Angus
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Instant analysis: What plea deal means for Vick
July 30, 2007 10:45 AM
Posted by Mike Sando
I've been in touch with two of our legal analysts this morning regarding news that Tony Taylor, codefendant in the Michael Vick case, has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Vick. Neal Walters and Timothy Heaphy are Virginia-based attorneys with expertise at the federal level. Heaphy is a former federal prosecutor. Here is what they said when asked whether Taylor's plea deal is indeed a blow to the Vick defense team:
Walters: "You can say that again. Under the federal sentencing regime generally speaking the only way a defendant can reduce the sentence he would otherwise get is to cooperate with the government and provide 'substantial assistance.' I suspect that the co-defendant sensed that because of the high profile of this case and the amount of negative commentary the charges are bringing that the government was going to be pretty firm about this one and he wanted to get out of the way fast."
Heaphy: "If Taylor is cooperating (as the story suggests), it is a blow to Vick's defense. The indictment details numerous occasions on which Taylor and Vick took action together, sponsoring dogs in fights. If Taylor is pleading guilty with a cooperation obligation, the government must have concluded that he has provided information consistent with the indictment and will be a reliable witness against his former co-defendants at trial. Previously, the witnesses against Vick looked to be people from outside of the charged conspiracy who sponsored dogs in fights against the Vick dogs. Taylor would be the first 'insider' to provide evidence against Vick. That is an important step forward for investigators, as it corroborates the information they had received previously."
Vick and Taylor reportedly had a falling out three years ago.
Heaphy: "If Taylor had a falling out with Vick, that mitigates the damage somewhat. Vick's defense team will argue that Taylor is biased against Vick. They'll suggest he has two motives to fabricate the information he provided - his animosity toward Vick, and the fact that he's facing serious charges and wants to please the prosecutors by giving him what they want. The government will counter by arguing that Taylor's information is consistent with that provided by their numerous other witnesses, and his credibility is enhanced by the fact that he is pleading guilty and exposing himself to jail time."
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July 30, 2007 10:45 AM
Posted by Mike Sando
I've been in touch with two of our legal analysts this morning regarding news that Tony Taylor, codefendant in the Michael Vick case, has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Vick. Neal Walters and Timothy Heaphy are Virginia-based attorneys with expertise at the federal level. Heaphy is a former federal prosecutor. Here is what they said when asked whether Taylor's plea deal is indeed a blow to the Vick defense team:
Walters: "You can say that again. Under the federal sentencing regime generally speaking the only way a defendant can reduce the sentence he would otherwise get is to cooperate with the government and provide 'substantial assistance.' I suspect that the co-defendant sensed that because of the high profile of this case and the amount of negative commentary the charges are bringing that the government was going to be pretty firm about this one and he wanted to get out of the way fast."
Heaphy: "If Taylor is cooperating (as the story suggests), it is a blow to Vick's defense. The indictment details numerous occasions on which Taylor and Vick took action together, sponsoring dogs in fights. If Taylor is pleading guilty with a cooperation obligation, the government must have concluded that he has provided information consistent with the indictment and will be a reliable witness against his former co-defendants at trial. Previously, the witnesses against Vick looked to be people from outside of the charged conspiracy who sponsored dogs in fights against the Vick dogs. Taylor would be the first 'insider' to provide evidence against Vick. That is an important step forward for investigators, as it corroborates the information they had received previously."
Vick and Taylor reportedly had a falling out three years ago.
Heaphy: "If Taylor had a falling out with Vick, that mitigates the damage somewhat. Vick's defense team will argue that Taylor is biased against Vick. They'll suggest he has two motives to fabricate the information he provided - his animosity toward Vick, and the fact that he's facing serious charges and wants to please the prosecutors by giving him what they want. The government will counter by arguing that Taylor's information is consistent with that provided by their numerous other witnesses, and his credibility is enhanced by the fact that he is pleading guilty and exposing himself to jail time."
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