Prosecutor says DeLay's justice skewed

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Houston Chronicle/Associated Press

July 14, 2007, 12:09AM
Prosecutor says DeLay's justice skewed
Associated Press

AUSTIN — A Texas prosecutor said in court filings Friday that the state's highest criminal appeals court created a "separate — but not necessarily equal — system of justice" by refusing to reinstate a conspiracy charge against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle wants the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to reconsider its decision.
Last month, the court refused to reinstate charges against DeLay and two former aides of conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws.

A state district judge threw out that charge after defense lawyers argued that the law DeLay is accused of violating in 2002 wasn't written until 2003.

A regional appeals court upheld the judge's decision. Prosecutors appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Republican-controlled panel ruled 5-4 in favor of DeLay and his co-defendants, John Colyandro and Jim Ellis.




Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/4967510.html