I read with concerned interest the article headlined
”
Attorney shelved in murder case
”
and found it disturbing to say the least.
It troubles me that the district attorney is allowed to pick
which defense attorney will or will not represent a defendant.
Dear Editor:
I read with concerned interest the article headlined “Attorney shelved in murder case” and found it disturbing to say the least.
It troubles me that the district attorney is allowed to pick which defense attorney will or will not represent a defendant.
Confused at Judge Steve Sanders’ decision, I had to double check my map to make sure San Benito County was still in America and, thus, protected by the United States Constitution.
Actions taken by the district attorney and Judge Sanders bring to mind two words – Kangaroo Court.
Judge Sanders’ decision begs the question: If Mr. Orbuena had the money and had hired attorney Greg LaForge to represent him, would Judge Sanders have made the same decision? I think not.
After the poor showing by the Hollister Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office in the recent Ralph Santos murder case, you would think someone would have learned a lesson. In my opinion, this decision makes the entire San Benito County justice system suspect.
Based on what I’ve read on this case so far, it appears to me that there are major problems in the near future for deputy District Attorney Denny Wei and his boss John Sarsfield.
If the California Highway Patrol handled the accident investigation the way local law enforcement handled the Santos case, and Mr. Orbuena was not DUI, the district attorney and the CHP have some serious explaining to do to this community.
It’s going to be interesting to see when this case shakes out if the district attorney and his staff choose to either fess-up or cover-up.
Bruce Kiefert,
Hollister
