Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Lawyer in Contempt Case re Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant today for a lawyer who left a phone message saying he could not attend a contempt hearing because he was in trial in another state.
Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said he wants details in writing from attorney Matt Alford, including whether or not he asked the judge in the Houston trial for permission to be absent to attend the California contempt hearing, according to the Associated Press and Reuters.
The contempt case concerns comments Alford made on NBC’s Today show about the then-ongoing manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray concerning the death of pop singer Michael Jackson.
Pastor contends Alford’s televised comments about a prosecution witness and the jury violated a gag order he issued prohibiting defense lawyers from commenting publicly about the case. Alford did not participate in the Murray trial but is a partner of the physician’s lead defense lawyer, Ed Chernoff.
The judge said he wants to see Alford in court again on Nov. 29, the same day he is scheduled to sentence Murray.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Conrad Murray Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in Death of Michael Jackson”
ABAJournal.com: “Evidence Rulings and Incriminating Statements Made Conrad Murray’s Case a Losing Battle”
