Defending the Ft. Hood Suspect

" I'd imagine that this a lousy job. In the lawyer for the accused Ford could -- thirteen made her son has not been charged but that will happen. The expectation is that he'll be tried by military court. -- lawyer retired colonel John Gallagher and that would the accused killer in the hospital. Colonel Guidant joins us live and turn -- them lousy -- but the constitution. Demands that this man have councillor and I think every lawyer in the country -- This certainly grateful to you that do you have stepped up for this because nobody wants -- certainly has constitutional rights. Having said that sir. You've spoken your client what was the experience like on asking attorney client conversation but that was -- like talking him in the hospital."

" Well I was it was. Very very beneficial but it was limited."

" I went down there for very limited period of time I spent about thirty minutes with them and it was primarily -- violent."

" Introduce myself to -- in the family members of retain. And seek assurances from him that I wanted to do my utmost to to defend them but also to receive from him not -- want it."

" Need to be part of his defense -- to -- It declined. -- was his military detailed council on major major Martin and if -- came down with me as well but."

" I was able to speak within the integration into the remote been removed. Earlier I believe that same day. But again it was obvious to me that he was still heavily -- Because. Near the end of the half hour visit. Which was limited strictly to introducing myself -- talking about -- I could see that his eyes were drowsy. And down. Make your mark and I both -- agreed. That we needed two lead at that time and schedule another business and we're planning on doing that quite possibly as early as tomorrow."

" Like I can only imagine it's like to represent him and in this man you know it -- and then and look I -- he's got presumption of innocence and I know the challenges that you face. But he certainly know we think he's military installations and -- say they think of soldiers at risk in Iraq Afghanistan. And now this -- can only imagine that then you are particularly popular because people might not understand the role of the lawyer at this point are you are you getting hate mail are you getting bad phone calls at this point."

" Black -- can I can tell you today I did receive some question Willie Nelson. And a paralegal and office did receive some phone calls and we notified. Local authorities so that appropriate steps can be okay. But you know concerning your basic. Question how does someone approach -- case like this. As you know I spent thirty years in the army -- in all different positions a defensive. Prosecutor appellate government council and also the military judge. And I think I was adamant in. Telling major has -- that I firmly believe in the military justice system and his right to a fair trial. I considered a privilege to be able to defend any soldier. Including later assigned. That's -- of my practice ever since I've retired. And I found that after --"

" A while when -- demonstrate to the public the importance of ensuring a fair trial notwithstanding the serious nature of the offensive charge."

" Most people will agree with you. All of the soldiers that we have in uniform fight abroad risked their lives and they do that."

" To protect our constitution and the rights that it guarantees for a fair trial and that extends to everyone including my client."

" Later we -- his clinical discussions about been a presumption of innocence and trials and fairness in everything. But you know this is just so raw you know -- rock you know what that. What this man -- and I say accused of but frankly it's very hard may use words simply accused but I will and I -- And respect for the system but at this the -- point you know frankly I'm. Excuse is not the word that I would. Would necessarily use of my friends and talking about a how is this isn't likely to be -- military prosecution or is there any chance -- civilian court."

" Well you know Greta I mean do you you we were talking earlier you -- using the word accused let me just say this has loved time. I still have not been emotion of a formal complaint or charge sheet that's used in the military. Court -- for -- form for 59 -- receipt of that. The word on the street that I'm getting and hearing on. National media. Outlets is that the military does intend to keep of the military channels but again not having seen a charge --"

" Not having received specific notice from government officials and that's the way they intend to persuade. Like -- I I have some mom. -- some some questions. I'm I'm concerned about large issues. And that is where and yes my client can receive a fair trial for court martial to be convened here at Fort Hood. As you know the commander in chief our president was here. For the memorial service. And."

" I'm not the only person asking these questions earlier today when I was in the supermarket and people have learned that I was on this -- many people. Including many who have. For our military affiliation approached me."

" Asked. Do you think you can get a fair trial here so. If that's uppermost in their mind you can."

" Yeah and and -- I'm also concerned about. -- we -- I would not want to hear from because you -- in the and we want justice and I suspect that your client will get a fair trial I suspected that an addictive pleased with the results of but -- indeed the process must be fair and colonel. Good luck sir thank you. We'll thank you."

" Very much -- then and just. -- Listeners if you didn't beginning about the importance of ensuring a fair and just -- sitting -- trial. But."

" And he's gonna get exactly whenever there's also don't think what he's gonna get that very -- colonel thank you."