When the verdict is waiting for the defense lawyer: in the US, a convict postponed his sentence due to the replacement of his advocate

A court in Iowa (USA) has postponed the sentencing of 35-year-old Jarod Anderson, who was found guilty by a jury of committing a number of crimes against a minor, including human trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation. The decision was based on the defendant's claim of a conflict with his lawyers.

According to The Gazette, Anderson (who faced imminent life imprisonment) filed a statement with the court that he had lost confidence in his trial lawyers, Austin Lewis and Brian Tingle. Although during the trial itself, up until the verdict was handed down by the bench, he did not express any complaints against the defense. It was left to Judge Ian Thornhill of the Sixth Judicial Circuit to formally determine the punishment. Nevertheless, the judge temporarily closed the hearing, leaving only the lawyers and the convict to voice their claims.

When the hearings resumed, Thornhill said that as the judge presiding over the case, he would not consider complaints against the defense. These issues can be considered after the verdict. At the same time, he said, he may appoint a new lawyer to represent Anderson at the sentencing stage.

Thus, despite the fact that the jury had already found the defendant guilty, the court did not ignore his right to effective legal assistance. That is, even at the sentencing stage, the defendant may seek to change his lawyer if he manages to convince the court of the need for such a step.

The judge announced that the date of sentencing would be changed.

However, the statement could be part of the defense strategy. For example, to record procedural violations for further review of the case. Lawyers who handle complex cases know the value of each step well, even after the jury has reached a verdict.