By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Family members and other supporters of Mike Haveard arrived at the Escambia County Courthouse Tuesday with painted car windows bearing messages declaring Haveard's innocence and hopes of a reduced bond.
But the motion for bond reduction was continued by Circuit Judge Bert Rice after Haveard's attorney, Earnest White, withdrew from the case.
White approached Judge Rice to file a motion to withdraw as attorney of record for Haveard.
Representing the office of the district attorney, Charles Jones said there was no opposition to the motion.
Haveard's family had hoped the $8 million bond set in a case involving drug and theft charges would be reduced. The bond was attached by a grand jury following indictments against Haveard including four charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, four counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and four counts of criminal solicitation to commit first degree theft of property.
Haveard was arrested March 3 and has remained at the Escambia County Detention Center in lieu of bond.
White explained to Rice that Haveard would most likely be seeking other counsel to assist in his case, but would be representing himself in a motion for bond reduction. Rice said he didn't want to hear a motion to reduce bond in Haveard's case two times.
Rice told White his withdrawal as counsel for Haveard was required under circumstances presented in court Tuesday.
Rice continued the motion to reduce bond for Haveard pending his ability to secure other counsel.
A new date for a bond reduction hearing could be expected within 10 days, Rice said.