Change of venue, deadlines discussed at Casey Anthony hearing

August 30, 2010
Change of venue, deadlines discussed at Casey Anthony hearing
Posted: 05:56 PM ET

Orlando, Florida - Casey Anthony waived her right to appear in an Orlando courtroom Monday, as Judge Belvin Perry made sure it was emphasized on record that this trial will begin on the date that has already been set.

Judge Perry reiterated the May 2011 start date, telling both sides they must meet all court-ordered deadline dates for depositions, evidence review and additional witnesses.
Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. Caylee's remains were found in late 2008, months after her family reported her missing.

Jose Baez, lead counsel for the defense, told Judge Perry they were moving forward, but also cited concern at the slow pace at which they are getting information from the State. As an example Baez mentions a phone call allegedly between Casey and Erica Gonzalez in July of 2008. The defense says Gonzalez was a co-worker of Casey's at the Fusion nightclub.

Prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick responded by saying their investigators only found Gonzalez in June or July of this year.

Judge Perry said he was putting a new rule in place... that once a motion is filed, it must be heard within 15 days. If it's not heard, it will be dismissed.

In regard to a recent defense motion challenging Florida's public information law vs. Casey Anthony's right to a fair trial, Baez said the motion was to preserve the record, not for argument.

Judge Perry then reiterated his previous order that a change of venue motion, which had been previously granted, would allow for a jury in another Florida county to be selected, seated and then transported to Orange County where the trial would be held.

"We will see how much folks from a certain area know about it," Judge Perry said while reiterating he will issue a gag order on the location of jury selection, so potential jurors can walk into a courtroom on that first day of jury selection, without reading about it ahead of time in the newpaper.

The Casey Anthony trial is set to begin May 9, 2011 for jury selection and May 16, 2011 for opening statements.

– Jean Casarez, In Session Correspondent

http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/30/change-of-venue-deadlines-discussed-at-casey-anthony-hearing/