| Arnason off Peterson trial after prosecutors object CONTRA COSTA TIMES January 22, 2004 A Stanislaus County prosecutor has asked that Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Richard Arnason be recused from the upcoming trial of Scott Lee Peterson. The challenge does not require prosecutors show cause and automatically removes the judge from the case. Prosecutor Rick Distaso said in court papers filed this morning that Arnason is "prejudiced against" his "interests" and does not believe he can receive a fair trial before the longtime judge. There was no further explanation of why prosecutors challenged the appointment. Chief Justice Ronald George chose Arnason on Wednesday to hear the high profile case after Stanislaus County Judge Al Girolami said he would rather remain in Modesto. George's office said today that the chief justice will now appoint another judge to the case, but it might be next week before that occurs. Girolami moved the trial from the Central Valley city to San Mateo County, citing concerns over massive pre-trial publicity. His trial is scheduled to begin Monday, but almost certainly will be delayed. A hearing to discuss that matter is scheduled for Friday in Modesto. Attorneys each get one chance per case to issue a peremptory challenge against a judge. The challenge requires no explanation other than to say that an attorney, in this case Stanislaus prosecutors, believe he or she cannot get a fair trial in front of that particular judge. VENUE CHANGE INDEX HOME INDEX LACI SCOTT EVIDENCE-NEWS |
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