[From NY Daily News]We previously posted the rumor that home run hitter Barry Bonds was in talks to hire San Francisco legal legend John Keker to defend him against federal perjury charges.
Now from the New York Daily news we learn that the home run king will have to look elsewhere for a lead trial attorney.
John Keker was in consideration until the two sides couldn't come to terms on legal fees and control of the case. It is highly doubtful that Keker would serve on the same legal team as current Bonds’ counsel Richard Rains without the ability—among other things—to manage Rains’ frequent bombastic statements to the media—which all but dared the US Attorney’s Office in San Francisco to indict Bonds this year.
Meanwhile, Bonds’s advisers, which include Bay Area civil attorney Joseph Crochett, are said to be considering a number of Bay Area star trial lawyers, but none have the Keker luster, ability, or trial record.
Cristina Arguedas, another top San Francisco lawyer, is believed to have interviewed with Bonds over the weekend, but sources say the negotiations recently broke down.
Allen Ruby, a San Jose-based criminal defense attorney, is now believed to be a leading contender to join Bonds' "Dream Team."
While Mr. Ruby did not make the top ten list of best San Francisco lawyers recently published by the San Francisco Chronicle, he was mentioned as a part of “the best of the rest”.
Number one on the list was, of course, John Keker.
The former Giants and Pirates star could potentially land in a federal prison for 30 years, although it's more likely he would receive a two-year sentence if found guilty.
As we often advise clients like Bonds, it is better to be broke and free than rich and doing prison time. Barry, damn the expense and hire Keker--there is no better trial lawyer in the country. And give Mr. Rains his walking papers.
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