"It is unfair to Ray because we are spending all this time and Ray's money when we don't know what is being tried."

 

Trial confirmation is scheduled for Ray Christie on September 20. The motion for new trial that was filed by Christie's former attorney, Mr. John Cogorno, will also be addressed. Judge Christopher Wilson still needs to rule on the motion to continue filed by Christie's current attorneys from the Larson Law Firm.

Christie is represented by four attorneys from Larson LLP, a law firm in Los Angeles. 

The two lead attorneys are Mr. Stephen Larson, a former U.S. District Judge and the founding partner. as well as Mr. Rick Richmond who is also a partner. They filed a substitution of attorney on August 23.

I have been checking on Christie's case in the system. Today, I was by the clerk's office as two documents were being filed. I reached out to Mr. Richmond, who has appeared on the case for Christie. At trial, Mr. Larson and two other associates will be here.

One document is DEFENDANT’S MOTION (RENEWED) TO CONTINUE TRIAL; MOTION IN LIMINE TO NARROW THE SCOPE OF TRIAL; AND MOTION (IN THE ALTERNATIVE) FOR A 405 HEARING 

The second document is a declaration by Mr. Richmond. The declaration is lengthy and it includes emails, media coverage including some of my posts. The other motion is also lengthy. I am including excerpts.

"It is unfair to Ray because we are spending all this time and Ray's money when we don't know what is being tried."

Jury trial is currently scheduled for October 4.

On September 9, there was a motion to continue filed by defense. Judge Christopher Wilson deferred his ruling to trial confirmation. 

Deputy District Attorneys Steven Steward and David Moutrie are prosecutors for the case. 

I have asked Mr. Steward about the about the misdemeanors and asked him again about the Judge Wilson's remark and am still waiting on a response. 

The DA has to look at the new motions so I am just going to wait and see what the response is in court on Monday.

I did hear from Mr. Steward after this post waa published,  early Monday morning. He confirmed the decision on the motion for new trial was still pending. "As for the conditional decision I think he wants to know when we will deal with the misdemeanors."

Judge Wilson told the People to make a "conditional election" and a decision regarding the status of the misdemeanors by the trial confirmation date.

These are some observations I have about Humboldt Superior Court and the Ray Christie case.

There are cases older than the Christie case that did not go to trial for more than two years. There are cases that were retried that were given continuance after continuance for the flimsiest of reasons. Christie has the right to have a counsel of his choice. Others have had continuances granted for that very reason. Christie is out of custody and has waived time.

So why is Humboldt Superior Court and the DA in such a rush to retry this case? Christie is entitled to a fair trial. The People represent us and the community deserves a proper prosecution, not rushed. The jury pools lately leave much to be desired. The decision about this trial and court resources and any appeal is borne by us; the People. The Judges, DAs and court expenses are paid for by us. 

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