Limited Cameras Allowed In Courtroom For Murder Trial

 Posted on April 17, 2013 in Criminal Defense

Johnny Borizov has been charged with the first-degree murders of a Darien couple and their son. His trial, which is set to start next month at the DuPage County Courthouse, will be allowed to be filmed—with certain restrictions.

Both prosecution and defense lawyers objected the use of cameras during the trial, but a judge overruled their concerns. However, he ordered that the cameras will have to be turned off during the testimony of the three witnesses who were in the couples’ residence while the murder took place. Additionally, the media wanted to place two video cameras and two still cameras in the courtroom, but the judge is only allowing one of each.

Lawyers are also required to inform their witnesses about the cameras before they testify. If a witness objects to either being on video or to having their photo being taken, the judge will rule on an individual basis whether they must be turned off.

A hearing is set for a week prior to the start of the trial in order to figure out the exact placement for the cameras. Since last fall, when the DuPage County Courthouse first started allowing video cameras in courtrooms, this will be the first criminal trial to actually use them. The Courts Administrator, John Lapinski, said to the Chicago Tribune in this article that “logistically, it’s just more complicated.”

Borizov is charged with convincing a friend to break into the house of Jacob and Lori Kramer, where he then shot them along with their 20-year-old son, Michael. Another son, his guest, and Angela Kramer were also in the house at the time but escaped injury.

The prosecution is claiming he did this because he was going through a bitter child custody dispute with Angela. The friend, Jacob Nodarse, has already pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murders. He will not be videotaped, but can have still pictures taken during his testimony for the prosecution.

Being charged with a criminal offense can seriously affect your life. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Chicago or its suburbs, it is best to speak with a lawyer to discuss your options. Contact our firm in Arlington Heights today.

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