Oops Stanford has no money for a lawyer!

[malaise]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29989167/
<snip>
Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford, accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of a massive Ponzi scheme, has denied wrongdoing and asked a federal judge to free up some of his money so he can hire a lawyer.

Houston attorney Dick DeGuerin, who has talked with Stanford about representing him, told the newspaper that Stanford needed to get some response on the record in the SEC case, even if it was only a general denial.

“This is a massive case with lots of facts,” DeGuerin said. “When the injunction was signed he wasn’t present and didn’t have notice that the lawyer who made an appearance (for him) was going to withdraw.”

DeGuerin said there is a precedent for legal fees to be set aside.

“It’s simply wrong to take everything from someone and say: ’Now, defend yourself,’“’ he said.

Stanford blamed court-appointed receiver Ralph Janvey for not being able to hire an attorney because he said Janvey was responsible for the assets and money being seized. He asked that future filings involving him be sent to J.D. “Bucky” Allshouse, a Houston divorce lawyer who is representing him in his divorce.
-------------
From 'are you enjoying life as a billionaire' to 'can't pay a lawyer'.

[cosmik debris]

1. DeGuerin is Tom DeLay's lawyer FWIW n/t

[malaise]

3. Stanford and Delay are good buddies

Birds of a feather and all that.

[DJ13]

2. When the government seizes 100% of assets this is what happens

Maybe the government should allow a person accused that isnt convicted to keep 2% to 10% of assets so they can defend themselves against prosecution?

[malaise]

4. I'm sure there are enough victims who can't pay for a lawyer

to sue Stanford.

[cosmik debris]

6. I think he should rely on a Public Defender.

If that's justice for the poor people, it's justice for the rich people too.

[DJ13]

7. Innocent until proven guilty

I know its easy to hate, but those words are supposed to mean something.

[mikeytherat]

5. "If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided."

mikey_the_rat

[gratuitous]

9. Gideon v. Wainwright

I think a court-appointed attorney is totally called for here. After all, people go on trial for their lives with court-appointed counsel, and district attorneys and judges all over the country don't bat an eye about it. Stanford's only at risk for his liberty and allegedly ill-gotten wealth; seems a public defender should be adequate representation for that.

[mikeytherat]

11. Exactly. And thank goodness for Mr. Stanford that PDs are not overworked, underpaid, and stressed.

Pleasant dreams, Mr. Stanford.

mikey_the_rat

[tridim]

8. Does he still have a house and a car?

Try craigslist pal.

[Phred42]

10. Good! Let him use a SOCIALISTIC Public Defender