Posted on 05/15/2019 1:51:53 PM PDT by jazusamo
A day after a federal judge rejected Michael Avenatti's request to be represented by a public defender, the embattled attorney announced Wednesday that he had hired his own private counsel for his trial on charges that he defrauded clients, a bank and the federal government.
Avenatti appeared for a short hearing in Santa Ana, Calif., federal court alongside Dean Steward, whom Avenatti called an “incredibly well qualified” lawyer.
On Tuesday, Avenatti filed paperwork asking to formally establish an attorney-client relationship with the federal public defender's office. That request was denied without explanation by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna. The paperwork was stamped in in bright red letters saying: "DENIED by order of the court."
Avenatti’s request for a public defender included a proviso that he delay submitting an affidavit detailing his financial difficulties. The 48-year-old claimed that his defense efforts in multiple ongoing criminal and civil cases made it impossible for him to accurately document his financial situation. He added that he wanted to “contribute significantly” for his representation by a public defender but also was unable to fully pay for a private lawyer.
"Mr. Avenatti has tried to secure private counsel over the course of the past month but has been unsuccessful,” Deputy Federal Public Defender Georgina Wakefield wrote in Tuesday's filing. Less than 24 hours later Avenatti didn’t address the change in circumstances but said, “I’m happy that Mr. Steward has agreed to represent me. He has an incredible track record in this courthouse and otherwise."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I got to say. At one time he was on CNN 24/7 and they were promoting him for President. Stormy too has finally woken up.
“incredibly well qualified” = “will take a check from me”?
Steward better get his fees up front or he’ll get screwed just like everybody else who does business with Avnetti.
It sort of amazed me how fast Stormy fell of the edge of the Earth. The Media and the Democrats flushed her like a used tampon. They all knew she was lying about the "affair" with Trump.
He has MILLIONS and he wanted US to pay!! LOL, CPL...GO TO PRISON, DOPE!
With what money? Slug lawyer has to be broke by now.
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