SAN ANTONIO — On Wednesday the 226th State District Court delivered a legal blow to Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
- Gonzales filed a motion to have Lahood removed from case
- Said LaHood had access to the state's file
- Lahood was preparing to prosecute case while he was DA
Judge Velia Meza ruled for District Attorney Nico LaHood will not be removed in a criminal case, as requested Gonzales.
In District Court, Gonzales filed a motion to disqualify LaHood from representing defendant Michael Stovall in a family violence case.
In her ruling, Judge Meza writes "The trial court concludes that it did not have a valid reason under the law to interfere in the defendant’s constitutional right to the counsel of his choice."
Gonzales argued that LaHood knew the strengths and weaknesses in the state's case against Stovall, adding LaHood had access to the state's file while serving in his former position.
However, Judge Meza concluded the state did not meet its burden that LaHood did anything wrong before or after leaving office as it relates to the Stovall case.
LaHood released a statement to Spectrum News saying,“As a defense firm, our job is to aggressively defend our clients. I know what it’s like to be DA and have to make tough calls on behalf of the community. I would not have sought a recusal of an attorney in this situation. The court made the right decision, with this ruling, and we are pleased justice was served."
Gonzales said he will not comment on the case, citing pending litigation.
The Stovall assault case is slated for trial in July.