Domestic Violence Defendant Requests New Council During Arraignment

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A domestic violence defendant requested a new lawyer during his arraignment hearing.

The defendant was arraigned on eight counts including assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of a high capacity ammunition feeding device and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance during the July 26 hearing. 

Defense attorney Sabitiyu Abou asked Judge Michael O’Keefe to appoint a new attorney for the defendant. When Judge O’Keefe asked the defendant why he wanted to change council, he said, “I do not feel like my lawyer is on my side.”

Judge O’Keefe granted the request for a new attorney and scheduled a felony status conference for Aug. 20.