FL - Sarah Boone, 42, charged with murdering boyfriend Jorge Torres, 42, by leaving him locked in suitcase, Winter Park, Feb 2020

[sasha17]

And another trial delay coming up. And who is paying for all these various attorneys? Will these delays ever stop?

If I recall correctly, the judge already told her no more delays -- even if she managed to get another attorney.

 

[Wishbone]

If I recall correctly, the judge already told her no more delays -- even if she managed to get another attorney.

It appears her new atty needs more time and has requested it. Let's see if the judge hangs tough.

 

[I am not Sherlock H.]

It appears her new atty needs more time and has requested it. Let's see if the judge hangs tough.

Unbelievable. Much as I hate to think, I don’t think he can deny the request. But IANAL. Thinking if it puts the new attorney at a disadvantage, which could well be argued, the (insert your favorite words here)…. of their client can’t be held against them. And would probably be a key appellate issue?

So, did the client SB finally realize she dug a hole too deep she can’t fill? What a circus of disgust for the legal system. SMH. MOO

 

[tlcya]

According to court records, Boone is now being represented by an attorney named James Owens.
[snip]
According to court records, the defense council was retained after responding to Boone's advertisement, something the woman drew up shortly after parting with a different attorney.

"Looking for a prosperous challenge? Ready for your close-up on nat'l television? Are you zealous with a side of keen," the flier read.
https://www.wesh.com/article/sarah-boone-new-attorney-again-suitcase-murder/62018124

Hoping for no further delays. I would assume Mr. Owens is ready for his close-up.

James Owens Attorney at Law | Milton, FL

 

[cujenn81]

If I recall correctly, the judge already told her no more delays -- even if she managed to get another attorney.

Exxxaaccttllyyy.

And, I quote —
“This case SHALL REMAIN SPECIALLY SET FOR TRIAL for the two week trial period beginning Monday, October 7, 2024 and will not be continued for any reason, except by extraordinarily good cause and such extraordinarily good cause shall not include retention of counsel by the Defendant.”

End quote.
Directly from the court order.

See:

Adobe Acrobat

acrobat.adobe.com

 

[sasha17]

Exxxaaccttllyyy.

And, I quote —
“This case SHALL REMAIN SPECIALLY SET FOR TRIAL for the two week trial period beginning Monday, October 7, 2024 and will not be continued for any reason, except by extraordinarily good cause and such extraordinarily good cause shall not include retention of counsel by the Defendant.”

End quote.
Directly from the court order.

See:

Adobe Acrobat

acrobat.adobe.com

Right! Thank you for finding exactly where the judge said that.

 

[Observe_dont_Absorb]

The question is would it be legally unreasonable for the judge to refuse some extra time for a new lawyer to catch up on case notes? I think it could be, JMO IANAL.

 

[Seattle1]

SB has an attorney...

Sarah Boone, accused of Orlando suitcase murder, has new attorney — again

Sarah Boone, the Orlando woman facing murder charges after allegedly leaving her boyfriend in a suitcase to die, has a new attorney after representing herself for a short period of time.

www.wesh.com

Interesting choice of words here -- defense council implies a group. Curious what group would respond to SB's hand drawn advert. JMO

ETA: Guess not -- name is James Owens.

Friday, Boone requested a motion of continuance to push the trial date from Oct. 7. She also retained new legal counsel with James Owens, of James Owens Attorney at Law, who court documents show had met with Boone four times at the Orange County jail between Aug. 20 and 27.

Florida woman accused of letting boyfriend die in suitcase retains new attorney, her 9th so far

Sarah Boone, after having lost eight attorneys and seemingly forfeiting her right to a court-appointed defense leading up to her trial on a murder charge, has just retained new legal counsel.

www.clickorlando.com

 

[Seattle1]

Sarah Boone retains defense attorney, set to begin suitcase murder trial in October: court docs

Sarah Boone will no longer represent herself in her murder trial, according to new court records.

www.fox35orlando.com

8/30/24

According to the motion, this evidence reportedly includes photos, videos, calendars, text messages, notes, and contact information for witnesses that could support Boone's "Battered Spouse Syndrome" defense.

In addition to this evidence, the defense has identified several potential expert witnesses covering a range of possible defenses and is vetting additional experts as directed by interested parties.

Earlier this week, Boone filed a motion to have her case dismissed, citing her constitutional right to a speedy trial, which was denied by the judge, court documents show.

ETA: Defense Motion for Continuance pgs 1-3 at the news link

 

[Izzylizzy]

SB has an attorney...

Sarah Boone, accused of Orlando suitcase murder, has new attorney — again

Sarah Boone, the Orlando woman facing murder charges after allegedly leaving her boyfriend in a suitcase to die, has a new attorney after representing herself for a short period of time.

www.wesh.com

I haven't watched this yet but Peter usually delivers.

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[Megnut]

Wait.

Who needs a Battered Wife Defense for Hide-n-Seek? I thought they were just playing?

How many days until JO, esq regrets his decision?

It's like a circus wrapped in a circus and it all quite ignores that a man lost his life because she left him to suffocate in a suitcase so she could sleep.

It's time for trial.

No more delays.

JMO

 

[Izzylizzy]

The 9th lawyer.


Pro-bono for publicity?
Getting paid?
Does Boone have a fan base/fundraiser?

Townsquare Interactive

Townsquare Interactive

 

[Seattle1]

Exxxaaccttllyyy.

And, I quote —
“This case SHALL REMAIN SPECIALLY SET FOR TRIAL for the two week trial period beginning Monday, October 7, 2024 and will not be continued for any reason, except by extraordinarily good cause and such extraordinarily good cause shall not include retention of counsel by the Defendant.”

End quote.
Directly from the court order.

See:

Adobe Acrobat

acrobat.adobe.com

I believe this pertained to defendant obtaining an agency public defender but would not apply to private counsel who provides good cause for Motioning for a Continuance which Owens appeared to address on page 3 of the 8/30/24 Motion: See Memorandum of Law

Defense Motion

ETA: Just heard Attorney Peter confirm the same.. He also thinks the Judge could make a stipulation here where Attorney Owens will not be allowed to withdraw from the case.

 

[cujenn81]

The question is would it be legally unreasonable for the judge to refuse some extra time for a new lawyer to catch up on case notes? I think it could be, JMO IANAL.

Also IANAL but I disagree. The mere fact that the judge has already established on the record that she will not be granted a continuance due to retention of counsel makes it legally reasonable for the judge to refuse it.

 

[Seattle1]

The 9th lawyer.


Pro-bono for publicity?
Getting paid?
Does Boone have a fan base/fundraiser?

Townsquare Interactive

Townsquare Interactive

Per Owens' MFC, he does cite SB indigent and his intent to depend on govt funds to pay experts. Other than stating he was retained by SB, he does not address the terms except for the following:

9. ...JAC ministerial hurdles which must be cleared when dealing with an indigent Defendant.

10. Notice of Intent to rely on the Battered Spouse Syndrome Defense must be filed 30 days before trial. The notice must be filed by September 7, 8 days away.

11. The defendant has been deemed indigent for costs. The defense will need government funds to assist in paying the experts in this field.

[..]

Please see Motion linked up thread by OP.

 

[cujenn81]

I believe this pertained to defendant obtaining an agency public defender but would not apply to private counsel who provides good cause for Motioning for a Continuance which Owens appeared to address on page 3 of the 8/30/24 Motion: See Memorandum of Law

Defense Motion

ETA: Just heard Attorney Peter confirm the same..

Her attorney may be arguing that angle, but it doesn’t make much sense to me. The judge’s ruling says that SB has forfeited her right to court-appointed counsel and then essentially goes on to say that her trial will continue as scheduled in October and won’t be delayed due to the retention of counsel. So if the court is saying she’s forfeited her right to court-appointed counsel… the only counsel she could possibly retain would be private, no? Color me confused.

 

[Seattle1]

Unbelievable. Much as I hate to think, I don’t think he can deny the request. But IANAL. Thinking if it puts the new attorney at a disadvantage, which could well be argued, the (insert your favorite words here)…. of their client can’t be held against them. And would probably be a key appellate issue?

So, did the client SB finally realize she dug a hole too deep she can’t fill? What a circus of disgust for the legal system. SMH. MOO

I believe SB is changing to an affirmative defense similar to NGRI which is likely deemed extraordinary good cause (i.e., a Court condition for continuance).

In other words, she's saying she's not guilty by reason of Battered Spouse Syndrome Defense, under Rule 3.201 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.

I don't know how denying a continuance here would NOT be foremost reason for a future appeal.

So does the Court extend the time now or later during appeal? Personally, I'd rather have an appeal proof verdict, and grant a short continuance now. JMO

JMO

 

[I am not Sherlock H.]

I believe SB is changing to an affirmative defense similar to NGRI which is likely deemed extraordinary good cause (i.e., a Court condition for continuance).

In other words, she's saying she's not guilty by reason of Battered Spouse Syndrome Defense, under Rule 3.201 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.

I don't know how denying a continuance here would NOT be foremost reason for a future appeal.

So does the Court extend the time now or later during appeal? Personally, I'd rather have an appeal proof verdict, and grant a short continuance now. JMO

JMO

Yes Seattle1….. I have no idea either. And I am not a lawyer, so there is that. And yes, an appeal-proof verdict is essential.

Trying to make sense of a possible irrational action or individual (and I don’t mean you!) - well that is sometimes seen as a fool’s errand? IMO perhaps the cameras should be removed from this courtroom. No audience for the defendant or her pleadings in the courtroom. No more theatrics televised or published. And perhaps the judge should place a gag order on the parties too? The circus needs to stop. JT is now deceased IMO at her hand and by her actions and inactions. Whatever SB believes the reason(s). Time to be held accountable.

And further her pleadings for a speedy trial! SMH. By analogy, it’s as if SB keeps stepping on the accelerator and then slamming on the brakes. Yet there is no clear destination. Well maybe to the defendant alone. Seems all others can see what the result should be. And sadly deceased JT and with some of her video recordings of the events as well. MOO

 

[KSwizzle]

This clown show keeps on clownin’, how much public funds have been spent on this case so far, Sarah knows what she’s doing

 

[Luna20]

Wait.

Who needs a Battered Wife Defense for Hide-n-Seek? I thought they were just playing?

How many days until JO, esq regrets his decision?

It's like a circus wrapped in a circus and it all quite ignores that a man lost his life because she left him to suffocate in a suitcase so she could sleep.

It's time for trial.

No more delays.

JMO

They were not married so how can she claim Battered Wife?