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Litigation

Nov. 29, 2011

Binding plea deals hold their own risks

Most federal judges do not take kindly to taking orders from litigants or lawyers. That may help explain why prosecutors saw their high-profile plea deal with embattled attorney Pierce O'Donnell combust this month.


By Gabe Friedman


Daily Journal Staff Writer


LOS ANGELES - Known for running their courtrooms how they see fit, most federal judges do not take kindly to taking orders from litigants or lawyers. That may help explain why prosecutors saw their high-profile plea deal with embattled attorney Pierce O'Donnell combust this month.


U.S. District Judge S. James Otero slammed a special provision that made the agreement "binding," requiring...

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