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When a judge threatens you with contempt when you don't show up for your own client's trial, one would think you'd try to get into court to explain yourself. But after not showing up for client Paul Cortez's murder trial on Monday, attorney Laura Miranda still did not appear yesterday, even after Justice Carol Berkman threatened her with a $1,000 fine and/or contempt. So Berkman fined her $1,000, found her in contempt, and questioned her motives.
The NY Times reports that Berkman's had to deal with Miranda being "absent without leave" before. Miranda's excuse for not being in court: Needing to take care of her mother - who is in Puerto Rico. Berkman, who said she might arrest Miranda, said, "I have no reason to believe this is anything other than contemptuous... Well, I suppose we may as well adjourn this matter until tomorrow and see whether indeed she reappears."
Twenty five year old Cortez is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, 21 year old Catherine Woods, an aspiring dancer from Ohio who took to working as a stripper at Flashdancers to make money. Woods' father John, director of Ohio State's marching band, has been in NYC as a prosecution witness, but had planned to fly back home today. He told the Post, "It's just that, psychologically, you get ready for this to start - and we just want it to get started and get it over with."
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Thats what you get for hiring a PR.
Before criticizing the lawyer, consider the judge's actions before this. The prosecution has asked for NUMEROUS delays and has been granted them without fail.
As far as I know, Laura Miranda filed for a delay on Friday to visit her mother and was denied.
This is a gross injustice on the part of the judge, considering the entire defense team has been ready to get this trial started since October.
In a system like this, no wonder innocent people plea bargain. Who would want to deal with a "justice" system like this?
Jaki, do you know if that was the case or just making an assumption? If she asked for a delay, wouldn't someone have spoken up and the Judge commented on it?
Hey genius,
The murder happened in late 2005, which means she's had over a year to prepare. Sounds like someone hired a POS lawyer. Looks like he's as smart as you are.
Laura Miranda did ask for a delay or extension. This is a fact. If you read the articles close enough, they do mention it.
Considering the Judge's actions words and the media's heavy bias towards the prosecution (they have been granted extensions), this story is not being told or illuminated.
The NY Post is simply not interested in reporting news - it is interested in telling a story.
Jaki Said:
Good to know. I actually did not read the Rag known as the NY Post, but rather other accounts from the Daily News and what not.In any case, as other articles pointed out, I think the defendant should get a new lawyer due to all the negative publicity generated by the Judges statements.
People -- here is a bit of reality for ya. I worked for Ms. Miranda. She is by far one of the most irresponsible, negligent attorneys I have EVER seen.
She literally takes the case and tosses the file until the DAY BEFORE a hearing - when one of her staff frantically reminds her. If she can't prepare in a few hours (or have her junior attorney do it, more like it) she makes up an excuse and asks for a continuance. I've seen her ask for continances because of a hot date the night before, a vacation she just HAD to take (she takes a lot of them), or any number of reasons. She has lied to more judges over the years, and I for one am HAPPY someone is FINALLY NOT letting her get away with it.
She doesn't care about the client -- ONLY the $$$. Its always about the $$$ with her.
She doesn't care for her mother -- that's a load of crap. How do you act as sole care giver for someone long distance in Puerto Rico? Ha Ha.
She just thumbed her nose at the case and decided to go on vacation -- just like she did several times when I worked there. She just counted on getting away with it, like she has done soooo many times before.
I am anonymous because she is a dangerously vindictive person -- cross her and she will do everything in her power to hurt your career, reputation, etc.. Glad to see what comes around goes around.