New trial sought
Published 11:44 pm Sunday, December 17, 2006
By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
Larry Richard Chavers' new attorney wants him to have a new trial
Chavers, who was convicted last month on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse of an 8-year old, has Monroeville attorney Paul M. Harden Sr. working for him in the request.
In his previous trial, Chavers was represented by Ernie White.
Harden, who filed the motion last week in the circuit clerk's office, cited the failure of some jurors to respond to questions, both by the state and the defense.
Chavers tried to flee the country after his conviction, according to authorities. He was returned before he made it to Mexico and is now in jail.
The motion filed last week alleges that members of jury venire failed to truthfully and adequately answer the court's general questions of qualification or remained silent when certain questions were propounded to them as to their qualifications.
Along with information concerning jury responses, Harden also said in the motion that the court erred in denying the defendant's motion for judgment of acquittal made at the conclusion of the state's case and renewed it at the close of testimony.
Harden also said in the motion that the verdict of the jury was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence in the case was contrary to the law in this case.
Chavers, 34, was found guilty on Nov. 1 in the case against him accusing him of sexual abuse against the daughter of his fianc