Gather and surmise, chirren: the Daily Journal reports this morning that Ken Coghlan has withdrawn as Steve Patterson’s defense counsel.
OXFORD … Local attorney Kenneth H. Coghlan won’t be representing former state auditor Steven A. Patterson in his defense of federal judicial bribery charges, court records show Monday. …
Coghlan represented Patterson at his arraignment, but on Dec. 10 attorney Hiram Eastland Jr. of Greenwood informed the court he will be counsel for Patterson.
“In light of these developments,” Coghlan’s motion states, he asks the court to allow him to withdraw as counsel because Patterson’s attorney now is Eastland.
Okay, y’all dig in: Who said “Over my dead body!” about whom or what here?
Ooo-kay, I’ve updated First thing we do, let’s ID all the lawyers.
This probably means a motion to continue, so stand by for PACER work, those of you who have it, if you would, please?
Too bad for Steve. Ken Coghlan is one of the finest defense attorneys in MS. He is not as well known as some – you would never catch him “tooting his own horn”. That being said, he is definitely on the short list of excellent criminal defense attorneys in the area. He has the respect of prosecutors, judges, etc.
New post “upstairs”: starring the motion for continuance we’ve all been salivating for!
It seems that on the cases I have been involved in, there are only two reasons why an attorney is fired, and a new one hired, a few days after discovery is provided in a criminal case.
1. Couldn’t come to an agreement on how much money should be payed and defendant looks for a cheaper lawyer.
2. Couldn’t come to an agreement on how much trouble a defendant is really in, and the defendant wants a second opinion.
Some defendants take a while to learn that not wanting to go to jail, is not the same thing as not being convictable.
observer 2:50, please click here.
I think this one is easy. Patterson is a political hack, will seek “connections.” Coghlan is not like that at all. He is very smart and below radar. He wins because he is good at what he does, but settles when for the best deal if appropriate.
Such a high profile client no doubt intrigued other lawyers who trade on their connections and the switch was encouraged.
Patterson was in the tobacco deal with Langston. I would assume the switch was not financial.
Another line of reasoning would be to tie up via conflicts the local criminal guys worth a damn and then get who you want.
Welcome to folo, Evell Snoats (great handle)!