Caylee Marie Anthony #177 1/4/11 - 1/14/11

[loca]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-jose-baez-outside-depth-20110107,0,6720421.story
Can José Baez rise to the challenge of Casey Anthony case?
By Anthony Colarossi, Orlando Sentinel

6:28 p.m. EST, January 8, 2011
For almost as long as the Casey Anthony murder case has been a part of the public awareness, there have been murmurs about her attorney José Baez's handling of the case.

They're all variations on the same theme: that Baez, a defense lawyer with limited experience working on perhaps one of the most visible local murder cases, is swimming in waters — and taking on legal challenges — beyond his depth.

For many, the latest but most vivid example to support this lingering suspicion came nearly one week ago when Chief Judge Belvin Perry struck Baez with a sanction for a "willful" violation of his court order to share expert-witness discovery with prosecutors.

Defense lawyers and legal scholars familiar with the Casey Anthony case say sharing discovery in Florida is like "Criminal Law 101," helping ensure there is no "trial by ambush." Following a judge's repeated orders, meanwhile, is even more fundamental, something readily understood by lawyers and nonlawyers alike.

William Sheaffer, a criminal-defense attorney and media analyst well-versed in the Casey Anthony case, said the judge's punishment last week "doesn't speak well of Baez on a professional level."

"There is a valid criticism — and it was certainly reflected by the court's ruling — by attorneys, the judges, law professors …," Sheaffer said, that Baez "is inexperienced, perhaps has some hubris that's not warranted and that, more importantly, he has failed to rise to the challenge of representation of this client and the most serious charge one could face."

Anthony, 24, is scheduled to go to trial in May for first-degree murder in the 2008 death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Marie. She faces the death penalty if convicted.
Sheaffer and other attorneys interviewed for this article say the verdict is still out on Baez. Legal-ethics scholar Bob Jarvis, a professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, said Baez might pull off a real-life "My Cousin Vinny."

He was referring to the 1992 Joe Pesci film in which a rookie lawyer from Brooklyn exonerates his young cousin and his friend in a Deep South murder case.

"Baez may manage to pull out a victory from the jaws of defeat," Jarvis said. "Until a trial is done, it's too early to call winners and losers."

Baez, 42, would not directly answer questions about the sanction or other concerns raised by the attorneys and legal scholars watching this case.

Previous concerns

Judge Perry's punishment this month was not the first time a judge handling this case has taken action in response to Baez. In March 2009, Circuit Judge Stan Strickland, who was then hearing the case, wrote a letter to The Florida Bar about ethical concerns he had about Baez.

The issue involved allegations that Baez directed investigator Dominic Casey to "walk away" if he found Caylee's lifeless body during a 2008 search — and then contact Baez rather than law enforcement.
The judge asked that the matter be investigated as soon as possible, writing that if the Bar punished or suspended Baez, "prompt action will be required on my part."

The Strickland letter and the entire Dominic Casey issue were investigated by a Florida Bar grievance committee and resulted in a finding of no probable cause against Baez, a Bar spokeswoman said last week.

When asked to discuss the Strickland letter, Baez said, "I have been cleared of all Bar complaints filed against me."

In April 2010, Baez argued to have Strickland removed, saying the judge had a "personal relationship" with a blogger critical of Anthony. Strickland dismissed the idea that he was biased against Baez and his client, but ultimately recused himself. He would not comment for this article.

Mixed relations with media

When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

He threatened to stop discussing the case altogether, an approach he has at various times taken with other Central Florida reporters.

But Baez's relationship with the media was not always so combative.

In fact, other local attorneys say Baez's playing up to the media — especially national organizations — early on in the case demonstrated his inexperience, floating alternative defense theories and directing blame at others.

His moves, they say, inflated the case, earning it more national exposure than it perhaps would have received had he simply focused on the defense or even attempted to work out a plea deal before Caylee's remains were found in December 2008.
"These high-profile cases really are a different animal," said Mark NeJame, who is no stranger to cases that get a lot of media attention. "You really, really have to know how to handle it."

NeJame's one-time representation of Casey Anthony's parents and then Texas EquuSearch has put him at odds with Baez. But it also has made him very familiar with the case.

Meanwhile, Sheaffer, who serves as a legal analyst for WFTV-Channel 9 and comments frequently on the Casey Anthony case, said having the national media court an attorney the way they did Baez "becomes real heady," but it also helps prop up the circus tent that has surrounded this case for more than two years now.

Sheaffer said comparing the Casey Anthony defense to the handling of the James Robert Ward murder case reveals Baez's lack of difficult criminal-defense work and the considerable skills of another veteran attorney with many years of experience, Kirk Kirkconnell.

Ward's case — the shooting death of his wife inside their Isleworth mansion — had all the elements of a media circus, Sheaffer said, but Kirkconnell has managed to keep the case, well, managed.

"Kirkconnell does everything that he should do, and he does it right," said Sheaffer. "Mr. Baez has stepped on land mine after land mine and continues to so do."

In particular, Sheaffer said, Baez appears unwilling or unable to take "criticism in a constructive vein, even from the bench."
Experts mystified

With Perry's recent sanction against Baez, NeJame said, "The judge is simply saying, 'Enough and no way, José.' Ignoring a judge is not an option. Especially ignoring this particular judge is not an option."

That is not to say the defense has sat idle for the past two-plus years. Dozens of defense motions, many attacking media coverage and pre-trial publicity and picking at details that appear to have little impact on the client's defense, now fill a clerk's court file comprised of 16 folders.

Jarvis, the Nova professor, has followed the drama revolving around Baez and asked why a judge hasn't removed him from the case through one of several avenues, including The Florida Bar inquiry sought by Strickland. Beyond that, he asked why Casey Anthony hasn't moved on to another lead attorney.

"It would be fascinating to know, 'Why are you sticking with this guy?' " Jarvis said.

Many in Central Florida's criminal-defense community figured that once veteran and highly experienced attorney Cheney Mason joined the Anthony defense team that Baez would elevate his game and rise to the very serious nature of the case, Sheaffer said.

"That does not, at least at this juncture, appear to be the case," he said. But, he added, the trial has not started yet, and the only people Baez and his team will have to impress are the jurors seated to hear this case.

"My hope is that Mr. Mason has a more prominent role in the trial of this case and or that Mr. Baez at trial again rises to the occasion or is motivated by Mr. Mason's appearance at trial."

Mason did not respond to requests for comment.

Anthony Colarossi can be reached at acolarossi@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447.

Fantastic article!  Baez threatening to not discuss the case anymore?    When pigs fly! 

Jose,

Even though your peers think you are hubris and failing miserably, I believe you are giving Casey Anthony the representation she deserves. You know best so just keep on keepin' on!                                                                                                                                 
[/quWow
what a great article hope baez reads the newspaper(surely) I would be very nervous to step on any toes if I were him. It suck to be Jose these days. But somehow I dont think he's lernt  any thing. what say you?

[Curly]

I'm sure he's been advised to just pay the sanction. Whether he listens or not remains to be seen, but I think even he knows he's skating on thin ice.

[tupelohoney]

Loca,  NO Baez has not learned anything yet and may never learn anything.  He is so immature.  He is going to do what he wants to do.  He may very well be ending his "career" (snort).  Face it, a lawyer he is not.  It's time for JB to move on, time to chase a new dream, imo. 

[trimmonthelake]

http://sprocket-trials.blogspot.com/2011/01/katfish-ponders-attends-casey-anthony.html
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Katfish Ponders Attends a Casey Anthony Hearing

[Sister]

snipped from above:
When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

----------------
He is a legend in his own mind.  I can hear some civil attorneys chomping at his heels.  He will have more lawyer filing suit against him than lies he has told . . . or maybe not as many lies.

Sister- would you please include the link you're quoting even if it's snipped??  I know you feel you had it covered, but sometimes a post will be quoted and so on and it all gets lost and muddled.  Thanks.  Muffy 

No problem Muffy.  Thanks for the reminder.  I was taking a short cut by not quoting such a long stack.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-jose-baez-outside-depth-20110107,0,6720421.story

[NewfieMonkey]

Oh Capp ... Need your reassurance!  She can't get off for inadequate counsel?   Pre-trial or Post-trial?  They can't plea out at the last minute?  Baez isn't outfoxing everyone is he? 

I feel so invested in this!  Need Casey found guilty!  And honestly, need Cindy and Lee found guilty of obstruction of justice before I'll be completely happy! 

[MuffyBee]

snipped from above:
When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

----------------
He is a legend in his own mind.  I can hear some civil attorneys chomping at his heels.  He will have more lawyer filing suit against him than lies he has told . . . or maybe not as many lies.

Sister- would you please include the link you're quoting even if it's snipped??  I know you feel you had it covered, but sometimes a post will be quoted and so on and it all gets lost and muddled.  Thanks.  Muffy 

No problem Muffy.  Thanks for the reminder.  I was taking a short cut by not quoting such a long stack.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-jose-baez-outside-depth-20110107,0,6720421.story

TY.  I appreciate your snipping the long stack.  All it needed was the link.   

[ZooMomology]

I still worry that Scott Peterson's verdict will be reversed, based on his stupid dufense team. 

Do I have to worry about that with this case?  Do I have to worry about issues with errors judge may have made or may make?  Please say no.  I really hate the legal system sometimes. 

ZOO
I dont think you have anything to worry about with scott peterson he is there for life and will go no where. wait did he get the dp? either way he is  stuck. just my IMO

Yeah, he got the DP, but I don't think it will ever be carried out.  I hope he ain't going nowhere. 

[ZooMomology]

I still worry that Scott Peterson's verdict will be reversed, based on his stupid dufense team. 

Do I have to worry about that with this case?  Do I have to worry about issues with errors judge may have made or may make?  Please say no.  I really hate the legal system sometimes. 

ZOO
I dont think you have anything to worry about with scott peterson he is there for life and will go no where. wait did he get the dp? either way he is  stuck. just my IMO

I was worried that with Caylee's case, something similar would happen.

[ZooMomology]

snipped from above:
When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

----------------
He is a legend in his own mind.  I can hear some civil attorneys chomping at his heels.  He will have more lawyer filing suit against him than lies he has told . . . or maybe not as many lies.

Sister- would you please include the link you're quoting even if it's snipped??  I know you feel you had it covered, but sometimes a post will be quoted and so on and it all gets lost and muddled.  Thanks.  Muffy 

Muffy, I didn't post a link either, because it has been linked quite a few times, didn't think it was necessary (plus I was being lazy) in my below post.  I needed to post a link?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic BOZO.


“I don’t have to answer any questions. Who are you?”

He added, “Do you have something to offer my client? It’s a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client.” He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, “You’re lying and being unethical.”


What is he saying the reporter was lying and being unethical about?  I missed that part.  I loved how he called back.  What a dweeb wonderful defense lawyer.  If you don't want to talk to somebody, you hang up and you don't call back.   
 

I have something to offer him and his client, and I offer it without any comment, for free.  It can be found on either of my hands.....my middle finger. 
   

[ZooMomology]

I'm sure he's been advised to just pay the sanction. Whether he listens or not remains to be seen, but I think even he knows he's skating on thin ice.

Who would advise hiM?  He does not seem to listen to anybody.

[ZooMomology]

It's their job to be impartial, although I see your point that they're human and would have an opinion.
The judge has to making his rulings according to the law, and unless they're corrupt (which Perry is not) , that's what guides their rulings. Also, the jury is the entity that finds the defendant guilty or innocent, not the judge.

He's denying the motions because they are not sound according to the law, and I don't think his rulings would be reversed if they were challenged.

Sorry, got in your quote somehow, Zoo.

I, in no way, shape, or form think JP is corrupt.  I like him alot.  I was just a bit worried with all the denials, that's all.  I want him to deny all Bozo's motions.

[ZooMomology]

Oh Capp ... Need your reassurance!  She can't get off for inadequate counsel?   Pre-trial or Post-trial?  They can't plea out at the last minute?  Baez isn't outfoxing everyone is he? 

I feel so invested in this!  Need Casey found guilty!  And honestly, need Cindy and Lee found guilty of obstruction of justice before I'll be completely happy! 

It is scary because Bozo is so inadequate, it is hard to not worry. 

[loca]

snipped from above:
When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

----------------
He is a legend in his own mind.  I can hear some civil attorneys chomping at his heels.  He will have more lawyer filing suit against him than lies he has told . . . or maybe not as many lies.

Sister- would you please include the link you're quoting even if it's snipped??  I know you feel you had it covered, but sometimes a post will be quoted and so on and it all gets lost and muddled.  Thanks.  Muffy 

No problem Muffy.  Thanks for the reminder.  I was taking a short cut by not quoting such a long stack.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-jose-baez-outside-depth-20110107,0,6720421.story

TY.  I appreciate your snipping the long stack.  All it needed was the link.   

Dont yall think that his ego (baez) has been severely wounded!!
his pride
well how befitting! pride cometh before a fall!!!

[ZooMomology]

Loca,  NO Baez has not learned anything yet and may never learn anything.  He is so immature.  He is going to do what he wants to do.  He may very well be ending his "career" (snort).  Face it, a lawyer he is not.  It's time for JB to move on, time to chase a new dream, imo. 

lOVE THE SNORT MID PARAGRAPH.  LOL

[loca]

snipped from above:
When reached last week to respond to the criticism and the management of the case in light of Perry's sanction, Baez said, "I don't have to answer any questions. Who are you?"

He added, "Do you have something to offer my client? It's a two-way street. … The door is open if you can assist me or my client." He hung up the phone, called back minutes later and said that conversation was off the record. Told that the conversation was not, Baez responded by saying, "You're lying and being unethical."

----------------
He is a legend in his own mind.  I can hear some civil attorneys chomping at his heels.  He will have more lawyer filing suit against him than lies he has told . . . or maybe not as many lies.

Sister- would you please include the link you're quoting even if it's snipped??  I know you feel you had it covered, but sometimes a post will be quoted and so on and it all gets lost and muddled.  Thanks.  Muffy 

No problem Muffy.  Thanks for the reminder.  I was taking a short cut by not quoting such a long stack.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-jose-baez-outside-depth-20110107,0,6720421.story

TY.  I appreciate your snipping the long stack.  All it needed was the link.   

Dont yall think that his ego (baez) has been severely wounded!!
his pride
well how befitting! pride cometh before a fall!!!

I'VE fallen and cant get up
hmmm seems like caseys isnt the only one that will fall this  time around.

[loca]

Loca,  NO Baez has not learned anything yet and may never learn anything.  He is so immature.  He is going to do what he wants to do.  He may very well be ending his "career" (snort).  Face it, a lawyer he is not.  It's time for JB to move on, time to chase a new dream, imo. 

lOVE THE SNORT MID PARAGRAPH.  LOL

I so agree with you and love the snort lol

[ZooMomology]

I was reading some comments before off of a few articles on the Orlando something newspaper, where a certain few people keep posting who think Casey is innocent.  Someone else had said that a certain somebody was seen posting on a blog that is favorable to Jose Baez and Casey, calling the judge biased or wahtever.  But that got me looking for blogs that are favorable to Casey and Bozo, and I can't find any.

Anybody know of any pro-Duhfense blogs or places to read up at.  I feel like hitting my head on the wall while I read them for a while. 

[loca]

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5928000&postcount=146

regarding baez former client sitting on death row.
did I post this part? if so sorry!
Defense lawyers Baez and Jonathan Kasen said they intend to attack the state's case by assailing detective Dan Conlee for zeroing in too quickly on Diaz, by criticizing the work of a medical examiner and by accusing the young mother. They pointed an accusing finger Tuesday at the slain toddler's mother, saying she had treated the 2-year-old like "an animal."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
now he is representing  a woman that treated her child like an animal. (casey)

he is doing this now:

In documents seeking a new trial and other post-conviction relief, Diaz says he lost his freedom because of Baez's trial performance, strategy and failure to disclose evidence to prosecutors, a tactical decision that prevented jurors from viewing a defense video. Diaz said “…Mr. Baez wanted to surprise the prosecution, and the surprise blew up in the defense’s face.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
he will say this about casey in the end when she wants to appeal
as he did to this man sitting on death row.

Nilton Diaz, filed a motion for a new trial, claiming he was convicted due to the “defectiveness” of his defense attorney, Jose Baez.

Baez called it a common post-conviction strategy that often cites defense mistakes to win a new trial.

[loca]

I was reading some comments before off of a few articles on the Orlando something newspaper, where a certain few people keep posting who think Casey is innocent.  Someone else had said that a certain somebody was seen posting on a blog that is favorable to Jose Baez and Casey, calling the judge biased or wahtever.  But that got me looking for blogs that are favorable to Casey and Bozo, and I can't find any.

Anybody know of any pro-Duhfense blogs or places to read up at.  I feel like hitting my head on the wall while I read them for a while. 

lol doesnt that speak volumnes about her.