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Geragos Becomes Scott Peterson's New Defense Attorney
Aired May 02, 2003 - 14:44 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Some big developments in the Laci Peterson case today. A prominent defense attorney, Mark Geragos, signs on as Scott Peterson's new attorney. Rusty Dornin is in Modesto with the latest on this case. Hello, Rusty.
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Miles, there was definitely a change in just the feel of the courtroom today, as compared to last week when Scott was brought in right after his arrest. He was grim. He told the judge he couldn't hire an attorney. This week, he's hired one of the hottest probably defense attorneys in the country to be the attorney of record for him, Mark Geragos.
Geragos wrangled over a number of legal issues, but the biggest move he made was to change the image of his client.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK GERAGOS, SCOTT PETERSON'S DEFENSE ATTORNEY: It's my preference that when my client comes in, especially when these proceedings are being televised, that he'd be allowed to wear his civilian clothes and not be waist-chained and shackled through these appearances. Those -- if the court wants to talk about prejudice for publicity, having poster-sized pictures of him labeled as a monster in chains I don't think is somehow conducive to getting a fair trial.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DORNIN: Now, another interesting thing in the courtroom was between the families, between Sharon Rocha, Laci's mother, and Scott Peterson's sister and brother. They did acknowledge one another. Sharon Rocha reached her hand across and grabbed Joe Peterson's hand in an affectionate handshake. They spoke across the aisle for a few moments.
Now, Mark Geragos is saying he believes his client is innocent, he believes that someone else is responsible. They will be back in court on Monday, as they said, over a series of legal issues, about the search warrant and whether this judge actually will be able to hear this case. Meantime, Laci Peterson's memorial will be here in Modesto on Sunday. They are expecting about 3,000 people to attend -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: CNN's Rusty Dornin in Modesto, thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 2, 2003 - 14:44 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Some big developments in the Laci Peterson case today. A prominent defense attorney, Mark Geragos, signs on as Scott Peterson's new attorney. Rusty Dornin is in Modesto with the latest on this case. Hello, Rusty.
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Miles, there was definitely a change in just the feel of the courtroom today, as compared to last week when Scott was brought in right after his arrest. He was grim. He told the judge he couldn't hire an attorney. This week, he's hired one of the hottest probably defense attorneys in the country to be the attorney of record for him, Mark Geragos.
Geragos wrangled over a number of legal issues, but the biggest move he made was to change the image of his client.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK GERAGOS, SCOTT PETERSON'S DEFENSE ATTORNEY: It's my preference that when my client comes in, especially when these proceedings are being televised, that he'd be allowed to wear his civilian clothes and not be waist-chained and shackled through these appearances. Those -- if the court wants to talk about prejudice for publicity, having poster-sized pictures of him labeled as a monster in chains I don't think is somehow conducive to getting a fair trial.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DORNIN: Now, another interesting thing in the courtroom was between the families, between Sharon Rocha, Laci's mother, and Scott Peterson's sister and brother. They did acknowledge one another. Sharon Rocha reached her hand across and grabbed Joe Peterson's hand in an affectionate handshake. They spoke across the aisle for a few moments.
Now, Mark Geragos is saying he believes his client is innocent, he believes that someone else is responsible. They will be back in court on Monday, as they said, over a series of legal issues, about the search warrant and whether this judge actually will be able to hear this case. Meantime, Laci Peterson's memorial will be here in Modesto on Sunday. They are expecting about 3,000 people to attend -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: CNN's Rusty Dornin in Modesto, thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
