State's Request Could Undermine Casey Defense Experts

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State's Request Could Undermine Casey Defense Experts

Prosecutors Wants To See How Experts Are Being Paid

POSTED: 5:15 pm EST November 22, 2010
UPDATED: 5:43 pm EST November 22, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Prosecutors in the case against Casey Anthony want to know more about how the defense team is spending money.

In a motion to compel additional discovery, prosecutor Jeff Ashton asked for a variety of information about the defense team's expert witnesses.
The motion asks for records of contracts and expected compensation, as well as bills that have been submitted and paid.
Read The Motion
"It's going to give them ammunition. It's also putting the defense and these witnesses on notice to be prepared to answer these questions," said Orlando criminal defense attorney Richard Hornsby, who is not affiliated with the case.
Hornsby said the information that the prosecution is requesting could help undermine an expert's credibility.
"If they're not getting paid a standard rate or they came into the case under questionable circumstances, then suddenly they're in the case for the exposure and any of their findings are suspect," said Hornsby.
The information could provide insight into how Anthony's money was spent before she was declared indigent.
Several expert witnesses for the defense are due to be deposed by prosecutors soon.
Anthony is expected to return to the courtroom on Nov. 29 for a status hearing.
During the hearing, the state's new motion is expected to be discussed.