They are done.
Yesterday's (Oct. 14) hearing.
Timestamp:8:21:16
Well, how long is each side going to need for for argument? It's 5:00.
Well, your honor, we intended on filing written closing arguments and uh we if
your honor is okay with it, we typically do that um once the transcripts are filed. Okay, I'm okay with that. If both sides
agree, yes, okay, well, how long do you need to decide?
I can take a fivem minute recess or if you think it's We're good, judge. This the state has no
uh the state uh I guess the state rests. Okay. No rebuttal. No rebuttal.
All right. Any other matters we have to resolve before we uh call it a day? One matter, your honor, but we uh
defense requests a brief recess before we address it. Has to deal with any statements that might be made to the
court. Okay. How much time do you need? About five minutes at most. And how long
will this take? Right now, I can't say. I will be able to advise the court after in brief recess.
Okay. If it's long, we'll be here tomorrow morning. If it's short, we'll finish it tonight. Okay.
That's what I'm getting at. Of caution, your honor. Let's say that we will address the court to the extent
that the court will be addressed tomorrow morning. State tomorrow morning.
I I unilaterally made that decision, your honor. Let me confir I'll tell you what. We'll take a five minute recess. We'll let everyone
discuss it and um decisions.
No, I didn't. Okay.
Yeah. Well, you know, I need watching.
Defense Council and both representatives of the state. Thank you, your honor. John Lec on behalf of Mr. Mark Severs and there was
discussions whether now would be an appropriate forum. Obviously, it would have to be through testimony for Mr.
Severs um to express his warm feelings to his daughters. We decided, however, this is not the appropriate forum and
certainly not putting him under oath to do it. So, the defense will formally rest at this time.
Okay. Thank you,
All right. Um, you guys want me to set a time frame on your uh written uh arguments or do you
want to wait until you actually get the uh transcript and then tell me how much time you need?
Your honor, if what's typically been
done in the past is we do between 30 to 45 days after the transcripts have been filed and disseminated to the parties.
So, I think that would be appropriate. 45 days. Sure. And And if we could have them due on the
same day and typically like time by five o'clock. Well, once the transcripts come in, if
you guys want to have an agreed upon order, you can forward to me. I'd be happy to sign it because you're going to I'm not going to know when you get them.
Correct. So, just once you get the transcript, if you have an agreed upon order for 30 or 45 days, 45 days sounds good to me.
Forward it to me and have the due date for both at the same day, same time. Okay. Okay. The transcripts won't be
will they be filed with the court file or they're not if your honor orders that
that would help with the Okay. All right. We'll order that the uh that
the uh transcript be filed in the court file then once it's available. Thank you. We'll plan to submit a
proposed order. Yes, ma'am.
Anything further from the state?
I think the record will reflect it, your honor, but we just wanted to state for the record that um Mr. Sievers does have
a um uh hearing equipment um that he's
wearing and that he's been, your honor, has ensured throughout the hearing that he's been that it's been working
properly and that we've done checks just to make sure that he's been able to hear the proceedings.
And he was instructed to let me know if he had a problem hearing and he didn't. and I saw him conversing with his attorney, so I think uh everything was
good. Yes, sir. Okay.
Anything further from the defense?
Nothing further. Your honor,
would you like him sent back immediately or would you like him held for a couple days here in Lee County?
Immediately.
Okay.
Always ask in case family members want to go see him at the Lee County Jail. But that's entirely up
to you guys. Visitation. After his visitation tonight.
After his visitation tonight. Well, okay. They won't. They won't send anything. Okay.
All right. See everybody shortly. We'll be in recess. Yes, sir.
You canceling? Yeah.