Casey Anthony Questioned About Lawyer's Retainer

March 25, 2009

Casey Anthony, mother of murdered two-year-old Caylee Anthony, appeared in court today in response to a prosecution motion that had been filed in regard to a possible conflict of interest involving Anthony and her lead attorney, Jose Baez.

In the motion, the state attorney's office stated it had concerns about how Anthony--someone who had little money prior to her arrest--had managed to secure a team of high-profile attorneys and expert witnesses. Of central concern was whether Anthony had sold the rights to her story to the media, something that could later be used as basis for appeal.

"The way to diffuse this issue right now is to make sure that the record is clear on exactly what the situation is, exactly what the financial arrangements are," Prosecutor Jeff Ashton said at the start of the 40-minute hearing.

In response, Baez questioned Ashton's reasoning behind the motion and said that he hoped it was not an excuse to uncover what avenue the defense would be taking and how much money they could afford to spend.

"They [prosecutors] need to be worried more about their convictions, more so than their post convictions," Baez said. "What they are doing in their motion is basically stating hypothetically, maybe possibly there is a conflict that exists, and we're telling you there's not."

Orange Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland questioned Baez about his financial arrangement with Anthony, specifically regarding any book or movie deals, to which Baez responded by telling the court that he did not have a literary agreement with Anthony.

After questioning Baez, Strickland had Anthony sworn in and questioned her about an affidavit she had signed on March 10 regarding a retainer agreement with Baez. In questioning Anthony, Strickland was able to confirm that she had not entered into any other agreements with Baez or given him permission to sell her story.

The hearing was then recessed, during which time Strickland met with counsel behind closed doors. Following that meeting, Strickland ruled that there was no conflict of interest between Anthony and Baez.

As the hearing came to an end, Baez asked Strickland to remind Ashton not to discuss the closed-door meeting with the press. Ashton was insulted by the request and said that he did not need a reminder. As a result of their bickering, Strickland interjected and said, "This is getting old."

Outside the courtroom, Baez told reporters that he was happy with the judge's ruling.

"We are glad this is behind us," Baez said. "I have told everyone all along the defense has not done anything unethical in any way, shape or form. These accusations are just that."

Meanwhile, California bounty hunter Leonard Padilla is still trying to purchase the land where Caylee's remains were found on Dec. 11. The asking price for the property is $89,000. According to one of Padilla's employees, he has offered $50,000 for the property. It is not yet known whether the owner is considering the offer. Padilla reportedly wants to build a missing children memorial on the property.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Casey Anthony Court: Associated Press; Jose Baez: Associated Press

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Comments

[007]

It doesn't matter if or how Baez is getting paid. It doesn't matter any more that what Casey purchases behind bars; paper, deoderant, etc.. These things do not matter......

[Linda]

How can yo smile? how! Caylee mattered to (AMERICA)! hOW CAN YOU SMILE? cAYLEE MATTERED! CAYLEE MATTERED!CAYLEE MATTERED!CAYLEE MATTERED TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! CAYLEE MATTERED!HOW CAN YOU SMILE? CAYLEE MATTERED! CAYLEE MATTERED!ANT'S CAYLEE MATTERED!CAYLEE MATTERED TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!HOW CAN YOU SMILE? CAYLEE MATTERED!CAYLEE MATTER!ANT'S CAYLEE MATTERED TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!CAYLEE MATTERED!

[Bettttt1]

I just was reading on another site that
the story is part of the monies, like 200.000 for it this is totally run amuk. this child needs justice.

[BeckyM]

Yeah and Baez we don't want to hear halfway through trial that you are bowing out because Casey has run out of her invisible money and the state needs to pay for you aka Scott Peterson's attorney.

Nope that has now been setteled in a court of law.

[AMY-INDY]

What it all boils down to is the entire family made money off that little girl. How have they managed to survive without working? Baez used the family to gain money. Do you really think this lawyer is going to use his own money to defend her? What about these high profile experts? I'm sure they do not work for free. So the question WHO IS PAYING FOR HER DEFENSE? It's clear as mud.
I just don't understand why they have to keep dragging this on? She needs to come clean and be done with it...but like she said...she is going to fight until the end.

[cb]

"Meanwhile, California bounty hunter Leonard Padilla is still trying to purchase the land where Caylee's remains were found on Dec. 11. The asking price for the property is $89,000. According to one of Padilla's employees, he has offered $50,000 for the property."

Way to low-ball it so that the owner wouldn't even remotely consider the offer while Padilla gets himself in the news again.

"As the hearing came to an end, Baez asked Strickland to remind Ashton not to discuss the closed-door meeting with the press. Ashton was insulted by the request and said that he did not need a reminder. As a result of their bickering, Strickland interjected and said, "This is getting old." "

Cue the organ grinder and dancing monkey, and the Casey Anthony Show goes on ....and on.

[Kim]

That picture is eerie - it reminds me of a picture published of Eileen Wournos(sp?)years ago - of MONSTER fame who killed all of those men - creepy - that weird smile just gives me chills.

[briana]

this is so sick and disgusting!!!In america you can be charged with murdering your child and then sell pics of the child you killed to pay for your defense!!!!oh and a story or movie.....I'm sorry but I had to laugh that would be such a messed up book written by Casey..lmao it would be all lies definetly fiction!Caseys family needs major mental help NOW!!!!!

[briana]

whoever wrote that it doesnt matter how baez is getting paid is wrong! IF CASEY IS PAYING HER ATTORNEYS WITH MONEY FROM PICS OR A BOOK DEAL IT DOES MATTER! SHE IS PAYING THEM WITH BLOOD MONEY AND THE BLOOD IS ON ALL THERE HANDS! LOOK AT THE WAY CASEY MESSES WITH HER HANDS IN COURT! THOSE HANDS KILLED HER LITTLE GIRL! IT DOES MATTER!

[terry]

I wish the prosecuters would have just asked 1 question regarding money: Who got the $200,000.00 plus from the t.v. network for video and pictures.Everyone knows about it but no one asks who got it.

[briana]

HEY TERRY ALL i HAVE TO SAY IS EXACTLY!!!

[Alex]

After reading about this case, here what struck my attention:
Casey as an apparent interest for Comedia del'Arte (Some photos show Arlequin, theatre characters). Appart from her Italian descent and the fact she got that Tatoo in Italian saying "La Vita Bella" around the day Casey went missing, the name she came up with for the nanny "Zany, Zanni" is a character from Comedia del'Arte who is a fool, a clown, an impersonator. I would be very interested in the litterature Casey was reading around that time.