The defense strategy in both the Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos cases is causing some head-scratching now that both powerful former state lawmakers hold been convicted of federal corruption charges. Defense attorneys for both politicians didn't call a single witness in either trial.
Defense attorney Murray Richman has represented some organized crime figures,celebrities and nearly one-third of the New York state legislature. He says defense attorneys "die a little on the inside" every time their clients choosethe stand. "He's going to be cross-examined for all the things he's done in his life," Richman said. "whether you're putting your integrity as a defense issue in question, and they can show lack of integrity in other issues."Richman spoke to WNYC's Richard Hake.
Source: wnyc.org