“I doubt if the Supreme Court will reverse it,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffery Warfield Sr. referring to Superior Court Associate Judge Ramona Manglona’s decision denying Miura’s bail.
Miura who is turning 61 on July 27 has been detained at Saipan’s jail since his arrest on Feb. 22 in connection with the death of his wife 27 years ago.
One of his three counsels, William Fitzgerald, notified the Supreme Court that his client intends to appeal Manglona’s decision.
Warfield said the defense has at least 40 days to file the appeal documents which include transcripts, tapes, among other pertinent things documenting the proceedings.
He said the defense can also request for a further extension of the deadline to file the appeal, depending on the circumstances.
The prosecution will then have to reply within 30 days from the date the appeal documents were filed.
The Los Angeles prosecutor assigned to Miura’s case has asked the L.A. Superior Court for a continuance of their scheduled July 18 hearing on his motion to quash his warrant of arrest for Sept. 2.
Bruce Berline, Miura’s lead counsel here, said what happens in L.A.’s hearing is up to Mark Geragos, the famed Hollywood lawyer who represented pop star Michael Jackson, among other celebrities.
“Stating what the judge will say is pure speculation. What happens as far as any continuance goes is really up to Mark Garagos at this point,” he said.
The Saipan defense team is scheduled to file their brief on the writ for a petition for habeas corpus on July 25. The prosecution must reply by Aug, 8 and the defense must rebut on or before the 22nd.
Miura’s next scheduled court appearance on Saipan is set for Sept. 12 before Judge Manglona.
