Closing arguments begin on day six of Caballero, Leeds trial
Closing arguments are underway during day six of the contempt of court case against two prominent El Paso lawyers.
Theresa Caballero and Stuart Leeds are battling 18 charges of criminal contempt of court from their successful defense of Judge Regina Arditti in 2011.
Leeds has complained about his need to push a capitol murder trial, originally scheduled to be heard on Friday. The date for the trial was initially rescheduled for Monday, however, it has been rescheduled again according to him.
Caballero and Leeds have called more than 80 witnesses to testify for their defense.
On Saturday, the El Paso County courthouse remained open so the case could continue. Judge Juanita Vasquez-Gardner, who is presiding over the case, is from out of town. The prosecuting attorney, Henry Garza, is also from out of town.
Caballero spent Saturday asking witnesses questions about the culture of El Paso. According to her line of questioning, visiting judges have been a problem in El Paso County.
“Obviously we have our own way of doing things here, right?” asked Caballero during Saturday’s trial.
The line of questioning is reminiscent of the tactics she used earlier this week. The defense has painted a picture of Central and East Texas as an area where racism is prevalent to the point some don’t realize they are bigots.
Judge Smith, who is from Brazos, Texas, charged Caballero and Leeds with contempt of court in 2011. Caballero has accused him of racism. On Friday, when Judge Smith testified from sunup until sundown, Caballero questioned Smith over whether he was a bigot or associated with racists.
Caballero has argued that Smith was racist in tone during his email sent to attorneys pertaining to the case in March, 2011.
According to court testimony that email read, “We will convene at 8:30 a.m. That may be earlier than you’re used to in El Paso County, but I’m sure you can acclimate if it is.”
ABC-7 has a reporter inside the courtroom for day 6 of the trial.
For live updates, including information on the closing arguments, follow @MattSmithABC7 on Twitter.
