Michael Jackson Case: Dr. Conrad Murray Legal Team's Website

As reports flourish online that Conrad Murray's defense has been leaked to TMZ by "multiple sources," the only information available on the defense's website: Houston Criminal Law Press Room.com posted on April 4, 2010, states that Murray and his legal team will be in court on Monday, April 5 to request an adjournment "to enable the prosecution to provide the remainder of the discovery documents." They will also discuss the bail amendment issue. They do not anticipate speaking to the press: "There will be no press conference."

But it's early in the month and more information on court appearances and any quotes from Dr. Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, will undoubtedly be kept up to date throughout the rest of month and at least as long as the Houston attorney continues to represent the doctor accusing of involuntary manslaughter in the death of pop icon, Michael Jackson.

One thing to remember is that Dr. Conrad Murray was cooperative in providing a detailed timeline of his activities both before he discovered Michael Jackson in need of CPR and what he did afterwards. This information is part of the discovery that is either already in the hands of the defense or will soon be. Just how is it possible that the Conrad Murray's defense team can go against any statements that the doctor made when he spoke to the investigators in the days following the King of Pop's death.

Well, if Ed Chernoff is your attorney, anything is possible. In his biographical information on the Houston Criminal Law Press Room website, it says this about Ed: "His first trial after leaving the DA's office involved an Aggravated Robbery where the Defendant was recorded on videotape committing the crime. He [Ed] won, nonetheless."

Finding an impartial jury would seem to be another huge obstacle for the defense. California attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley told MTV News that it might prove to be the most time-consuming aspect of the trial. Chapman Holley has represented many celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie and Lindsay Lohan. She also said that Murray is facing a possible two to four years in prison, and she doubted that he would get off without serving any time.

Ed Chernoff is appearing pro hac vice, which means that he has been granted permission to represent Dr. Murray in California even though he is not licensed to practice law in that state. So why would a Houston attorney like Edward M. Chernoff, with a record of few losses, want to take on a case with an unpopular defendant like Dr. Conrad Murray who has already been tried and found guilty by the Jackson family and legions of Michael Jackson fans? That is anybody's guess, since it is obviously going to be much more than a media circus but Ed Chernoff promised to "fight like hell" when he entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Dr. Conrad in February 2010. Whatever the outcome, it is unlikely that Ed Chernoff will be faulted for an inadequate defense even if his client ends up with some jail time.

Sources:
Houston Criminal Law Press Room.com
TMZ: Dr. Murray's Defense: Jackson Killed Himself
MTV News: Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Faces Uphill Battle, Expert Says
Houston Chron: Jackson's doc charged with involuntary manslaughter