Drowsy Defense: Massachusetts Court Grants New Trial for Murder Defendant as Lawyer Caught Sleeping in Courtroom
BOSTON – In a startling turn of events, a murder defendant in Massachusetts is now looking at a new trial after his defense lawyer was found asleep during crucial parts of the proceedings. The state’s top court made the ruling on Monday, stating that the lawyer’s behavior constituted a violation of the defendant’s constitutional right to counsel. The defendant, who was convicted of first-degree murder, appealed his conviction, arguing that his lawyer’s inadequate representation had deprived him of a fair trial. The lawyer, who has not been named publicly, was observed sleeping multiple times during … Read more