Judge dismisses state's motion, says death row inmate Berget can keep attorney for appeals
A judge has dismissed a motion from the state who argued death row inmate Rodney Berget needs a new attorney for his appeals process.
The Argus Leader reports (http://argusne.ws/1FLEKnL) Judge Doug Hoffman ruled Berget could keep Jeff Larson as his lawyer. Larson represented Berget throughout his trial.
Berget was sentenced to die this week for his role in killing a State Penitentiary guard. His execution is on hold.
Assistant Attorney General Paul Swedlund argued that keeping Larson could create conflicts if Berget wants to claim he had poor representation.
Larson said those claims were mute since Berget has never claimed to be dissatisfied and has always asked Larson to represent him.
Hoffman agreed but said in his ruling that state law prohibits Berget from raising questions later about his representation.
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/sto...illing-Motion/
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