Patrik Griego responds to Judge Miles ruling

From Patrik Griego, Adam Laird's attorney:

In the motion to dismiss for witness interference, we asked the judge to either dismiss the case or at least order the District Attorney’s Office and EPD management to inform all witnesses that they are expressly permitted to meet with Sgt. Laird’s representative and that they are authorized to answer all questions regarding the case in the same manner they did with the prosecution investigators.

We are pleased that Judge Miles ordered the DA’s office and EPD to stop telling witnesses not to speak to the defense and told the DA’s office to encourage witnesses to speak with the defense and make them available.  As Judge Miles stated, a trial is a quest for the truth and witnesses do not belong to either side.   

We also respect Judge Miles denial of the demurrer.  Judge Miles correctly noted that because Sgt. Laird did not author the report at issue, the proper vehicle would be to have the case dismissed on other grounds.

The most important ruling of the day, however, was the granting of the Murgia motion for discovery of evidence showing discriminatory prosecution.  Judge Miles has now expressly ordered the EPD to produce the very documents the City of Eureka was trying to destroy at the last Council meeting.