Scott Peterson's defense attorneys failed to file legal paperwork in the double murder case before a Monday deadline. Prosecutors said the move likely would have little impact on the case.
Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami had given the defense until noon to file a brief outlining their position on media coverage for Peterson's preliminary hearing, scheduled for Sept. 9.
Prosecutors have already filed paperwork saying they oppose cameras in the courtroom for the hearing.
Lead defense attorney Mark Geragos has said he may request the hearing be closed.
Court officials said shortly before the clerk's office closed at
5 p.m. Monday that they had not received any defense filings in the case.
Geragos could not be reached for comment.
Assistant District Attorney Carol Shipley said the defense could file the paperwork later.
It's possible, however, they might not file at all.
"You can't deny the defendant due process just because his attorney forgot something," Shipley said.
Girolami has the option of imposing sanctions, such as a fine, for missing the deadline. Imposing sanctions in such situations is rare, Shipley said.
RSS
E-Mail
Print
Order reprints
