Judge Orders Daily Lawyer Visits for Aurora Shooter
Published at
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office(NEW YORK) — A Colorado district court judge has given a handwritten order for James Holmes’ attorneys to be able to see him at least once a day “so long as he is being held at the Arapahoe County Jail.”
In a motion filed Thursday, public defenders Dan King and Tamara Brady said that they were denied access to Holmes by the undersheriff after Holmes returned to jail from a trip to the hospital. They said that they were “extremely concerned about the well-being of their client.”
Holmes underwent medical care, law enforcement sources said, because he rammed his head against his cell wall and on the floor on several occasions in “an attempt to harm himself.”
A hearing that was supposed to happen Thursday was postponed because Holmes was not in a condition to appear.
Denver defense attorney Larry Pozner said the fact that a client has been denied access to his attorneys is “extraordinary.”
“We’re 200 years past the point when you can keep defense lawyers from seeing their clients,” Pozner said. “It’s inappropriate, it’s uncalled for and it’s out of line.”
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department would not comment as to why it wouldn’t allow Holmes’ attorneys to see him Thursday.
“I can’t talk to you about specific inmates or security issues,” said Undersheriff Dave Walcher.
Holmes’ attorneys have asked the judge to fine Walcher for his actions.
Holmes is charged with killing 12 people and injuring at least 58 in a theater showing of “The Dark Knight” this summer. The postponed hearing is set for Dec. 10 in Arapahoe County Court.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio