This is a link to the third indictment against Andrea Sneiderman. This is the indictment and charges that will be used at trial.
Please note, upon the States's motion, and prior to swearing in a jury, the Court dismissed Counts 1, 2, and 3 related to allegations Andrea Sneiderman was complicit in the murder of her husband, Rusty Sneiderman, on November 18, 2010.
While this appears to be the "final" indictment for Andrea Sneiderman, the DA has the option to re-indict her for the murder charges as there is no statute of limitation for murder in the State of Georgia.
Click HERE for the Third Indictment of Andrea Sneiderman
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more information:
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
What Does the DA have to Prove to Convict Andrea Sneiderman?
The Criminal Statues in the State v.
Andrea Sneiderman
The DA has the burden to prove
each accused crime beyond a reasonable doubt. But, what exactly does that mean?
What does the DA have to prove?
The answer is below. In
short, here is the text of the actual crimes the State alleges Andrea
Sneiderman committed. I have italicized certain
provisions worthy of careful attention.
Hindering Apprehension
or Punishment of a Criminal
O.C.G.A. § 16-10-50 provides:
(a) A person commits the offense of hindering the apprehension or
punishment of a criminal when, with intention to hinder the apprehension or
punishment of a person whom he knows
or has reasonable grounds to believe has committed a
felony or to be an escaped inmate or prisoner, he:
(1) Harbors or conceals such
person; or
(2) Conceals or destroys evidence of the crime.
(b) A person convicted of the offense of hindering apprehension or
punishment of a criminal shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than
one nor more than five years.
Perjury
O.C.G.A. § 16-10-70 provides:
(a) A person to whom a lawful oath or affirmation has been
administered commits the offense of perjury when, in a judicial proceeding, he knowingly
and willfully makes a false statement
material to the issue or point in
question.
(b) A person convicted of the offense of perjury shall be punished by
a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor
more than ten years, or both. A person convicted of the offense of perjury that
was a cause of another's being imprisoned shall be sentenced to a term not to
exceed the sentence provided for the crime for which the other person was
convicted. A person convicted of the offense of perjury that was a cause of
another's being punished by death shall be punished by life imprisonment.
False Statements and Concealment of Facts
O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20 provides:
A person who knowingly
and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or
device a material fact; makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent
statement or representation; or makes or uses any false writing or
document, knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent
statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or
agency of state government or of the government of any county, city, or other
political subdivision of this state shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished
by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one
nor more than five years, or both.
Final Notes
The section heading “final notes” is misleading, because this
really is not the final word on what the DA must prove. Georgia’s courts have
interpreted these statutes and developed certain language that must (and also
that must not) be used when instructing the jury to consider during their
deliberations. This post does not attempt to unravel those particulars.
However, rest assured, the DA, Defense and Judge will work hard to ensure that
the jury charges are proper.
Please follow me here for
more information:
A List of the State's Evidence v. Andrea Sneiderman
Here is a list of the evidence the DA made available to the Defense.
9000+ pages of documents
91 CDs
iPad
iPhone
Sneiderman Computer
Dunwoody Prep School Security Camera
The DA estimated it would require 4TB of storage to produce electronically.
Enjoy!
CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE EVIDENCE LIST
More information here:
9000+ pages of documents
91 CDs
iPad
iPhone
Sneiderman Computer
Dunwoody Prep School Security Camera
The DA estimated it would require 4TB of storage to produce electronically.
Enjoy!
CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE EVIDENCE LIST
More information here:
Gearing up for Trial --- without Murder Charges
I have not commented on the DA dropping murder charges, and I'll reserve that for a later date. I will, however, endeavor to post the statutes and elements that the DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. Look for that post within 24 hours.
When you understand exactly what the DA has to accomplish to get a conviction, then you will hopefully more fully appreciate the trial.
Also, the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Group has enjoyed an impressive and lively discussion the past few days. Of note, several members have put aside any preconceived notions of guilt, and adorned their defense attorney hats in an attempt to rebut some of the evidence regarding the remaining charges. Overall, the result is impressive. If anything, it shows that creating reasonable doubt about some of the most difficult evidence to defend may not be as difficult as some might think. Please join the group if you are not yet a member and join in or enjoy the discussion.
So far, group members have rebutted eye witness testimony that Andrea and Hemy were dancing, groping and kissing. They have also rebutted the "shared accommodations" during the various business trips Andrea and Hemy took.
Keep an eye out for my next post soon...
Follow me on Twitter: @SpeakerDave
Monday, July 15, 2013
#DMTDC Name Upgraded to "Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club"
Having considered numerous inquiries, and after considerable discussion and debate, the "Dunwoody Murder Trial Drinking Club" shall henceforth be known as the "Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club."
We are still located on Facebook at: Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club.
The #DMTDC is a group of diverse individuals all sharing an interest and passion for the Andrea Sneiderman murder trial. We welcome intelligent and spirited debate about this case. Group meetings typically take place at a Dunwoody restaurant/bar and are extremely informal. Please join us online, and in-person in the Atlanta area. Check the group for meeting times and location.
About Me: I practice law with Winter Capriola Zenner, LLC in Buckhead. I grew up in Dunwoody and live in the Atlanta area. I regularly tweet and welcomes your comments and questions about this case or any other matter you would enjoy discussing.
For inquiries or more information:
(404) 844-5700
What to Know if You Plan to Attend the Andrea Sneiderman Murder Trial
I have traded emails with several people who want to attend Andrea Sneiderman's murder trial. Here is what you need to know.
The trial is set to start July 29, 2013 with jury selection. Jury selection should not take more than a few days, but could be shorter or longer depending on the bias level in the jury pool, among other factors.
The trial location is the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, which is located in downtown Decatur, GA. Decatur is a small city just east of Atlanta. Learn About Decatur Here
Judge Gregory Adams will preside over the trial. Judge Adams presided over the Hemy Neuman trial. If you don't know who Hemy Neuman is, then you are late to this party. Email me, and I'll tell you. Judge Adams' courtroom is relatively small, as are most courtrooms. I encourage you to arrive at the Courthouse early. I'm estimating that the courtroom can hold 100 people, maximum. Please don't hold me to this. And, remember, there will be "reserved" seating for non-witness family members as well as space for cameras set up for the live broadcast/streams.
It does not yet look like this case is attracting the large crowds one might expect, so don't get discouraged about the small courtroom. Just go. If you cannot get in, you will certainly enjoy your time in Atlanta. They may also have a live feed set up in an overflow room at the Courthouse. Alternately, I expect that you will find live television coverage as well as dozens of websites streaming the trial.
If you are travelling in from out of town and need a place to stay, there are hotels in Decatur, as well as in nearby Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, and the Emory University area. Remember, Atlanta traffic during "rush hour" can be a terrible experience. So, I encourage you to stay as close to Decatur as you can, or build in extra time for the commute. If you want my opinion on staying in a particular area, just email me. I've lived in the Atlanta area 35 of the past 40 years.
The Judge and attorneys have estimated a 4 to 5 week trial. Remember, Judge Adams has several cases on his docket, and he will not be able to preside over this trial all day, 5 days a week. So, don't be surprised if you attend a day that gets cut short so that the Judge can address another matter. Just try again the next day.
There are several members of the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club (Join the #DMTDC on Facebook) who have expressed an interest in attending the trial together. Please reach out to other members on the group page to meet others who share your interest and passion for this case.
Remember, you will have to pass a security screen at the Courthouse. So, leave your weapons in the car or at home. It may be very cold inside, but July in Atlanta should be hot. So, dress comfortable, and wear layers.
If you have any other specific question about attending the trial, feel free to contact me here o at the email/twitter below.
About Me: I practice law with Winter Capriola Zenner, LLC in Buckhead. I grew up in Dunwoody and live in the Atlanta area. I regularly tweet and welcomes your comments and questions about this case or any other matter you would enjoy discussing.
The trial is set to start July 29, 2013 with jury selection. Jury selection should not take more than a few days, but could be shorter or longer depending on the bias level in the jury pool, among other factors.
The trial location is the Superior Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, which is located in downtown Decatur, GA. Decatur is a small city just east of Atlanta. Learn About Decatur Here
Judge Gregory Adams will preside over the trial. Judge Adams presided over the Hemy Neuman trial. If you don't know who Hemy Neuman is, then you are late to this party. Email me, and I'll tell you. Judge Adams' courtroom is relatively small, as are most courtrooms. I encourage you to arrive at the Courthouse early. I'm estimating that the courtroom can hold 100 people, maximum. Please don't hold me to this. And, remember, there will be "reserved" seating for non-witness family members as well as space for cameras set up for the live broadcast/streams.
It does not yet look like this case is attracting the large crowds one might expect, so don't get discouraged about the small courtroom. Just go. If you cannot get in, you will certainly enjoy your time in Atlanta. They may also have a live feed set up in an overflow room at the Courthouse. Alternately, I expect that you will find live television coverage as well as dozens of websites streaming the trial.
If you are travelling in from out of town and need a place to stay, there are hotels in Decatur, as well as in nearby Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, and the Emory University area. Remember, Atlanta traffic during "rush hour" can be a terrible experience. So, I encourage you to stay as close to Decatur as you can, or build in extra time for the commute. If you want my opinion on staying in a particular area, just email me. I've lived in the Atlanta area 35 of the past 40 years.
The Judge and attorneys have estimated a 4 to 5 week trial. Remember, Judge Adams has several cases on his docket, and he will not be able to preside over this trial all day, 5 days a week. So, don't be surprised if you attend a day that gets cut short so that the Judge can address another matter. Just try again the next day.
There are several members of the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club (Join the #DMTDC on Facebook) who have expressed an interest in attending the trial together. Please reach out to other members on the group page to meet others who share your interest and passion for this case.
Remember, you will have to pass a security screen at the Courthouse. So, leave your weapons in the car or at home. It may be very cold inside, but July in Atlanta should be hot. So, dress comfortable, and wear layers.
If you have any other specific question about attending the trial, feel free to contact me here o at the email/twitter below.
About Me: I practice law with Winter Capriola Zenner, LLC in Buckhead. I grew up in Dunwoody and live in the Atlanta area. I regularly tweet and welcomes your comments and questions about this case or any other matter you would enjoy discussing.
For inquiries or more information:
(404) 844-5700
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
How will the Defense explain the evidence about when Andrea Sneiderman knew Rusty had been shot and killed?
While a substantial amount of evidence emerged from the Hemy Neuman trial tending to implicate Andrea Sneiderman in the murder of her husband, Rusty Sneiderman, one of the most frequently cited "smoking guns" is the conflicting testimony regarding when Andrea knew Rusty had been shot.
The testimony regarding when Andrea knew Rusty was shot may not be as damning as you think. Let me summarize the testimony as I recall it from watching clips of the trial:
- Andrea first testifies that she first learned that Rusty had been shot and killed from a doctor at the hospital approximately 2 hours after Rusty had been shot. She says she didn't learn what happened to Rusty until she got to the DeKalb Medical Center. "Nobody told me what happened to Rusty."
- Shayna Citron testifies that Andrea called her around 10:30 am and told her that Rusty had been shot, and that she did not know whether he was alive or dead, and that she was on her way to the hospital.
- Don Sneiderman testifies that he received a call from Andrea at about 9:30 am. Andrea said she was on the way to the day care and that Rusty had been shot.
- Alan Schactely testifies that he received a text from Andrea to contact Andrea. Alan called Andrea some time before 11 am, and that Andrea said that Rusty had been shot. Andrea said to tell Neuman she was leaving, and Schactely presumed she meant leaving work.
Andrea's testimony is NOT that she FIRST learned Rusty had been shot at the hospital. Her testimony is that she learned he was shot AND had died. It is the "and died" part that is important. As I will explain below, Andrea could easily have learned and/or figured out Rusty had been shot before she ever got to the day care. In short - nobody told Andrea what happened to Rusty, that he had died, until she got to the hospital. And, therein lies the rub.
Go watch Andrea's testimony here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJvJ-2H7iTg&feature=youtu.be
The longer version is this:
Citron and the co-worker, Alan Schlactley, testified that Andrea's contact came after Andrea was at the day care and before she got to the hospital. Andrea could have heard on the radio and seen/heard evidence of a shooting at the day care. Andrea testified that a doctor at the hospital told her Rusty had been shot and had died. Do not infer from that testimony that was when she FIRST learned Rusty had been shot - that testimony is only good to show that was when Andrea FIRST learned that Rusty had DIED. She could have already learned he had been shot because she could have heard the news on the radio, and she was at the crime scene at the day care - I'm assuming that anyone at that crime scene could have observed that there had been a shooting or overheard someone talking about a shooting.
Only Don Sneiderman testified that Andrea said Rusty had been shot BEFORE Andrea got to the day care. Andrea still could have learned Rusty was shot before getting to the day care. The number one way was by radio broadcasts. I recall hearing about the shooting on the radio before I got to work that morning, and Andrea could have also heard the same "breaking news."
So - what do you think? Do you think the Defense will spin it this way? Its pretty difficult evidence to overcome, and the Defense has to get a jury through this evidence and on their side. What would you do if you had to explain Andrea's testimony in a way that is plausible and shows that she had no involvement in her husband's murder?
Please, poke holes in my theories.
I welcome comments here or on twitter: @SpeakerDave
Also, please join the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club (#DMTDC) on facebook.
Andrea Sneiderman Murder Trial To Start July 29, 2013
The big day is almost here, and those seeking "justice for Rusty" will undoubtedly be locked onto what promises to be a dramatic trial.
While there are several grounds for appeal already, look for other avenues for the Defense to appeal in the event the Jury convicts Andrea of any count.
Look for me on twitter @SpeakerDave for live updates and analysis/commentary during the trial. I've tried to remain unbiased during the pre-trial media frenzy, but I expect to form an opinion on guilt or innocence as the evidence unfolds during the trial. Nevertheless, I intend to analyze the evidence with as keen an eye as any attorney with his own case. I will also try to present the "devil's advocate" position and challenge you to avoid rushing to judgment before all the evidence is in.
Are you ready?
Please join us on the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club (#DMTDC) facebook group for moderated, sensible, intelligent, discussion and analysis.
While there are several grounds for appeal already, look for other avenues for the Defense to appeal in the event the Jury convicts Andrea of any count.
Look for me on twitter @SpeakerDave for live updates and analysis/commentary during the trial. I've tried to remain unbiased during the pre-trial media frenzy, but I expect to form an opinion on guilt or innocence as the evidence unfolds during the trial. Nevertheless, I intend to analyze the evidence with as keen an eye as any attorney with his own case. I will also try to present the "devil's advocate" position and challenge you to avoid rushing to judgment before all the evidence is in.
Are you ready?
Please join us on the Dunwoody Murder Trial Discussion Club (#DMTDC) facebook group for moderated, sensible, intelligent, discussion and analysis.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Ariela Neuman seeks to Quash a Subpoena
Ariela Neuman’s Motion to QuashDeposition Subpoena
[The Link to the Motion to Quash is at the end of this post]
On February 19, 2013, Ariela Neuman, the ex-wife of Hemy Neuman,filed a Motion to Quash a Subpoena served on her by Andrea Sneiderman’sattorneys. IF you don't know, Hemy Neuman admitted to shooting RustySneiderman, and was convicted of the murder.
The subpoena, issued in the criminal matter, requires Ariela to produce documents by Feb. 21st. Andrea Sneiderman's attorneys are looking for information to use in Andrea's defense. Ariela contends the request is improper. Ultimately, a Judge will decide what documents she must produce.
While thetechnical and legal arguments may be quite boring to read, even for manyattorneys, there are two footnotes that will raise an eyebrow or two. These footnotes allegedly quote some of the jailhouse conversationsbetween Joseph Dell and Andrea Sneiderman during Sneiderman’s incarcerationafter her arrest. I will let you draw your own conclusions from these allegedstatements. However, I’m curious to hear what you think about AndreaSneiderman’s alleged consideration of Sandra Bullock to play Sneiderman in amovie about this case.
Remember,this matter is about Rusty Sneiderman. Rusty Sneiderman lost his life. His two young kids will likely only have photos to remind them abouttheir father. It seems they were probably too young to develop memories thatwould not fade within a few years. What Would Sandra Bullock Do? #WWSBD
Please send your questions and comments to me soI know what you really find important.
As promised,here is link to a copy of the Motion to Quash.
Follow me on twitter forinstant updates and additional info on this case, including the pending civilmatters, links to good articles, and links to live streams of hearings and thetrial. I welcome your comments and criticism.
For inquiries or more information:
Email David Weinberg
The Re-Indictment of Andrea Sneiderman
The Re-Indictment of Andrea
Sneiderman
[The Link to the Re-Indictment is at the end of this post]
On February 19, 2013, the DA filed a
Re-indictment of Andrea Sneiderman. The State dropped the RICO and Insurance
Fraud counts. But, the State added several new counts. Here are all 16 Counts:
(1) Malice Murder
(2) Felony Murder
(3) Aggravated Assault
(4) Hindering the Apprehension of a Criminal
(5) Concealment of Material Facts
(6) False Statement
(7) Perjury
(8) False Statement
(9) Perjury
(10)
Perjury
(11)
False
Statement
(12)
Perjury
(13)
False
Statement
(14)
Perjury
(15)
Perjury
(16)
Perjury
I will follow up as soon as possible with analysis
and commentary on this development. For now, please send your questions and
comments to me so I know what you think is important.
As promised, here is link to a copy of the
Re-indictment.
Please follow me on twitter
for instant updates and additional info on this case, including the pending
civil matters, links to good articles, and live streams of hearings and the
trial. I welcome your comments and criticism.
For inquiries or more information:
Email David Weinberg
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Andrea Sneiderman Seeks to Postpone Depositions in Civil Matter
[Links to Andrea's Motion and the Plaintiff’s Response are at the end of this post.]
On January 4, 2013, Andrea Sneiderman moved the Court in the civil forfeiture action to postpone all depositions, including hers, until after the criminal case against her is resolved. Andrea Sneiderman's attorney's explain "the simple reason is that Mrs. Sneiderman should not be placed in a position where she is forced to defend against the allegations in the State's forfeiture case and, in so doing, potentially make statements in deposition testimony that the prosecutors will attempt to use against her in the Criminal Case."
The Defense Attorneys further explain, "to protect herself, she may choose to assert her right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment and/or under O.C.G.A § 24-9-27 and refuse to answer certain questions.” Andrea’s attorney’s conclude the result is Andrea Sneiderman is “between a rock and a hard place.” If she takes the 5th, there may be a negative inference imposed in the civil matters; if she answers questions, the prosecution will use her statements against her. Consequently, Andrea’s attorneys contend, it is highly likely that Andrea would take the 5th to numerous questions which would require the Court to later evaluate each and every assertion of the 5th to determine whether it was properly asserted or whether Andrea must answer the question.
In response, attorneys for the Estate of Russell Sneiderman counter that, “[Andrea] repeatedly claims that she has done nothing to warrant the legal mess that she finds herself ensnared in . . . and that if she only could have the opportunity to have her story told, she would be exonerated.” Counsel for the Estate continues, “when finally provided with the opportunity she asked for to answer questions about her role in the slaying of her late husband, the Defendant instead intends to cowardly seek shelter in the Fifth Amendment. “[Andrea’s Motion] represents yet another desperate attempt by Defendant . . . to demand to be treated differently than any other person charged with crimes in the State of Georgia.” Plaintiff’s counsel adds that delaying the depositions prejudices the minor children who are entitled to the insurance money paid to Andrea from policies on Rusty’s life.
The lawyers on both sides delve a little deeper into the law supporting their arguments, slicing and dicing the legal technicalities. But, this summary should give you a good overall picture from which to make your own decision about whether Andrea should be compelled to testify at a deposition in the civil matter or whether she may wait until the criminal trial ends.
To be sure, both sides make valid points. Andrea will undoubtedly be put in a classic Catch 22 if she has to sit for a deposition. But, by itself, that is not typically sufficient reason to postpone depositions. Witnesses always risk saying something in a deposition that hurts their case. It should be no secret that Attorneys take depositions, in part, to get information to use against the witness. One reason witnesses may assert the 5th amendment is to avoid answering questions that tend to implicate them in a crime. Likewise, if your answers do not tend to incriminate you in a crime, you have no need to assert the 5th Amendment. On the other hand, even the best, most innocent, answers can be turned around and used against you by a good attorney. That is why you hire your own attorneys to defend you.
So, perhaps the risk of incriminating herself is not the strongest ground upon which Andrea could seek to postpone her deposition. But, that is the argument her attorneys make.
Ultimately, the decision is for the Judge to make. And, Judges have extremely broad discretion to control discovery and depositions. I would not be surprised if the Judge agrees with Andrea. Only in cases where a Judge abuses her discretion will she be reversed. It would be a big win for Andrea if she can postpone depositions until after the criminal trial.
I do not envy the Judge making this decision. It is not as easy as you may think. The briefs are relatively short and provide useful, insight into this fierce battle. I encourage you to read them, consider both sides, and then pretend you are the Judge. Tell me, how would you rule and why? As promised, here are the briefs:
Please follow me on twitter for instant updates and additional info on this case, including the pending civil matters, links to good articles, and live streams of hearings and the trial. I welcome your comments and criticism.
For inquiries or more information:
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Defense Pre-Trial Motions as of 1/16/13
There are the three pre-trial motions filed by Andrea Sneiderman's defense team for the December 7, 2012, deadline.
1. Motion in Limine
2. Motion to Dismiss
3. Motion for Juror Questionnaire
Enjoy, and share your comments and questions either here, or twitter @SpeakerDave, or on Facebook: Dunwoody Murder Trial Drinking Club #DMTDC
1. Motion in Limine
2. Motion to Dismiss
3. Motion for Juror Questionnaire
Enjoy, and share your comments and questions either here, or twitter @SpeakerDave, or on Facebook: Dunwoody Murder Trial Drinking Club #DMTDC
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