Phill Spector Lawyers Want A Stay In Murder Trial
hottest galleries
-
The Latest Star Sightings
Access the day’s hottest photos!
-
Isn’t It Bromantic? Hollywood’s Top 10 Bromances!
Find out which Hollywood bros will be friends ‘til the end…
-
Brad! Demi! Robert! Paris! Hot Shots Of The Stars In Shades
Check out the stars as they step out across the world in their favorite pair of sunglasses!
FIRST PUBLISHED: August 14, 2008 8:40 AM EDT
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Phil Spector’s lawyers asked a judge on Wednesday for an indefinite stay of the music producer’s murder retrial so they can appeal the case on double jeopardy grounds.
Defense attorneys Dennis Riordan and Doron Weinberg want an assurance that prosecutors will not ask jurors to convict Spector on lesser offenses of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
Spector’s first trial resulted in a jury deadlock on the single charge of second degree murder.
The verdict came after Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler ruled the lesser charges did not apply and could not be argued to the jury.
Riordan and Weinberg said the ruling was tantamount to an acquittal on the lesser offenses. Bringing them up at the retrial would amount to double jeopardy, they said.
Prosecutors have not indicated whether they plan such a move, and Fidler has not ruled on whether he would allow it.
A pretrial hearing in the case is set for Thursday. Other issues to be raised include defense opposition to the proposed testimony of six people who allege Spector threatened them with guns.
Spector, 68, is charged with murdering actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion in 2003.
Defense lawyers maintained Clarkson turned a gun on herself and committed suicide.
Copyright 2009 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!
-
Jon Gosselin and Michael Lohan step out in Southampton on July 25, 2009
-
Adam Lambert arrives at the premiere of ‘2012’ at the Regal Cinemas LA Live on November 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
-
‘Precious’
-
Taylor Swift performs onstage at the ‘We’re All For The Hall’ benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame at the Sommet Center on October 13, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee
-
Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
-
Mary J. Blige strikes a pose on the red carpet at Fashion Group International’s 26th annual Night Of Stars at Cipriani, Wall Street, NYC, October 22, 2009
-
Miley Cyrus arrives for Disney’s 2nd Annual Concert For Hope at the Nokia Theatre on October 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
-
Adam Lambert arrives at the premiere of ‘2012’ at the Regal Cinemas LA Live on November 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
-
Taylor Swift performs onstage at the ‘We’re All For The Hall’ benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame at the Sommet Center on October 13, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee
-
Chris Brown and Rihanna
related videos
-
TV One: The Playlist (November 1, 2009)
Alicia Keys sings about the man of her dreams in her new “Doesn’t Mean Anything” music video from her new album, “The Elements Of Truth,” in the latest Playlist.
-
Leona Lewis Performs ‘Happy’ In London (November 2, 2009)
British pop singer Leona Lewis performs her first concert in her hometown neighborhood at Hackney Empire in London.
-
On The Download: Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester - ‘Good Girls Go Bad’
“Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester joins Cobra Starship for their catchy single, “Good Girls Go Bad,” about a good girl with a bad streak. “Good Girls” is found on the band’s third studio album, “Hot Mess,” in stores now.
-
50 Cent On His New Cologne: ‘It’s The Smell Of Success’
50 Cent tells Access why he decided to launch his new cologne, “Power,” and how he would describe the essence of his scent. Plus, which film is his new production company developing with Forest Whitaker?
-
Weekend Radar (November 6, 2009)
Is Catherine Zeta-Jones ready for her “A Little Night Music” Broadway debut? Plus, which cute costume did Blake Lively don for Halloween? And, go behind the scenes of Robin Thicke’s “Sex Therapy” music video!
-
Behind The Scenes: Taylor Swift Laughs It Up At ‘Saturday Night Live’
Go behind the scenes as Taylor has a blast preparing for her double duty as host and musical guest on “Saturday Night Live.” Plus, will Taylor make light of her Kanye West incident? And, what are the details on her duet with John Mayer?
-
‘New Moon’ Music Video: Anya Marina - ‘Satellite Heart’
Check out the music video for Anya Marina’s “Satellite Heart” from the “Twilight Saga: New Moon” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
-
Preview: ‘Glee’ Members Ride Away In ‘Wheels’
In order to better understand the struggles of their fellow “Glee” member, Artie, Will challenges the team to experience life in a wheelchair. The full episode of “Wheels” airs Wednesday, November 11 at 8 / 7c on FOX.
-
Chris Brown Discusses His Assault On Rihanna With MTV
Chris Brown finally speaks candidly about that fateful night when he brutally assaulted Rihanna in “Chris Brown: The Interview.” Plus, how does he feel about people yelling things like “woman beater” at him? Check it out on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6PM on MTV.
-
AH Nation: Nicole Kidman’s ‘Fetish’ Revelations! (November 4, 2009)
What does the AH Nation think about Nicole Kidman’s revealing comments on her past sex life in the British GQ? Plus, what does Jeremy Piven blame for his “man boobs”? And, why were Dolly Parton and Jessica Simpson sharing racy Tweets?
related galleries
2009 MTV Europe Music Awards
All the stars at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin, Germany!
Week’s Best Star Sightings: October 31 - November 6, 2009
R-Pattz spooks the fans! Plus, Mariah Carey gets revealing, stars in Halloween costumes & more!
Week’s Best Star Sightings: October 24 -30, 2009
Taylor & Taylor’s hot night out! Plus, Brad Pitt’s motorcycle madness, the Jacksons’ ‘This Is It’ premiere & more!
