State v. Ringer
State v. Ringer
Opinion of the Court
This affidavit of disqualification was filed by Kenneth Lawson, counsel for defendant, seeking the disqualification of Judge Richard Niehaus from further proceedings in the above-captioned case, State v. Tony Ringer.
This affidavit of disqualification arises from Judge Niehaus’s receipt of an anonymous letter in March 2001 purporting to exonerate the defendant. According to Judge Niehaus, counsel were advised that the judge received this letter, and the original was provided to police and prosecutors for investigation.
Prior to the scheduled trial date, affiant included Judge Niehaus on his witness list and issued a subpoena to the judge regarding his receipt of the anonymous letter. After conducting a hearing on July 31, 2001, Judge Niehaus quashed the subpoena on the ground that he has no material evidence to provide relative to the authenticity or admissibility of the anonymous letter. Affiant contends that the judge should be disqualified for several reasons, most notably because he has testimony to offer regarding receipt of the letter and, in quashing the subpoena, has prejudged the letter’s admissibility.
For these reasons, the affidavit of disqualification is found not well taken and is denied. The case shall proceed before Judge Niehaus.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re Disqualification of Niehaus. The State of Ohio v. Ringer
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published