Ousted Alabama speaker trying to overturn conviction
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) – A judge is again considering the case against ousted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who was removed from office after being convicted on 12 felony ethics charges.
Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker scheduled a hearing for Friday morning to consider motions filed by the defense after the conviction.
The former House speaker has asked Walker for a new trial or a summary judgment of acquittal. Hubbard argues prosecutors stretched the meaning of the ethics law in obtaining the conviction.
Hubbard was a powerful Republican who represented Lee County in the House, but he claims some jurors demonstrated bias against him.
Prosecutors are opposing all the defense arguments.
Hubbard is free on bond, and he has yet to begin serving his four-year prison sentence. He was convicted in June.
