Attorney wants trial in Ohio deputy's death moved - Cleveland Plain Dealer

LEBANON, Ohio (AP) ? An attorney for a man charged with murder for a deputy's death during a high-speed police chase has asked the court to move the trial.

Attorney Clyde Bennett's motion filed Wednesday in Lebanon says Marcus Isreal is a black man accused of killing a white deputy and cannot get a fair trial in predominantly white Warren County.

U.S. Census figures show the county has a 3.3 percent black population.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Bennett's motion also says extensive media coverage would prevent a fair trial.

Isreal, of Middletown, pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in Sgt. Brian Dulle's (DOOL'-ee) death.

Authorities say Dulle was putting out stop sticks to halt a speeding, stolen car driven by Isreal when it struck him.

Bennett says the crash was accidental.

___

Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/attorney-wants-trial-in-ohio-deputys-death/08a3b81efb824dd5a4e7d6b47ad5e241

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Vt. AG takes issue with Entergy filing - Legal News Line

Vt. AG takes issue with Entergy filing

BY JESSICA M. KARMASEK

MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) - Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell, in a court filing last week, moved to strike certain portions of Entergy Corp.'s supplemental proposed findings of fact in the fight over the relicensing of its nuclear power plant.

Sorrell, who filed the six-page motion on behalf of the State on Wednesday, said Entergy's filing raises a new claim of alleged harm and "inappropriately relies" on new evidence not submitted to the U.S. District Court of Vermont at a June 24 hearing on a preliminary injunction or accompanied by a motion for leave to re-open the hearing.

The attorney general said the energy company also disregarded the court's post-hearing briefing order by submitting additional legal argument.

"The court's post-hearing order was specific and limited: the court allowed plaintiffs (who filed proposed conclusions of law in advance of the hearing) to supplement only their proposed finding of fact, while the State was permitted to file proposed conclusions and supplemental findings," Sorrell wrote in the motion.

"The court did not authorize either party to raise new claims or introduce new evidence. Plaintiffs did not ask the court to revise its order, nor did plaintiffs seek permission to introduce new claims or to re-open the hearing."

Entergy filed a lawsuit against Vermont for its role in deciding whether the company's Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant can operate after its license expires next year.

In Vermont, both houses of the state Legislature and the governor must approve nuclear licenses. The state Senate voted 26-4 not to extend the license, prompting Entergy to seek a preliminary injunction against the vote.

Specifically, Vermont takes issue with these portions of Entergy's filing -- all of which, the State argues, raise a new claim or rely upon new evidence:

- Paragraphs 3 and 4, which address actions taken by ISO New England Inc., or ISO-NE, for the 2014-2015 forward capacity auction, and cite press releases and newspaper articles not in the record;

- Paragraphs 8 and 9, which allege Standard & Poor's revision of the outlook for Entergy's rating as irreparable harm, and cite a report that is not part of the evidentiary record, together with Exhibit A, which is a copy of that report; and

- Paragraph 18, which cites newspaper stories about the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Justice and Bernie Sanders, one of Vermont's U.S. senators.

Vermont argues that Entergy's submission "substantially prejudices" the State.

Sorrell also points out that the company's claim regarding the Standard & Poor's credit rating is "wholly new."

"To properly respond to this claim, the State would need to conduct focused discovery about, for instance, Entergy's communications with Standard & Poor's, the basis for the rating and any alleged consequences," he wrote in the motion.

"The State is also prejudiced because it has had no opportunity to cross-examine plaintiffs' witnesses on any of this new evidence, or to present its own relevant testimony or evidence to counter plaintiffs' new assertions."

Sorrell said if the company seeks to re-open the record for the preliminary injunction hearing because of new developments, they must request and obtain permission to do so.

He continues, "If, as plaintiffs are apparently suggesting, 'subsequent developments' alone suffice to allow submission of additional evidence, the record on this motion would never close and both parties could continually 'update' the court with new facts. But that is not how the process works.

"Unless the court rules otherwise based on a proper motion, the record is limited to the evidence submitted at the hearing. The fact that plaintiffs may be dissatisfied with that record does not give them license to supplement it by citing newspaper articles and filing new material with the court."

Vermont, in its 68-page memorandum filed in May in the U.S. District Court of Vermont, says Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee LLC bought Vermont Yankee in 2002 "knowing" the plant was scheduled to close in 2012.

The State says the company has "consistently recognized and agreed to" State regulatory authority -- and "specifically acknowledged" that it needed State approval to keep operating after March 21, 2012.

Therefore, it argues, Entergy cannot make the "clear showing" necessary to justify the "extraordinary and drastic remedy" of a preliminary injunction.

The company recently won a 20-year extension on its license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. However, the Legislature has not yet allowed the state Public Service Board to consider issuing a Certificate of Public Good. State law requires that all power plants must have such a certificate if they wish to generate electricity in Vermont.

Sorrell told the Brattleboro Reformer on Friday that he doesn't know when U.S. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha will rule on the preliminary injunction, but he thinks it would be closer to Entergy's July 23 refueling deadline.

The overall lawsuit is expected to be heard in court in the fall.

Entergy, according to its website, is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. It owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States.

From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by e-mail at jessica@legalnewsline.com.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGEmCRFOQxkxUj4GJ0b4f27XaaE7g&url=http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/233249-vt.-ag-takes-issue-with-entergy-filing

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Is Casey's attorney getting fired? - 10Connects.com

Orlando, Florida - The rule of thumb in the Casey Anthony murder trial is expect the unexpected. Just when you think you have it all figured out in the high-profile capital case, chaos ensues.

Such was the case on Saturday. It was Day 28, and Judge Belvin Perry warned everyone that it would be a full day.

On most weekends, Saturday court proceedings have been half days. However, last week strayed from the norm in dramatic ways. Last Monday, the judge became so frustrated with both sides that he sent everyone home before the jury ever made it in the courtroom.

The defense was accused of not providing the opinions of a key witness to the state in order for prosecutors to prepare for cross examination.

Then, on Wednesday, the judge ordered a half-day due to a previously-scheduled budget meeting.

Each day was filled with stop and starts, due to continuous objections by both sides.

Then, this past Saturday there was more drama that fueled rumors like wildfire among trial-watchers and legal analysts alike. Court proceedings were suddenly halted.

No reasons were given.

Defense counsel Cheney Mason told the judge that he needed to talk about some "issues" in the trial.

The hallway was full of witnesses ready to testify, but the jury never even made it into the courtroom. That's when Mason and Casey Anthony were seen going into the judge's nearby chambers.

WFTV reporter Kathi Belich�tweeted a statement saying that Mason was heard yelling in the judge's chambers.

Then, Casey was seen coming out of the room crying. That's when the bombshell dropped.

Judge Perry�made an announcement that shocked everyone and caused theories to begin circulating rapidly.

Perry called it a "legal issue."�And, that was it. Court was inexplicably adjourned until Monday morning.�

What was this all about? �And why was it that the defendant was seen staring down Mason on Friday. Were there problems within the defense team? �Was Casey fighting with her lawyers?

Does this mean that Cheney Mason could be fired?

The rumors are raging at this point. �Something to keep in mind is that Judge Perry told everyone in court that the "legal issue" at hand did not involve a previous argument that morning about a witness' testimony. Some say the "issue" could be a plea bargain. �Others say it is an attorney problem. �

Then, there are additional analysts who claim that discovery has continually been a problem for the defense. Casey's lawyers have faced issues in this case of not providing the state with opinions and findings of witnesses. Prosecutors have continually called out Baez. �The state claims it cannot properly prepare for cross examination without all findings being provided.

In fact, the judge made reference this very issue, saying it is "getting old" and that "some things never change." Judge Perry told lead defense counsel Jose Baez at one point earlier in the case that "violations, if there are any" would be dealt with at the close of trial.

The judge even made reference to the Florida Bar Association looking into some issues.

Baez was allowed to continue with his presentation of the case. However, some legal analysts are saying that the judge is only postponing the inevitable.

One analyst explained the analogy to 10 News, "You know when you've heard your mother say, 'Just wait until your father gets home' and that's when you'll really get in trouble? �That's similar to what the judge is saying here. �Baez can continue, but in the end, he could face sanctions."

Source: http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/198645/250/Is-Caseys-attorney-getting-fired

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Attorney Calls For Dismissal Of Feral Cat Lawsuit

The attorney representing a 33-year Mt. Prospect resident who is being sued by the village for allegedly violating a village ordinance governing stray cats said the village's case has no merit and that a request for dismissal will be filed in Rolling Meadows court next Tuesday, June 21.

"Once we get our case dismissed, I plan on suing the village and my client's neighbors for defamation of character and interference of a quiet enjoyment of life," said Patrick Somers, attorney for Gerald Stone.

The village alleges that Stone, 305 S. Elmhurst Ave. near St. Raymond School, is caring for four to seven stray-or feral-cats, which neighbors have complained about on numerous occasions.

Somers said this issue has gone on for two years with five different neighbors "ousting" Stone. The lawsuit filed Apr. 27 by the village encompasses complaints dating back to January of this year. In total, there are five counts filed against Stone. The first revolves around cat feces.

According to the complaint, neighbors have reported that piles of cat feces have been left on their property on numerous occasions due to Stone's caring for the cats. The second count deals with pans of food allegedly sitting outside Stone's home for the cats to feast on. A third count deals with the cats allegedly roaming through nearby yards.

In addition to neighbor complaints, the lawsuit states Mt. Prospect Environmental Health Coordinator Bob Roels observed a black and white cat on Jan. 4 running through the backyards of 301 and 303 S. Elmhurst Ave. toward Stone's house.

The fourth count pertains to Stone allegedly caring for more than three cats. Village ordinance permits up to three cats per colony (group). Residents in the complaint state they have seen on numerous occasions between four to seven cats at Stone's home.

The fifth count deals with the first four counts combined allegedly violating village code.

The village is asking the court to impose a $250 fine for every day in which the alleged nuisance conditions continue. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl said he doubts there will be a significant fine. He said Stone is operating the cat colony under a Cook County ordinance, which he says there is no clear definition of what a nuisance entails. He said the village's ordinance is much clearer.

Somers is asking that the case be dismissed because he says the village expects Stone to bear the financial burden personally and financially based on complaints from "disgruntled" neighbors unhappy with the Animal Control Programs already mandated by the state and county.

"There are over 40 colonies in Mt. Prospect so why is the village singling out my client?" asked Somers. "I have no idea." He added that Stone does not own the feral cats as pets.

"If the village has a problem, they should sue Cook County," commented Somers.

Somers said the village does not have statutory or Home Rule authority to enact the ordinance it now claims has been violated.

According to Somers, the County Feral Cat Ordinance provides for the creation of Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) programs to manage the care of feral cats within Cook County. His client, he says, has been participating in this program sanctioned by the county as well as the state under the protections of that ordinance.

Somers points out the county's TNR program permits individuals like his client to maintain feral cat colonies by providing food, water, shelter and other forms of nutrition as long as Stone agrees to trap, neuter, spay, microchip, and vaccinate the cats against rabies. Somers said Stone has complied with all those requirements.

Source: http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_482eecf4-9913-11e0-aa11-001a4bcf6878.html

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Weinstein Law Firm Attorney Andrew Weinstein Named to the Florida Super Lawyers List - PR Inside

2011-06-27 05:39:25 - The Weinstein Law Firm today announced that Andrew Weinstein has been named to the Florida Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in Florida for 2011. No more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state

basis.

?I am honored to have been named to the Florida Super Lawyers list? said Andrew Weinstein. ?I will endeavor to uphold the legal standards and professional ethics required to maintain this recognition.?

As a trial attorney focusing on personal injury law and insurance litigation, Mr. Weinstein has successfully resolved several thousand cases for Florida consumers and healthcare providers. Mr. Weinstein is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has received a score of 10 from Avvo, which is the highest rating an attorney can achieve from this lawyer rating service. As an active member in the Florida legal community and an advocate for consumers and health care providers, Andrew frequently lectures on issues relating to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, Insurance Litigation and Personal Injury claims and is often consulted by the media on these and other topics.

The Weinstein Law Firm was established by managing partner and civil justice attorney, Andrew Weinstein more than 10 years ago. The firm represents individuals and families injured in automobile and premises liability accidents, as well as those harmed by dangerous and defective products throughout the State of Florida. In addition, the firm represents Florida health care professionals in a wide range of legal issues, which include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and insurance claims. More information can be found at www.weinstein-law.com or by calling (954) 757-7500.

Source: http://www.pr-inside.com/weinstein-law-firm-attorney-andrew-weinstein-r2678222.htm

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Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode ...

Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start
Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode" Week Before She Disappeared
posted June 18, 2011

Attorney Lee Davis said the husband of a missing Signal Mountain woman has been open to a search of all his property from the day his wife vanished.

Attorney Davis said, "I told Signal Mountain (Police) in the first 15 minutes of talking to them about the case that they were welcome to search any of Matt Palmgren's property."

He said about 10 days ago a formal order was signed by himself and Neal Pinkston of the district attorney's office allowing permission of a search of the Palmgren home in the St. Ives subdivision, of the family's lake house northeast of Montgomery, Ala., and of their storage shed.

Gail Palmgren disappeared April 30 in her crimson red 2010 Jeep Rubicon.

Attorney Davis said he does not know if the searches have been carried out, but he said he knows that authorities went through the lake house. He said the authorities have also been at the home on Signal Mountain, but he does not know if they have been inside.

He also said he spoke to a couple in Hoover, Ala., who said Ms. Palmgren "had a psychotic episode" while at their house a week before she disappeared.

Attorney Davis said Ms. Palmgren "showed up uninvited" and spent two nights with the family friends.

He said the husband, an attorney, told him, "Gail was flat f----- up. She was out of her mind."

The couple said Ms. Palmgren had her two children with her, and she noted she had not gotten them any Easter candy. They said the wife took Ms. Palmgren to a store and they became separated. Ms. Palmgren then called the police on the couple, claiming they were trying to take her children away from them.

They said that weekend Ms. Palmgren told them she believed someone was following her and trying to get her tag number.

The husband said she took side roads on their way to their house from her lake house - and the trip took four and a half hours instead of the normal two hours.

Attorney Davis said of the case, "No one in law enforcement has accused Matt Palmgren of anything. They continue to treat it as a missing person case."

He said Mr. Palmgren continues to work to locate her, including hiring former Chattanooga Police Department major crimes detective Mike Mathis to try to track her down.

He said, "This case involves more than one jurisdiction and state so we felt he could work more quickly than law enforcement agencies."

Attorney Davis said one witness attorney Mathis wants to interview is Carol Coppinger, who said she saw Ms. Palmgren on a remote trail on Signal Mountain in the red Jeep on the afternoon and evening of the day she disappeared. She said another woman was in the Jeep with her.

The attorney noted that Matt Palmgren has lost both his wife and his job. He said, "He's under tremendous stress. It's very hard. He's trying to take care of two small children with the help of his mother."

Source: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_203652.asp

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Attorney General Holder defends terrorism trial plans

WASHINGTON (Reuters) ? Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday defended the Obama administration's use of criminal courts to try terrorism suspects after a renewed call to send them to military trials at the naval base in Cuba.

Republicans and even some of President Barack Obama's fellow Democrats have sought to keep open the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and forced the administration to use military courts for the most significant terrorism suspects, those accused of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Holder offered a rebuttal backing traditional criminal trials for terrorism suspects, describing the backlash as "overheated rhetoric that is detached from history and from the facts."

Those who back military trials for terrorism suspects have argued that the accused should not receive full U.S. legal rights and the cities where such trials are held could become targets for attacks, pointing to Guantanamo as the best venue.

"Not one of these individuals has escaped custody. Not one of the judicial districts involved has suffered retaliatory attacks. And not one of these terrorists arrested on American soil has been tried by a military commission," Holder told the American Constitution Society, a liberal-leaning group.

A year ago before a similar audience Holder was defending both military and civilian courts for such cases.

The problem of how to arrest and prosecute terrorism suspects has dogged Obama for the last two years. Congress has blocked attempts to close the Guantanamo prison by choking off funds for transfers to U.S. soil for any reason, including prosecution.

Holder's comments follow a call by the top Senate Republican, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for the administration to transfer two Iraqi men arrested last month in Kentucky to military custody at Guantanamo for prosecution.

"They should be hunted and captured, detained and interrogated, and tried away from civilian populations according to the laws of war," McConnell said on Tuesday.

The two were accused in federal court of trying to help al Qaeda militants in their home country. One of them was also charged with taking part in roadside bomb attacks on U.S. troops.

Waad Ramadan Alwan and Mohanad Shareef Hammadi were charged in a 23-count indictment for allegedly trying to provide support and weapons to an al Qaeda affiliate in Iraq, in a sting operation subsequently run by U.S. authorities.

They entered the United States in 2009 after receiving refugee status and have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Holder tried to send the five men accused of the September 11 attacks, including self-proclaimed mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, to federal court in New York, but after pressure he had to reverse his decision, so they will be tried before a military court at Guantanamo.

Holder acknowledged those setbacks, but told the group: "There is, quite simply, no more powerful tool than our civilian court system."

(Editing by Eric Walsh)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110617/pl_nm/us_usa_security_trials_1

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State attorney general probes mortgage firms

The Michigan Attorney General's Office subpoenaed three mortgage processors, including Lender Processing Services, as part of a state probe of robo-signing.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said his office served Lender Processing, Fidelity National Financial and CT Corporation System with investigative subpoenas as affiliates of DocX, a mortgage service support provider.

The attorney general said he is seeking information about documents signed by DocX employees as "Linda Green."

The subpoenas are part of a criminal investigation into questionable mortgage documentation filed with Michigan's Register of Deeds offices, Schuette said in a statement Wednesday.

The subpoenas were approved by the state court in Lansing on Monday and require responses by June 30, Schuette said.

"Allegations of forged mortgage documents are very serious and require a thorough investigation," Schuette said. "I will continue to work closely with federal and local authorities to find answers on behalf of Michigan homeowners."

Schuette said he started the investigation in April after county officials across Michigan said they suspected assignment of mortgage documents filed in their offices may have been forged.

County officials in Michigan reviewed files after a "60 Minutes" broadcast showed that "Linda Green" was used to sign thousands of mortgage-related documents nationwide, with multiple variations in handwriting, Schuette's office said in a statement.

The officials found similarly signed documents, and Schuette is investigating whether certain mortgage processing companies permitted robo-signing of legal documents filed in connection with Michigan foreclosures.

Michelle Kersch, a Lender Processing Services spokeswoman, didn't immediately return a call for comment.

Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20110616/BUSINESS04/106160433/1002/rss02

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Joliet attorney ready to take on Glasgow in Will Co. state?s attorney race

By Cindy Wojdyla Cain ccain@stmedianetwork.com June 16, 2011 2:36PM

Dave Carlson

Updated: June 17, 2011 2:13PM

JOLIET ? Joliet attorney Dave Carlson announced todaythat he will run for state?s attorney in the March Republican primary.

If he is successful, Carlson could meet his former boss, incumbent Will County State?s Attorney Jim Glasgow, in the November 2012 general election. Democrat Glasgow has said he will seek re-election.

Carlson, 40, of Plainfield, worked as an assistant state?s attorney for Glasgow and his predecessor, former States?s Attorney Jeff Tomczak, from 2001 to 2005.

?I am running for the office of state?s attorney because the people of Will County deserve better,? Carlson said in a press release. ?The office needs to be led from the top by a trial lawyer, not a career politician.?

Carlson said the state?s attorney should be someone who is in the courthouse every day, leading the charge against crime, ?not someone who appears only for press conferences.?

In a telephone interview with The Herald-News, Carlson said Glasgow has no leadership skills.

?We deserve better. We do,? he said. ?There should be someone at the courthouse, if not every day, at least every week. That?s his job.?

In contrast, Tomczak tried many cases, Carlson said. Carlson and Tomczak are both Republicans.

Glasgow, who served as state?s attorney from 1992 to 2000 and 2004 to the present, was not available for comment thisafternoon. But spokesman Charles Pelkie said Glasgow is a seasoned attorney well versed in all aspects of his office, including civil matters.

?The state?s attorney is actively involved in the management of the office and the decision-making process in terms of charging many cases,? Pelkie said. ?On top of that, he?s the top prosecutor on some of the biggest cases we have going right now, most notably, the Drew Peterson case as well as the Christopher Vaughn cases.?

The Peterson and Vaughn cases are high-profile murder cases. Pelkie said Carlson has no idea what it would take to run the office.

?What you have (in Carlson) is a criminal defense attorney who brings very little to the table in terms of experience,? Pelkie said.

This will be Carlson?s first attempt at public office.

Carlson said he has the passion to be state?s attorney and will lead the office with the highest standards of honor and integrity.

?I look forward to a positive campaign to address genuine issues and facts concerning Will County residents,? he said.

Carlson formed his own law firm in 2005. The office is at 116 N. Chicago St.

He grew up in Chicago and attended law school at Northern Illinois University. Through the years, Carlson worked as a probation officer, an assistant to the state comptroller, a prosecutor for the city of Chicago and a civil attorney in Chicago.

During his tenure with the Will County State?s Attorney?s Office, he was assigned to the organized crime unit and was named the chief gang crimes prosecutor.

Source: http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/5996744-418/joliet-attorney-ready-to-take-on-glasgow-in-will-co.-states-attorney-race

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Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode ...

Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start
Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode" Week Before She Disappeared
posted June 18, 2011

Attorney Lee Davis said the husband of a missing Signal Mountain woman has been open to a search of all his property from the day his wife vanished.

Attorney Davis said, "I told Signal Mountain (Police) in the first 15 minutes of talking to them about the case that they were welcome to search any of Matt Palmgren's property."

He said about 10 days ago a formal order was signed by himself and Neal Pinkston of the district attorney's office allowing permission of a search of the Palmgren home in the St. Ives subdivision, of the family's lake house northeast of Montgomery, Ala., and of their storage shed.

Gail Palmgren disappeared April 30 in her crimson red 2010 Jeep Rubicon.

Attorney Davis said he does not know if the searches have been carried out, but he said he knows that authorities went through the lake house. He said the authorities have also been at the home on Signal Mountain, but he does not know if they have been inside.

He also said he spoke to a couple in Hoover, Ala., who said Ms. Palmgren "had a psychotic episode" while at their house a week before she disappeared.

Attorney Davis said Ms. Palmgren "showed up uninvited" and spent two nights with the family friends.

He said the husband, an attorney, told him, "Gail was flat f----- up. She was out of her mind."

The couple said Ms. Palmgren had her two children with her, and she noted she had not gotten them any Easter candy. They said the wife took Ms. Palmgren to a store and they became separated. Ms. Palmgren then called the police on the couple, claiming they were trying to take her children away from them.

They said that weekend Ms. Palmgren told them she believed someone was following her and trying to get her tag number.

The husband said she took side roads on their way to their house from her lake house - and the trip took four and a half hours instead of the normal two hours.

Attorney Davis said of the case, "No one in law enforcement has accused Matt Palmgren of anything. They continue to treat it as a missing person case."

He said Mr. Palmgren continues to work to locate her, including hiring former Chattanooga Police Department major crimes detective Mike Mathis to try to track her down.

He said, "This case involves more than one jurisdiction and state so we felt he could work more quickly than law enforcement agencies."

Attorney Davis said one witness attorney Mathis wants to interview is Carol Coppinger, who said she saw Ms. Palmgren on a remote trail on Signal Mountain in the red Jeep on the afternoon and evening of the day she disappeared. She said another woman was in the Jeep with her.

The attorney noted that Matt Palmgren has lost both his wife and his job. He said, "He's under tremendous stress. It's very hard. He's trying to take care of two small children with the help of his mother."

Source: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_203652.asp

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Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode ...

Attorney Says Palmgren Property Has Been Available For Search From The Start
Says Gail Palmgren Had "Psychotic Episode" Week Before She Disappeared
posted June 18, 2011

Attorney Lee Davis said the husband of a missing Signal Mountain woman has been open to a search of all his property from the day his wife vanished.

Attorney Davis said, "I told Signal Mountain (Police) in the first 15 minutes of talking to them about the case that they were welcome to search any of Matt Palmgren's property."

He said about 10 days ago a formal order was signed by himself and Neal Pinkston of the district attorney's office allowing permission of a search of the Palmgren home in the St. Ives subdivision, of the family's lake house northeast of Montgomery, Ala., and of their storage shed.

Gail Palmgren disappeared April 30 in her crimson red 2010 Jeep Rubicon.

Attorney Davis said he does not know if the searches have been carried out, but he said he knows that authorities went through the lake house. He said the authorities have also been at the home on Signal Mountain, but he does not know if they have been inside.

He also said he spoke to a couple in Hoover, Ala., who said Ms. Palmgren "had a psychotic episode" while at their house a week before she disappeared.

Attorney Davis said Ms. Palmgren "showed up uninvited" and spent two nights with the family friends.

He said the husband, an attorney, told him, "Gail was flat f----- up. She was out of her mind."

The couple said Ms. Palmgren had her two children with her, and she noted she had not gotten them any Easter candy. They said the wife took Ms. Palmgren to a store and they became separated. Ms. Palmgren then called the police on the couple, claiming they were trying to take her children away from them.

They said that weekend Ms. Palmgren told them she believed someone was following her and trying to get her tag number.

The husband said she took side roads on their way to their house from her lake house - and the trip took four and a half hours instead of the normal two hours.

Attorney Davis said of the case, "No one in law enforcement has accused Matt Palmgren of anything. They continue to treat it as a missing person case."

He said Mr. Palmgren continues to work to locate her, including hiring former Chattanooga Police Department major crimes detective Mike Mathis to try to track her down.

He said, "This case involves more than one jurisdiction and state so we felt he could work more quickly than law enforcement agencies."

Attorney Davis said one witness attorney Mathis wants to interview is Carol Coppinger, who said she saw Ms. Palmgren on a remote trail on Signal Mountain in the red Jeep on the afternoon and evening of the day she disappeared. She said another woman was in the Jeep with her.

The attorney noted that Matt Palmgren has lost both his wife and his job. He said, "He's under tremendous stress. It's very hard. He's trying to take care of two small children with the help of his mother."

Source: http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_203652.asp

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Updated: Attorney general declares warden land deal illegal, plans to void it - knox.VillageSoup.com

Augusta ? The Governor's Office released a statement July 11 declaring that the attorney general has found the sale of state-owned property to the Maine State Prison warden to be illegal. The AG's office is declaring the transaction void.

Prison Warden Patricia Barnhart and Sheehan Gallagher paid $175,000 to the state to buy a Ship Street Circle parcel that includes three houses and more than five acres of property extending down to the St. George River, according to Maine Bureau of General Services Acting Director Betty Lamoreau.

In addition, the Thomaston Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 12 to look at the warden's proposed subdivision of the property has been postponed, according to a town office spokesperson.

Gov. Paul LePage issued a statement Monday regarding a recent opinion from Attorney General William Schneider. The opinion involves the purported sale of real estate to a state employee and a subsequent lease back to the state of a building located on the property.

In a July 8 letter to Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Sawin Millett and Patricia Barnhart, Attorney General Schneider wrote, ?Because Ms. Barnhart is employed by the State as the Warden of the Maine State Prison and was so employed during the time period in which this transaction took place, it is my opinion that the Contract, Release Deed, and Lease and Memorandum of Lease are void under the terms of title 17, section 3104 of the Maine Revised Statutes.?

"No trustee, superintendent, treasurer or other person holding a place of trust in any state office or public institution of the state shall be pecuniarily interested directly or indirectly in any contracts made in behalf of the state or of the institution in which he holds such place of trust, and any contract made in violation hereof is void," the statute states, according to the letter.

"We suggest that the parties and their counsel meet as soon as possible to discuss the process for unwinding this matter," Schneider wrote in the letter.

The attorney general first became aware of the land deal Friday, July 8, according to Brenda Kielty, special assistant to the attorney general. She said the attorney general had no prior involvement.

The real estate transaction involving property located at 22, 26 and 30 Ship Street Circle in Thomaston began in the fall of 2010 under the previous administration and was consummated through the Department of Administrative and Financial Services in June 2011.

Under the direction of the 124th Legislature, the fiscal year 2010/2011 budget was to be balanced, in part, by booking $1.5 million in anticipated revenue from the sale of a list of state-owned properties, which included the Ship Street Circle properties in Thomaston.

LePage was informed about the sale last week and had no prior knowledge of the deal, according to the statement. Upon review of the details the governor issued an executive order immediately. The order establishes that the Department of Administrative and Financial Services will create internal policy guidance for sales of state-owned real estate.

?While it is disconcerting that questions about this sale were not raised during this process, I am confident the measures I am taking now will prevent similar situations from occurring in the future,? said LePage.

?The people?s business is to be done openly and Mainers must be able to trust the process in which state business is conducted,? LePage said.

The executive order is as follows:

An Order Increasing Oversight Over Sales of State-Owned Real Estate

WHEREAS, the State of Maine owns real estate that may not be in active state use;

WHEREAS, the sale of these properties will allow them to be put to higher and better uses;

WHEREAS, it is the duty of State Government to ensure that such sales are conducted in a fair and open manner; and

WHEREAS, prior sales practices have provided insufficient oversight;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, hereby order as follows:

1. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services shall establish internal policy guidance for sales of state-owned real estate. Such policy shall include, at a minimum, the following controls:

1. A reasonable period of public notice for all properties to be sold, to be advertised according to customary real estate sales practices;

2. An Affidavit by prospective purchasers that such purchaser is not in violation of

17 M.R.S.A. � 3104;

1. A review of any proposed sales by the Office of the Attorney General;

2. A review of any proposed sales by a committee of Department directors, to include the submission of an evaluation report to the Commissioner; and

3. A signed statement by a person with experience in real estate transactions that the proposed sale price is commercially-reasonable.

2. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services shall immediately suspend all pending real estate sales until a review substantially similar to the policy outlined in Paragraph 1 is conducted. The Department may proceed to closing each sale only upon the express approval of the Commissioner.

The effective date of this Executive Order is July 11, 2011.

Thomaston planning board meeting postponed

Barnhart and Gallagher had proposed a seven-lot subdivision on Ship Street Circle, according to previous comments by Town Code Enforcement Officer Peter Surek.

The project was scheduled to go before the planning board at its July 12 meeting, but the meeting was postponed, the town office confirmed July 11.

Surek said an engineer representing Barnhart and Gallagher contacted the town office on the afternoon of July 11 to postpone the meeting.

Attorney General's office mentioned in documents

According to documents and emails released by the Maine Bureau of General Services, officials did raise questions about the sale during the negotiations and talked about contacting the Attorney General's office.

The discussion of Barnhart buying the property started with an email Sept. 2, 2010, from Denise Lord, formerly of the Maine Department of Corrections, to Chip Gavin, former director of the Maine Bureau of General Services.

"The warden asked if there was a possibility that she might purchase the house she is living in currently," Lord wrote. "...Is it possible that BGS could consider this? Not sure if there are any prohibitions or concerns about this and will respect your decision."

In the same email, Lord noted that the Department of Corrections would like to keep the use of one of the Ship Street Circle homes as temporary housing for newly hired staff.

The prison has been providing the warden with housing as has been the tradition. However, state officials say the state is not obligated by the warden's contract to provide her with housing.

In the deal, the state and Barnhart agreed to a sale price on the property of $175,000 with a four-year lease back to the state to use one of the three houses on Ship Street Circle for $1 per year.

Discussions of the deal took place Jan. 31 with an email from Jonathan Leahy, an associate broker with CBRE/The Boulos Company, to Director William Leet of the Division of Leased Space.

"Patti [Barnhart] is happy to provide the facility rent-free for four years, but if the DOC [Department of Corrections] requests a renewal for a fifth year, she would expect a market rent," Leahy wrote. "She would like to continue having the lawn/plowing/trash handled by the state. Currently it is handled by a prisoner work program. Is it possible for this to continue? She has requested that the state pay 1/3 of the annual real estate taxes once due."

"I believe we can accommodate all of the requests of the buyer excluding the payment of 1/3 of the annual real estate taxes," Leet wrote Feb. 8.

As part of the final agreement, inmate work crews provide mowing and landscaping work on the property, remove trash and clear snow, Lamoreau and Department of Corrections Associate Commissioner Jody Breton confirmed July 6.

"I am not sure if it is legal for us to provide those services without owning or leasing the property," Leet wrote in an email March 1.

"I have been trying to get an answer from the AG's Office," he wrote March 9. "Corrections and BGS are OK with it; we just need to be sure it's appropriate and legal."

Kielty said she asked around at the Attorney General's office July 11 and cannot find any reference in its emails or records to the land deal. She also noted that of the employees she talked to, none had any memory of any calls or discussions of the issue.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFxFvHTgLsjmIzqE6p2i49h26wmaw&url=http://knox.villagesoup.com/news/story/updated-attorney-general-declares-warden-land-deal-illegal-plans-to-void-it/420853

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Weinstein Law Firm Attorney Andrew Weinstein Named to the Florida Super Lawyers List - PR Inside

2011-06-27 05:39:25 - The Weinstein Law Firm today announced that Andrew Weinstein has been named to the Florida Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in Florida for 2011. No more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by the attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area, and a good-standing and disciplinary check. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state

basis.

?I am honored to have been named to the Florida Super Lawyers list? said Andrew Weinstein. ?I will endeavor to uphold the legal standards and professional ethics required to maintain this recognition.?

As a trial attorney focusing on personal injury law and insurance litigation, Mr. Weinstein has successfully resolved several thousand cases for Florida consumers and healthcare providers. Mr. Weinstein is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has received a score of 10 from Avvo, which is the highest rating an attorney can achieve from this lawyer rating service. As an active member in the Florida legal community and an advocate for consumers and health care providers, Andrew frequently lectures on issues relating to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law, Insurance Litigation and Personal Injury claims and is often consulted by the media on these and other topics.

The Weinstein Law Firm was established by managing partner and civil justice attorney, Andrew Weinstein more than 10 years ago. The firm represents individuals and families injured in automobile and premises liability accidents, as well as those harmed by dangerous and defective products throughout the State of Florida. In addition, the firm represents Florida health care professionals in a wide range of legal issues, which include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and insurance claims. More information can be found at www.weinstein-law.com or by calling (954) 757-7500.

Source: http://www.pr-inside.com/weinstein-law-firm-attorney-andrew-weinstein-r2678222.htm

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First VA colonoscopy trial begins in Miami - MiamiHerald.com

Air Force veteran Robert Metzler says his life is ruined. His attorney says Metzler, of Coral Gables, faces a future of exhaustion, loss of sexual companionship and the threat of cirrhosis or liver cancer. But the lawyer defending the Veterans Administration says Metzler might be cured of the underlying condition, hepatitis C, within a year.

Those were the sharply contrasting opening statements presented in Miami federal court Monday in a medical malpractice case filed against the VA. It?s the first such case that has gone to trial after some 11,000 U.S. military vets learned that the colonoscopies they had at three VA hospitals, including Miami?s, were performed with improperly cleaned equipment.

?He?s been scoped by a dirty scope,? attorney Ervin Gonzalez said. ?He has hepatitis C. It scars the liver, brings on insomnia, hot flashes and, in the end, for 5 percent, liver failure.?

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Rosen, defending the VA, called it ?almost scientifically impossible for the virus to be transmitted? in the time frame claimed by the plaintiff. He told U.S. District Judge Adalberto Jordan, who is presiding over the case, that he will produce medical experts to say the hepatitis C virus can live only three days in the human body and a day or less outside it, and the only other vet to have been treated with that endoscope within that range of time has tested negative for the virus.

Rosen said he also will bring in experts to talk about new drugs that can cure Metzler?s hepatitis C: ?The older drugs build up your immune system to fight hepatitis. The new drugs stop the virus from replicating, kill the virus.?

The plaintiff?s first witness, Dr. Brian Clarke, a gastroenterologist trained at Indiana University, testified that new studies in medical journals suggest the hepatitis virus might live longer outside the body than previously believed.

Gonzalez argued that the new drugs work only 70-to-80 percent of the time, and have side effects that can even include suicidal or homicidal tendencies. He argued that Metzler, 69, who has been making up to $100,000 a year selling machinery for automotive maintenance, will suffer $1 million in lost earnings and a probable loss of $1.5 million for selling his business early so he can take the rigorous drug treatments. Metzler?s suit asks for that amount plus $750,000 each for him and his wife for mental anguish.

?I feel terrible,? Metzler said, during a break in the trial. ?They?ve ruined my life.?

The non-jury trial is expected to last about a week.

The VA lawyer didn?t contest the idea that improperly cleaned equipment might have been used in colonoscopies at the VA hospitals in Miami, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Augusta, Ga. That much was conceded in a report by the VA?s Administrative Investigation Board in 2009. The investigation covered the period of 2004 and 2009 when the scopes were improperly used.

Gonzalez said Metzler tested negative for hepatitis in 2006, got the colonoscopy in 2007 and was told he has hepatitis C in 2009.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH8texaqryoQjqpL14DxFtJPFkmUw&url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/11/2309612/first-va-colonoscopy-trial-begins.html

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Oakland's new Acting City Attorney has strong vision for city

More than a week into her new gig, Barbara J. Parker is happily settling in as Acting City Attorney.

Parker, who served as Oakland's chief assistant city attorney, was appointed by the outgoing City Attorney John Russo to her current role. Russo, who held the position for 11 years, jumped ship to work as the city manager of Alameda after a series of high profile fights with some members of the Oakland City Council and Mayor Jean Quan over medical marijuana farms, gang injunctions and other issues.

With her down-to-earth demeanor, Parker said teamwork and effective consensus-building will be the hallmark of her tenure as acting city attorney.

"I think the city needs someone with my unique skills," said Parker, who's overseen a wide range of services in the city attorney's office. "I'm very collaborative, much more so in style than John (Russo). I want (the city attorney's office and City Council) to work as a team."

Parker is well known around City Hall and her credentials are formidable. A graduate of Harvard Law School, for more than 20 years she has worked in the City Attorney's Office with 11 of those years in the role of chief assistant city attorney.

As second in command, Parker oversaw a staff of about 20 attorneys. She also was responsible for representing the City Attorney's Office at Council meetings and in the last decade, she has only missed a handful of those meetings.

Parker also has deep experience work as an attorney for federal, state and local levels of government, including more than five years as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California.

A longtime Oakland resident, Parker said she's very much a candidate for Oakland City Attorney if an election is held in 2012.

"I plan to run following the appointment, which I hope will be made permanent in the near future," Parker said.

"I've thought about this a great deal because I'm at sort of a crossroad. My one daughter (Savannah) will be finishing college next year and so it's an opportunity for me to look at the world and see what I would like to do, where I would like to go ... and I thought what a great opportunity it would be to make a difference here in Oakland."

According to city rules, the City Council has 60 days to appoint a replacement for Russo. If that time elapses with no appointment, the Oakland City Council then has 120 days to fill the seat by a special election.

Equity, fairness and justice has shaped the life of Parker, the daughter of a sharecropper and farmer who fled the segregated South and made his way to Seattle where Parker was born.

Parker said her family experiences during segregation made a huge impact on her.

She recounts a story of being hurriedly snatched off an Arkansas sidewalk by her grandmother when she was a young girl visiting her family. Parker said she was confused as to why her grandmother would make such a move, until her grandmother simply told her that, "White people are coming." Back then, Parker said, it was common for blacks to have to step aside when a white person was walking on a sidewalk.

"It just instilled in me this commitment to fairness, (and) justice for all which is the dream and the goal," she said. "As attorneys, we have this unique opportunity to use the law to ensure that and to make sure that everyone in Oakland is represented."

Over the years, Parker has been involved with or supported a number of high profile social justice efforts in Oakland including medical marijuana, the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to reproductive health clinics, anti-predatory lending practices in Oakland and the use of prevailing wage in the city.

As acting City Attorney, Parker said her office will have an open door policy that includes initiating meetings with City Council, community members and the media to talk about a wide range of issues.

"It's all a part of the amalgam of what makes this city a unique city," she said. "Everybody has something to offer. It makes a difference when people think their input has been heard. We don't have all the answers here."

Parker said around the issue of public safety, she believes in working closely with Oakland communities.

"I see public safety as not just being about police, but also all of these other things, whether it's midnight basketball or after school programs," she said.

Parker said that while she's comfortable with the recent City Council decision on gang injunctions, including the directive to study the issue, she understands the concerns around gang injunction.

"Injunctions are merely a tool, they're not an end in and of themselves. It's unfortunate it's been so polarizing, I think. We all have to work together to see if in fact (they) are effective," Parker said. "With my background, I understand why people have some concern; the potential civil liberties issues, harassment and that kind of thing. I've had that happen to me as recently as last summer.

"Not here in Oakland, but when was I driving across country, driving through Texas ... . Again, John and I have different sides. If I had been city attorney when this came up, I would of worked with Council to make sure they were on board and understood what we were doing."

Parker said on the issue of gang injunctions, it is Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts' office that wanted the injunctions.

"It's kind of gotten distorted in the media as if this was the City Attorney's suit, but the city attorney did this on behalf of and at the request of the police chief and Council members who were briefed on it."

Parker said she's interested in restarting regular standing meetings between the mayor's office and the City Attorney's office to discuss city issues.

"I want to work very closely with (Quan)," Parker said. "So that we can be upfront versus at the back end or not in the picture."

A writer and photographer, Jennifer Inez Ward has been documenting Oakland neighborhoods for more than 10 years. A graduate of UC Berkeley?s Graduate School of Journalism, she focuses on the uniqueness and beauty of everyday life in a city that is too often overlooked for its treasures and pleasures. Throughout the years, Jennifer has had the honor of showcasing her work at a number of venues, including a permanent loan of images that are displayed on the front wall of Barnes and Nobel in Jack London Square. Jennifer is a featured artist documented in ?Images of America: Black Artists in Oakland."

Source: http://oaklandlocal.com/article/oaklands-new-acting-city-attorney-has-strong-vision-city

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Attorney for Tunisia?s deposed president denies charges against him

Ben Ali, his former interior minister and other of the fallen regime?s top security officials also face nearly 200 charges in military tribunals, the head of military justice, Col. Major Marwane Bouguerra, said Friday.

Tunisia has asked Saudi Arabia to extradite Ben Ali, but the request has gone unanswered, so the longtime strongman is slated to be tried in absentia starting next week. He and his wife Leila, who also fled the country in January, are to face charges including abuse of power, drug trafficking and weapons possession.

Jean-Yves Leborgne, a Paris-based lawyer representing Ben Ali, dismissed the upcoming trial as a bid by those now in power in the small North African nation to eradicate the past.

?It can be summed up as the justice of the winner,? he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Asked about images broadcast on Tunisian television showing caches of arms and large sums of cash in one of Ben Ali?s palaces, Leborgne said the weapons were ?gifts.?

For months, rumors have swirled that Ben Ali has suffered debilitating health problems since he fled into exile. While Leborgne declined to answer specific questions about Ben Ali?s health, saying he is not a doctor, the attorney said a meeting with his client took place under ?normal circumstances.?

?He?s not in the state that he?s said to be in,? Leborgne said.

Bouguerra, the head of Tunisian military justice, said most of the military tribunals? charges against Ben Ali and his entourage are in their preliminary stages. Still, an initial trial will take place in the eastern city of Sfax starting June 27 in the death of a man allegedly killed by security forces.

The street protests that began in Tunisia in mid-December have since spread throughout much of the Arab world, raging in neighboring Libya, as well as in Syria and Yemen.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/attorney-for-tunisias-deposed-president-denies-charges-against-him/2011/06/17/AG3YSkYH_story.html?wprss=rss_world

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Stephen Fray's attorney appeals - Go Jamaica

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

Attorney-at-Law Jacqueline Samuels Brown has started to make submissions on behalf of convicted attempted hijacker Stephen Fray, in the case brought before the appeals court.

The attorney wants the Court of Appeal to overturn Fray?s sentencing and conviction.

In October 2009, Fray was convicted on several charges, eight months after he attempted to hijack a Canadian-bound aircraft.

He was convicted on eight counts of illegal possession of a firearm, shooting with intent, robbery with aggravation, assault at common law and breaches of the Airport Act arising from the attempted hijacking of the CanJet aircraft at the Sangster International Airport.

Fray was sentenced to a total of 83 years imprisonment.

However, Samuels Brown said the conviction and sentence should be overturned because Fray was suffering from a mental issue at the time he committed the act.

She also noted the trial judge was wrong in rejecting the medical evidence that Fray had a psychological condition.

According to Samuels Brown, the trial judge should have found Fray guilty by reason of insanity.

However, he will only serve a maximum of 20 years because the sentences are to run at the same time.

The plane, which had more than 160 passengers on board at the time, was scheduled to depart for Cuba, en route to Halifax in Canada.

jerome.reynolds@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=29519

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Oakland's new Acting City Attorney has strong vision for city

More than a week into her new gig, Barbara J. Parker is happily settling in as Acting City Attorney.

Parker, who served as Oakland's chief assistant city attorney, was appointed by the outgoing City Attorney John Russo to her current role. Russo, who held the position for 11 years, jumped ship to work as the city manager of Alameda after a series of high profile fights with some members of the Oakland City Council and Mayor Jean Quan over medical marijuana farms, gang injunctions and other issues.

With her down-to-earth demeanor, Parker said teamwork and effective consensus-building will be the hallmark of her tenure as acting city attorney.

"I think the city needs someone with my unique skills," said Parker, who's overseen a wide range of services in the city attorney's office. "I'm very collaborative, much more so in style than John (Russo). I want (the city attorney's office and City Council) to work as a team."

Parker is well known around City Hall and her credentials are formidable. A graduate of Harvard Law School, for more than 20 years she has worked in the City Attorney's Office with 11 of those years in the role of chief assistant city attorney.

As second in command, Parker oversaw a staff of about 20 attorneys. She also was responsible for representing the City Attorney's Office at Council meetings and in the last decade, she has only missed a handful of those meetings.

Parker also has deep experience work as an attorney for federal, state and local levels of government, including more than five years as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California.

A longtime Oakland resident, Parker said she's very much a candidate for Oakland City Attorney if an election is held in 2012.

"I plan to run following the appointment, which I hope will be made permanent in the near future," Parker said.

"I've thought about this a great deal because I'm at sort of a crossroad. My one daughter (Savannah) will be finishing college next year and so it's an opportunity for me to look at the world and see what I would like to do, where I would like to go ... and I thought what a great opportunity it would be to make a difference here in Oakland."

According to city rules, the City Council has 60 days to appoint a replacement for Russo. If that time elapses with no appointment, the Oakland City Council then has 120 days to fill the seat by a special election.

Equity, fairness and justice has shaped the life of Parker, the daughter of a sharecropper and farmer who fled the segregated South and made his way to Seattle where Parker was born.

Parker said her family experiences during segregation made a huge impact on her.

She recounts a story of being hurriedly snatched off an Arkansas sidewalk by her grandmother when she was a young girl visiting her family. Parker said she was confused as to why her grandmother would make such a move, until her grandmother simply told her that, "White people are coming." Back then, Parker said, it was common for blacks to have to step aside when a white person was walking on a sidewalk.

"It just instilled in me this commitment to fairness, (and) justice for all which is the dream and the goal," she said. "As attorneys, we have this unique opportunity to use the law to ensure that and to make sure that everyone in Oakland is represented."

Over the years, Parker has been involved with or supported a number of high profile social justice efforts in Oakland including medical marijuana, the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to reproductive health clinics, anti-predatory lending practices in Oakland and the use of prevailing wage in the city.

As acting City Attorney, Parker said her office will have an open door policy that includes initiating meetings with City Council, community members and the media to talk about a wide range of issues.

"It's all a part of the amalgam of what makes this city a unique city," she said. "Everybody has something to offer. It makes a difference when people think their input has been heard. We don't have all the answers here."

Parker said around the issue of public safety, she believes in working closely with Oakland communities.

"I see public safety as not just being about police, but also all of these other things, whether it's midnight basketball or after school programs," she said.

Parker said that while she's comfortable with the recent City Council decision on gang injunctions, including the directive to study the issue, she understands the concerns around gang injunction.

"Injunctions are merely a tool, they're not an end in and of themselves. It's unfortunate it's been so polarizing, I think. We all have to work together to see if in fact (they) are effective," Parker said. "With my background, I understand why people have some concern; the potential civil liberties issues, harassment and that kind of thing. I've had that happen to me as recently as last summer.

"Not here in Oakland, but when was I driving across country, driving through Texas ... . Again, John and I have different sides. If I had been city attorney when this came up, I would of worked with Council to make sure they were on board and understood what we were doing."

Parker said on the issue of gang injunctions, it is Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts' office that wanted the injunctions.

"It's kind of gotten distorted in the media as if this was the City Attorney's suit, but the city attorney did this on behalf of and at the request of the police chief and Council members who were briefed on it."

Parker said she's interested in restarting regular standing meetings between the mayor's office and the City Attorney's office to discuss city issues.

"I want to work very closely with (Quan)," Parker said. "So that we can be upfront versus at the back end or not in the picture."

A writer and photographer, Jennifer Inez Ward has been documenting Oakland neighborhoods for more than 10 years. A graduate of UC Berkeley?s Graduate School of Journalism, she focuses on the uniqueness and beauty of everyday life in a city that is too often overlooked for its treasures and pleasures. Throughout the years, Jennifer has had the honor of showcasing her work at a number of venues, including a permanent loan of images that are displayed on the front wall of Barnes and Nobel in Jack London Square. Jennifer is a featured artist documented in ?Images of America: Black Artists in Oakland."

Source: http://oaklandlocal.com/article/oaklands-new-acting-city-attorney-has-strong-vision-city

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Lynnwood DUI Defense Attorney Jonathan Dichter Launches New Website - PRWeb

Lynnwood, WA (PRWEB) June 27, 2011

The presentation of a law firm online should reflect their degree of professionalism and allow potential clients to learn about the firm when searching for the attorney they need. Jonathan Dichter recognized the need for a fresh new website that would make it simple for individuals throughout the Lynnwood area that have been arrested and charged with DUI to find out more about the firm. The new site allows those in the area to learn more about the firm?s successes in court, and gives them multiple points to contact the firm and get more information. As any business will be judged by the quality of their promotion, this new site reflects the high quality of the firm, and introduces those in the area to the services his firm provides.

A DUI offense is often the first (and only) time that a person comes into contact with the criminal justice system, and can be very frightening. These cases move forward quickly through the system, and usually result in heavy penalties, including the loss of your ability to legally operate a vehicle for an extended period of time. What most people don?t realize is that there are a great number of DUI cases that have real flaws and could likely have been dismissed had the accused individual gotten a skilled DUI defense lawyer from the firm to review their case.

Whether facing a first time misdemeanor DUI, or a more serious situation such as felony DUI, multiple DUI offenses, second DUI offense, out of state DUI, minor DUI, vehicular assault, DUI & drugs, hit & run or a tragic case of vehicular manslaughter, Jonathan is committed to seeking the best possible outcome for his clients, and has impressive skill in defending even the most serious criminal DUI charges.

Contact a Lynnwood DUI defense lawyer from Dichter Law Office, PLLC for more information.

###

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8602483.htm

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DOJ official in ethics probe demoted - Statesman Journal

The embattled chief counsel of the Oregon Department of Justice's Criminal Justice Division is being demoted, Attorney General John Kroger announced Friday.

Sean Riddell is resigning his management position and going on leave until August, Kroger said in a prepared statement.

When Riddell returns, he will come back as an assistant attorney general with a new assignment.

Riddell currently faces an ethics complaint before the Oregon State Bar in his handling of a criminal investigation regarding contracting practices at the Oregon Department of Energy.

Four employees faced accusations that they had improperly steered a $60,000 contract to a firm owned by Cylvia Hayes, Gov. John Kitzhaber's companion. The employees, suspended as a result of the investigation, were cleared of wrongdoing earlier this month and reinstated to their jobs.

Riddell has been accused of lying to witnesses during the investigation in an attempt to coerce or intimidate them.

Kroger's statement did not mention the Department of Energy investigation directly, referring only to "mistakes in a small number of high-profile cases."

Instead, Kroger tied Riddell's demotion to an apparent clerical error.

"This week I learned that in addition to these errors, Chief Counsel Riddell had deleted a large number of government emails under the mistaken belief that they had been backed up on computer tape," Kroger wrote.

"Although we were able to recover many of the deleted emails, an unknown number have been lost permanently. The Department of Justice must scrupulously uphold its obligation to preserve government records."

Assistant Attorney General Darin Tweedt will serve as Interim Chief Counsel, Kroger said.

The Justice Department launched its criminal probe in August but never filed charges and shut down its investigation late last year.

One of the employees suspended in the investigation was Mark Long, the former interim director of the Department of Energy. One of Long's attorneys responded to Friday's announcement.

"I would say that it is a good decision to remove Mr. Riddell," said Eugene lawyer Sharon Rudnick. "He's been wielding the state's prosecutorial powers in his position, and he's hurt a lot of people, including Mark. It's good that it's going to stop."

The ethics complaint against Riddell has not progressed far with the Oregon State Bar.

"It has not moved past the initial screening investigation," Bar spokeswoman Kateri Walsh said Friday.

Deputy Attorney General Mary Williams announced Riddell's demotion to staff in an email shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, about 10 minutes before Kroger released his statement.

"You may hear different things about why this change is occurring," Williams said. "I ask that you respect the fact that we often will not discuss why changes happen for a variety of reasons. But I will tell you that the Attorney General and I have the greatest respect for Sean."

Kroger also praised Riddell as a dedicated public servant and a veteran who, as a Marine, served two tours of duty in Iraq.

dmthomps@StatesmanJournal.com, (503) 399-6719 or on Twitter @DMThompsonJr

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFAjzRhuffO1G0Qlsv98N9r7Kg0xg&url=http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20110618/NEWS/106180329/DOJ-official-ethics-probe-demoted?odyssey=mod%257Cnewswell%257Ctext%257CNews%257Cp

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