Horowitz Off Case

[Nandee]

Defense attorney Daniel Horowitz said Wednesday that his client, Susan Polk, no longer wants his services and prefers to represent herself when she goes on trial this month on charges she killed her husband in their Orinda home.
``It doesn't matter why she wants to represent herself,'' Horowitz said. ``She doesn't have to have a reason.''

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/13607744.htm

[enigma]

Thanks for posting! She must be insane! I feel that even if you are a lawyer it is not a good choice to represent yourself!

[Nandee]

She planned on representing herself until Horowitz convinced her to hire him. She had already fired 2 sets of lawyers her father hired. I too think this is a bad idea.

[enigma]

Do you have any knowledge of what the 24 misdemeanor counts were mentioned in the article? Horowitz had begun this trial already so I am certain he was well prepared for it albeit distracted from the awful tragedy that happened. What is she thinking? :shake:

Horowitz had argued successfully for a ruling that would allow a jury to learn that Felix Polk was diagnosed with schizophrenia -- a way to back up Susan Polk's claim that he attacked her. He also negotiated the dismissal of 24 misdemeanor counts against her for violating a court order.

[Nandee]

I would guess they are related to her lies to police and her actions after the murder, moving his car, etc.

[factsuall]

Nandee, thanks...alll I can say is WOW....I hope she is NOT trying mental incompetent defence this way...only a fool represents self..???
sounds like a serious case of narcissism on her part....of course he had not spent much time...gee....how selfish...but ironically a clinical could argue such egocentric behaviour IS symptomatic defense.

[Nandee]

Nancy Grace reports that SP says DH is involved. There is a complete breakdown in their relationships. She has doubts about DH's innocence. NG says this is just to get another delay. SP wants all judges in CC Co. to recuse themselves. SP says DH has made comments about PV's murder that made her suspicious. DH is saying poor SP is scared and that he never talked to her about Pam.

Susan's mom is on saying the communication is very bad with Susan because here phone time is limited. She says DH is the most compassionate man she has ever met.

[Tersi]

Nancy Grace reports that SP says DH is involved. There is a complete breakdown in their relationships. She has doubts about DH's innocence. NG says this is just to get another delay. SP wants all judges in CC Co. to recuse themselves. SP says DH has made comments about PV's murder that made her suspicious. DH is saying poor SP is scared and that he never talked to her about Pam.

Susan's mom is on saying the communication is very bad with Susan because here phone time is limited. She says DH is the most compassionate man she has ever met.

I saw DH on Dan Abrams last week, and he looked and sounded like a broken man. I never particulary cared for him as one of the talking heads, but my heart goes out to him for what he's having to go through. I think he still wanted to represent her to fulfill his obligation to her, but I doubt his heart is in it. I have my doubts that he'll ever be able to stand next to someone he believes guilty of murder, and defend them as he used to do. It's all so very sad.

[gardenia]

Nancy Grace reports that SP says DH is involved. There is a complete breakdown in their relationships. She has doubts about DH's innocence. NG says this is just to get another delay. SP wants all judges in CC Co. to recuse themselves. SP says DH has made comments about PV's murder that made her suspicious. DH is saying poor SP is scared and that he never talked to her about Pam.

Susan's mom is on saying the communication is very bad with Susan because here phone time is limited. She says DH is the most compassionate man she has ever met.
It will be interesting to see how Grace handles the POLK case. GRACE tends to be very preducial in her attitudes and the way she deals with cases. I don't care for her, she is a hypocrite and a hang them and ask questions later type.