Second Civil Attorney Takes The Stand at Michael Jackson Trial

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Jurors heard testimony from the Arvizo family's second civil attorney in a matter of days on Friday as Larry Feldman took the stand.

Feldman was the attorney who reached a cash settlement in 1993 for Jordan Chandler when Michael Jackson was accused of allegations similar to which he is now facing. He also represents the Arvizo family since their first civil attorney William Dickerman, who testified on Wednesday, referred the family to him. Feldman testified he was referred to after a dispute about the family's appearance in the Living with Michael Jackson documentary, and he in return referred the family to psychologist Stan Katz "to make out some heads or tails of what was being told to me by the family."

District Attorney Tom Sneddon asked the witness if the Arvizo family ever discussed a financial settlement. "There was no lawsuit and there were no plans to file a lawsuit," Feldman said. "It was up to you to investigate," he said referring to Sneddon. A photograph of Chandler from 1993 was projected with the permission of Judge Melville, "He was much better looking at that age. He was adorable," Feldman said. Melville had that comment stricken from the record.

Feldman went on to discuss the '93 case according to the Associated Press. "Mr. Jackson's legal team wanted confidentiality," he said. "They didn't want anybody talking about this and they were concerned that the parents get money so the parents couldn't talk." Although Feldman admitted he has met with the Accuser's Mother since he ceased to represent her officially because of the case starting, he re-iterated that he was never asked about a financial settlement, "I have never been asked to file any lawsuit against Michael Jackson."

During cross-examination by lead Defence attorney Tom Mesereau, Feldman confirmed that Gavin and Star Arvizo have until they reach 20-years-old to file a civil lawsuit against Michael for the means of financial compensation. "If Mr. Jackson was convicted of felony child molestation in this case, (the Accuser and his brother) could use that case to win a civil case alleging similar or same facts against Mr. Jackson, is that correct?" asked Mesereau. "That's correct," Feldman replied. The witness also admitted that his firm are still representing the Accuser.

Mesereau insinuated that Feldman turned the case over to authorities to avoid legal costs of a drawn out civil case, an allegation he denied. Although Feldman admitted a civil case would be easier with a federal conviction, a large payout woul not be guaranteed, "That ain't the way it works," he said according to the Santa Maria Times. The witness claimed he didn't want to put Gavin Arvizo through two cases because of his illness, from which he has now recovered, "It's almost inhumane to have a cancer patient go through a criminal case and then go through a civil case," he said.

When making his opening statement to the jury at the beginning of the trial, Mesereau stated that Feldman had told talk show host Larry King during a lunch that the Janet Arvizo had wanted money, another allegation he denied. "I didn't tell them or anybody else about what anybody tells me," he said. "It is absolutely privileged and if anybody tells you that they are absolutely lying."

Once Feldman's testimony concluded, sheriff's Lt. Jeff Klapackis took the stand to testify about the search on Neverland Valley ranch. The President of Ventura phone systems then testified that although the phones at Neverland have a function to listen in on other calls made, there is nothing to stop 911 being dialled.

The day's proceedings ended with Neverland House Manager of twenty years Jesus Salas on the stand; he is expected to continue his testimony on Monday. Sneddon is expected to commence introducing evidence and testimony concerning 1993 then also.

Defence attorneys have stated they feel there should be a mistrial as they have evidence that witnesses have discussed the case with each other, which is against court rules.

Source - MJNI.COM