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/drew_peterson/20100423-new-peteson-attorneys
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXPERT: Greenberg: Peterson Prosecution Hasn't Proved Case
Updated: Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 8:35 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 23 Apr 2010, 8:35 AM CDT
<snipped>
Two high profile lawyers are joining the Drew Peterson defense team, one being Attorney Steven A. Greenberg.

He joined us to tell us why he decided to join the case and discuss the Rod Blagojevich trial.

*Video Interview Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/good_day/20100423-greenberg-peterson

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Drew Peterson's legal team grows
April 24, 2010
<snipped>
Drew Peterson will add another pair of high-powered attorneys to his defense team. And he still has Joel Brodsky, too.

Joseph "the Shark" Lopez, the flamboyant Chicago lawyer who joined Peterson's legal stable last week, confirmed attorneys Ralph Meczyk and Steven Greenberg will be come on board next week. "He's got a real heavy team, a lot heavier than he had before," Lopez said of Peterson's reconfigured front of lawyers.

With or without McQuaid, Lopez predicted a high-pressure defense once Peterson's trial starts. "We're really going to turn up the heat in that courtroom," he said. "You ain't seen nothing yet."

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/...n/2195364,4_1_JO24_PETERSON_S1-100424.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Changes to Drew Peterson's defense team
Two attorneys leave citing "irreconcilable difference"
April 14, 2010
<snipped>
Attorneys Andrew Abood and George Lenard cited "irreconcilable differences" with co-sounsel Joel Brodsky in their decision to withdraw from the case. But Brodsky says attorney Joseph Lopez will be joinining the legal team defending Peterson.

Video: Changes to Drew Peterson's defense team 0:26
http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/12d1...ae4ec79/News/Changes-to-Peterson-defense-team

Article:
http://www.wgntv.com/search/wgntv-peterson-attorneys-quit-april14,0,5291637.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Search crews out for Stacey Peterson
April 21, 2010
<snipped>
A search is being held in a Bolingbrook pond this morning by a volunteer group organized by Stacy Peterson's sister, a family spokeswoman said. Although no new information has come out in the Peterson case, the search for Stacy continues for her family.

Video: Search crews out for Stacey Peterson 0:33
http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/2fbb...ab5/News/Search-crews-out-for-Stacey-Peterson

Article:
http://www.wgntv.com/search/wgntv-bolingbrook-body-search-april21,0,1615800.story