http://abcnews.go.com/US/print?id=2821711
Exclusive: The Prosecutor's Defense -- Lawyer for Ex-Duke Prosecutor Nifong Speaks Out
Given the Chance to Do It Again, Nifong Would Still Bring Charges, Attorney Says
By JIM AVILA and LARA SETRAKIAN
ABC Law & Justice Unit
Jan. 25, 2007 — - Mike Nifong, the embattled prosecutor once at the helm of the Duke lacrosse rape case, revealed little as he appeared in court Wednesday to face serious ethics charges by the North Carolina Bar. But in an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America," Nifong's attorney said that his stone face expression buried the true feelings of a man under siege.
"He's devastated. It's very upsetting to be attacked … it's like he's public enemy number one," said David Freedman, Nifong's attorney. "Here's a man who's trying to do his job as an elected DA in Durham County. He's always held himself up as an ethical individual … it's a bit of a surprise."
Nifong was charged Wednesday with new allegations that include making false statements in court and withholding key DNA evidence. Those, along with earlier charges of making inappropriate public statements about the case, could cost Nifong his job and his livelihood.
"It's very, very serious stuff. Mr. Nifong could lose his law license. [If that happens] he could no longer be [Durham County] district attorney," said Rufus Edmisten, a lawyer and former attorney general of North Carolina.
The new ethics charges have made Nifong feel like he's battling the world, not just supporters of the accused Duke lacrosse players.
"Obviously he's feeling dejected because he's got these new charges against him, he feels as if the world is turning against him," Freedman said.
Would Still Bring the Charges Against the Duke Players
But Nifong still has his supporters. After leaving the State Bar courtroom, he was approached by a stranger while walking down the street.
According to Freedman, the middle-aged woman looked up, called out to Nifong, ran toward him and hugged him.
"We're praying for you," she said.
Nifong denies having knowingly lied or purposely hid evidence in the Duke case. And even after everything that has happened, he does not regret filing charges against three Duke lacrosse players.
snip
I certainly hope that in coming weeks, Freedman continues digging Nifong's grave in like manner. While "I'd do it all over again" might have worked in the Gell case, it will not work in this one, because as Jezebelle has pointed out, Nifong basically has only his lack of a prior negative disciplinary history to fall back on, and will eventually be forced to grovel for mercy. If anyone is interested, I can list all the various specific aggravating and mitigating factors prescribed by North Carolina law in attorney discipline cases. They are very grim evening reading for Nifong and Freedman.
Mikey just found out what goes around, comes around.