APS Trial Judge: Each Defendant Must Have Individual Lawyer
The judge presiding over the upcoming trials for the indicted Atlanta Public Schools educators is setting ground rules. WABE’s Rose Scott has more.
Some of the educators were being represented by the same attorney.
For example, George Lawson has four of the accused as clients.
But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter says to avoid any potential problems, everyone will need to have his or her own attorney.
The judge’s ruling is not a surprise, says WABE legal analyst Page Pate:
“Well, it’s the safest thing to do. A judge is always concerned that a conflict of interest may arise later in the case if one defendant wants to cut a deal and testify against another defendant.”
Rose Scott's story as broadcast.
All of the defendants were indicted on racketeering charges.
And some were charged with witness influencing and making false statements.
Judge Baxter also told prosecutors if more indictments are coming, they need to hurry up.
Pate says the judge is making sure both sides are fully informed:
“You have to. You have to be clear so that both sides understand that there are no games here. We are going to set a schedule. We are going to stick to the schedule. We are going to make sure that the defendants’ rights are protected and the state should be prepared to prove its case at trial.”
Friday, the defendants will enter their pleas.
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