Judge Jackie Glass has denied motions filed by OJ Simpson and Clarence Stewart seeking new trials. She also denied requests to reduce bail. Both defendants will return for sentencing Dec. 5, 2008 at 9 a.m. in Dept. 5.
Media reported this morning the Simpson trial will dismiss early this afternoon. That was incorrect. Court is scheduled to run 8 am to 6 pm PDT, today (Sept. 25).
Court Dark Days:
Sept. 30
Oct. 9
Early Dismissal Days:
Sept. 29
Oct. 8
See Media Trial Guide for full details. http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/media.html
An important call will take place Friday (Sept. 12) at 10 a.m. to discuss seating and other loose ends in preparing for State v. Simpson. As I realize many are concentrating on Ike, I will record the call and post it.
Media Call:
218-486-7200 Enter Bridge Number: 716XXX
Important Notes:
Hurricane Ike has redeployed national media crews away from the jury selection. FOX, NBC, CNN, and CBS are focusing on hurricane coverage and indicate they will consider a return when the court proceeds with opening statements.
The Clark County Courts Information Office will post updates during the trial in State v. Simpson to www.twitter.com/lvcourts.
Reminder:
Media Planning Call Wednesday (Sept. 3) at 10 a.m. PDT
218-486-7200 Enter Bridge Number: 716XXX
We will discuss planning needs for:
The Clark County Courts Administration Badging Office would like local media to pick up credentials in State v. Simpson on the following dates next week (Aug. 26-28):
The badging office will be located at the south entrance glass booth outside the south security entrance. Due to budget constraints the court must collect $5 per badge to cover costs. Please bring $5 per badge and a photo identification to pick up your badge. Each person must sign for their own badge, so please make arrangements to pick up your own badge during the times listed (the badging office won’t allow anyone to pick up multiple badges).
Weekly media planning calls begin August 13, 2008 and repeat every Wednesday through August:
Wednesdays 10 a.m. PDT
218-486-7200 Enter Bridge Number: 716XXX
Many have contacted the court in the past few days inquiring about media credentials. In case you missed the deadline, we will accept credential requests until Thursday, (Aug. 14, 2008). Forms can be obtained at http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/media.html or you can find them attached. A photo must be sent ASAP to info@clarkcountycourts.us.
The following media have already requested credentials (a complete list is attached):
We have not received multiple applications from Fox News (crew and talent), CNN (crew and talent), ABC news (crew and talent) or NBC News (crew and talent). If you feel you have already applied and don’t see your name on the attached list, please contact the Court Information Office.
The court is working with Clark County Information Technology to facilitate phone service. The county will require a connection fee and an application must be approved prior to contacting Embarq for phone service. We will have that form approved this week. If you require phone, ISDN, or DSL service, please contact me with your specific needs.
Parking for media will be faciliated in the same manner as in prior hearings. A daily parking fee does apply. NOTE: If you have not paid a past due balance, the county will not allow you to park in the lot.
All of these issues will be addressed during the weekly media planning call scheduled for:
Wednesdays 10 a.m. PDT
218-486-7200 Enter Bridge Number: 716XXX
Attorneys for O.J. Simpson, Charles Ehrlich and Clarence Stewart argued today before District Court Judge Jackie Glass that charges of kidnapping and robbery should be dismissed, while prosecutors outlined why the charges should remain.
In the end, Judge Glass ruled there is enough evidence to present the facts of the alleged kidnapping and robbery to a jury. Therefore, the judge denied Mr. Simpson’s writ requesting that the charges of kidnapping and robbery be dismissed.
In addition, Judge Glass determined that charges levied against Defendants Ehrlich and Stewart will remain.
The defendants face a total of 12 counts including conspiracy, kidnapping and robbery. The charges detail an alleged kidnapping and robbery Sept. 13, 2007 of two memorablia dealers at the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas.
Regarding Ehrlich and Stewart’s motions to sever the trial and provide the defendants a seperate trial date, Judge Glass determined that concerns about prejudice and antagonistic defenses do not outweigh the need for the alleged co-conspirators to be tried together and she denied the motions.
Also today the judge found that the case requires more time to prepare evidence and provide discovery to the defendants requiring the trial to be continued to September 8, 2008.
“It was a quick setting from the date of the preliminary hearing and I anticipated we would be ready to go. I told you then that I would not continue this again,” said Judge Glass. However, the judge added that the need to provide more time to process evidence required the change. The judge then set status check dates leading up to the September trial date to ensure all discovery is provided and to prevent the court from having to continue the trial again. The first status check was scheduled for April 10, 2008.
The judge set aside six weeks for the trial.
A motion hearing has been scheduled for Friday (March 7) at 10 a.m. in District Court Department 5 (Courtroom 15A). A television/audio feed has been established and a multbox has been placed in the Clark County parking lot on the corner of Bonneville and Casino Center Avenues. Media interviews must be conducted outside of the Regional Justice Center on the courthouse steps next to the Clark Avenue entrance. No cameras, other than authorized pool cameras, will be allowed to enter the courtroom.
District Court Judge Jackie Glass will hear arguments on 16 motions filed by prosecutors and defense lawyers. The hearing will be broadcast by truTV (CourtTV), which is serving as the television pool representative. None of the defendants are expected to appear in court.
Contacts:
Pool Coordinator, (212) 692-7875.
