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[William Jefferson hangs on to same attorneys for appeal of guilty verdict
By Bruce Alpert, Times-Picayune
November 20, 2009, 9:50AM
Former Rep. William Jefferson will keep his attorneys for his appeal of the guilty verdict returned three months ago by a Virginia jury.
Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneLeft to right: Attorney Gloria Solomon, attorney Robert Trout, former U.S. Representative William Jefferson, his wife Andrea, attorney Amy Jackson, and one of Jefferson's daughters address the media after his August conviction. Trout and Jackson will represent Jefferson during his appeal.Trial Judge T.S. Ellis III today okayed the appointment of Robert Trout and Amy Jackson, two of the three attorneys who represented Jefferson almost from the first day the federal investigation of the nine-term New Orleans Democrat became known in August, 2005. Their fees will be covered by the court, though the rates will be similar to those provided public defenders and far less than the prominent white collar attorneys generally receive.
Ellis also said that a transcript of the eight-week trial, which the court reporter estimated would cost $26,000, will be taken care of by the court. As part of the appeal, expected to be filed next week with the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., Jefferson's lawyers are required to provide the massive transcript of the court proceedings.
Jefferson and his wife Andrea filed for bankruptcy in August, three weeks after the jury found him guilty of 11 of 16 corruption charges. Ellis' decision Friday has no bearing on the over $5.7 million that Trout and his law firm is owed by Jefferson for the representation during lengthy investigation and trial.
Ellis sentenced Jefferson last Friday to 13 years in prison, about half what prosecutors were asking for but still the longest prison sentence handed down to a member of Congress convicted for corruption.
But on Wednesday, in an unexpected move, Ellis agreed to allow Jefferson to remain free, pending completion of the appeals process, which could take a year or more. He's required to wear a monitor, and limit his travel to the Eastern District of Louisiana, without permission of the court.
Jefferson was convicted of bribery, conspiracy and racketeering - all related to what the Justice Department says was a series of deals in which he agreed to promote projects in Western Africa in return for payments and stocks to companies controlled by his family.
His attorneys argued that the efforts to influence foreign officials weren't related to his official duties.
While expressing confidence the appellate courts, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court, will uphold his instructions that the jury could find such activities part of his congressional role, Ellis noted that the issue hasn't yet been decided by an appellate court. Therefore, Ellis said he agreed with Trout, Jefferson's lawyer, that the congressman should be free until the appeal is resolved.
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By Bruce Alpert, Times-Picayune
November 20, 2009, 9:50AM
Former Rep. William Jefferson will keep his attorneys for his appeal of the guilty verdict returned three months ago by a Virginia jury.
Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneLeft to right: Attorney Gloria Solomon, attorney Robert Trout, former U.S. Representative William Jefferson, his wife Andrea, attorney Amy Jackson, and one of Jefferson's daughters address the media after his August conviction. Trout and Jackson will represent Jefferson during his appeal.Trial Judge T.S. Ellis III today okayed the appointment of Robert Trout and Amy Jackson, two of the three attorneys who represented Jefferson almost from the first day the federal investigation of the nine-term New Orleans Democrat became known in August, 2005. Their fees will be covered by the court, though the rates will be similar to those provided public defenders and far less than the prominent white collar attorneys generally receive.
Ellis also said that a transcript of the eight-week trial, which the court reporter estimated would cost $26,000, will be taken care of by the court. As part of the appeal, expected to be filed next week with the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., Jefferson's lawyers are required to provide the massive transcript of the court proceedings.
Jefferson and his wife Andrea filed for bankruptcy in August, three weeks after the jury found him guilty of 11 of 16 corruption charges. Ellis' decision Friday has no bearing on the over $5.7 million that Trout and his law firm is owed by Jefferson for the representation during lengthy investigation and trial.
Ellis sentenced Jefferson last Friday to 13 years in prison, about half what prosecutors were asking for but still the longest prison sentence handed down to a member of Congress convicted for corruption.
But on Wednesday, in an unexpected move, Ellis agreed to allow Jefferson to remain free, pending completion of the appeals process, which could take a year or more. He's required to wear a monitor, and limit his travel to the Eastern District of Louisiana, without permission of the court.
Jefferson was convicted of bribery, conspiracy and racketeering - all related to what the Justice Department says was a series of deals in which he agreed to promote projects in Western Africa in return for payments and stocks to companies controlled by his family.
His attorneys argued that the efforts to influence foreign officials weren't related to his official duties.
While expressing confidence the appellate courts, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court, will uphold his instructions that the jury could find such activities part of his congressional role, Ellis noted that the issue hasn't yet been decided by an appellate court. Therefore, Ellis said he agreed with Trout, Jefferson's lawyer, that the congressman should be free until the appeal is resolved.
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