Lawyer who tossed bean bags during closing won't be held in contempt
A criminal defense lawyer who tossed bean bags during closing arguments while comparing the state’s case to excrement will not be held in contempt.
Judge William Carnes Jr. of Providence, R.I., said he would not hold lawyer Christopher Millea in contempt, but emphasized the importance of maintaining courtroom decorum, the Providence Journal reports. “It was important to keep this particular trial from degenerating into a circus,” Carnes said.
Millea represented defendant Jamaal “Dub” Dublin during Dublin’s trial for an alleged plot to bribe a stabbing victim not to testify against Dublin. Dublin was acquitted of conspiracy in the alleged bribe plot.
During closing arguments in November, Millea took two bean bags from one box and threw them into another box, the story says. “You see, all of this has to do with the throwing of feces,” he said. “The state wants to throw as much against the wall to see what sticks.” One box was labeled “state’s case” and the other was labeled “reasonable doubt.” Carnes stopped the proceedings at that point.
Dublin was on trial with lawyer Donna Uhlmann, who was also accused in the bribe plot. She was also acquitted.
Dublin’s former lawyer, Gerard Donley, was convicted in the alleged plot during a separate trial on charges of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
