Case library · Lawyers in the Dock
Getting to the Witnesses
United States v. Simels (2011)
Charge: Conspiracy to obstruct justice; attempted obstruction of justice; bribery; importing and possessing eavesdropping equipmentCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (on appeal from E.D.N.Y.)State: New YorkDocket: Lawyers in the Dock
The facts
A well-known defence lawyer took on a foreign client facing narcotics-trafficking charges. Prosecutors say he went well past defending him. Recordings captured him discussing paying witnesses to change their testimony, arranging for others to frighten them, and preparing sworn statements he knew were false. He also brought in electronic eavesdropping equipment. He says he was investigating the government's case, as a defence lawyer may. The equipment charge requires a device that can actually intercept communications.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Simels, No. 09-5117 (2d Cir. 2011)
Read more at law.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.