Famed attorney Roy Black filed a prosecutorial misconduct motion today against Bay County, Fla. State Attorney Steve Meadows, claiming Meadows exhibited a "pattern of blatant abuse" in his prosecution of "Girls Gone Wild" creator Joe Francis. Black is asking that the case against Francis be dismissed.
The 62-page Motion To Dismiss claims Meadows violated Florida's professional code of conduct and infringed on Mr. Francis' Sixth Amendment U.S. Constitutional right to a fair trial. The motion says Meadows has a "conscious and brazen disregard for its professional and ethical obligations and the Constitutional rights of the [Francis]."
According to the motion, Meadows made disparaging statements about Francis on an interview televised on Vh-1. Meadows, the motion says, violated the rules of the Florida Bar and Francis' Constitutional right to due process, by alleging on camera that Francis was guilty of smuggling drugs into the jail, among other things. The motion states, "The smuggling of drugs actually refers to the defendant's lawful possession of medications prescribed by his treating physician." Francis had two Vicodin pills in his shaving kit when he was arrested -- pills for which he says he has a doctor's prescription.
According to Black, Meadows has repeatedly painted Francis as an "enemy combatant," so deriding his character that Francis will be unable to find objective people to serve on a jury.
Another of Francis' attorneys, David Houston, says, "From the moment Joe Francis and the Girls Gone Wild bus rolled into Panama City during that infamous Spring Break more than four years ago, local politicians and police have waged war against Joe."
"Apparently," Houston says, "Joe's desire to enforce his Constitutional rights has rendered him to the officials of Panama City Florida the equivalent of a terrorist cell."
Francis has been in jail for over six months, without ever having been convicted of a crime.
Meadows' office had no comment.
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We know Joe well and he well kinda got screwed, no pun intended. He started GGW and it took off so fast it made his head spin. Not having any legal council or business experience from the very beginning was his only mistake. Plus when we went out with him, girls of all ages begged to be on the tapes... you would not believe some of the nasty young girls there are out there trying to scam any way they can to get on the camera and make some cash! Then they turn around and sue him for falling for it.
GOD SPEED JOE!
CHEERS,
BUSTED CELEBRITY
seems like a vendetta... i guess arrogance and vindictivness are two essential qualities for successful DAs
I honestly cannot believe that this man is STILL IN JAIL when there are how many celebrities getting busted for VIOLENT CRIMES, DRUGS and other related matters, yet they SERVE NO JAIL TIME.
Nick Hogan almost kills his friend, yet it doesn't even seem as if he will be prosecuted for anything.
Snoop Dogg gets convicted of weapons charges (how many convictions is this now??), yet spends not ONE DAY in jail.
Rap stars get busted every other day.. yet few ever go to jail.
The list goes on and on...... Its ridiculous.
American prison is like hotel in my country.
I have seen 'My name is Earl'
There are those within the legal system, both federal and state (judges included) who are abusing their power. Look at the Duke Lacrosse team members.
This is not an isolated case, unfortunately. This happens every day. Most people don't have the money or political contacts or celebrity status to bright it to light.
Do you hear that?
Is world's tiniest violin playing for Joe Francis. Time for cry
NOT!
By the way-
Wasn't there some list recently published of other celebrities who currently owe MILLIONS in back taxes, yet are not in jail? Dionne Warwick and OJ were on the list I believe.
When Warwick and Simpson go to jail for tax evasion, I will shut up about the unfairness of Joe Francis's current situation.
by the way, that was California tax. Even Borat owe California tax.
If the country elects a democrat for president, you better get used to more of this type of prosecution. Just look at the Attempt to shut down Rush Limbaugh and several other talk radio personalities, all republican. If a Democrat dislikes what you say, instead of giving you the right to say it, they are offended and will attack your right of free speech. Joe Francis is living this nightmare right now. His right of free speech is under attack big time by evil people. Vote Democratic and GET USED TO IT.
I'm having a problem coming up with sympathy. Sorry Joe, feeling exploited must suck.
Joe Francis used his freedom of speech to insult judge. Not so smarty pants I think.
OJ killed two people and owes on his taxes and he just went to jail, but not for either of these crimes! What is wrong with this world! Save Joe!
I'm behind Joe.
Just wish he would stop crying like a little girl in his TV interviews.
