Court Seals Documents in Stubblefield Case

Sacramento, CA, October 22, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Public interest in the #MeToo movement, as well as backlash from a previous high profile Santa Clara sexual assault case known as the “Stanford Swimmer,” have put mounting pressure on the criminal justice system to take a tougher stance on cases involving sexual assault. Leniency in sentencing the Stanford athlete, Brock Turner, in a 2016 sexual assault case triggered an uproar and ultimately cost the judge in that case his job.

“Santa Clara Court’s decision to keep the public and press in the dark about details uncovered in the case against the former San Francisco 49ers star come at a time when prosecutors and judges are taking an 'unusually hard line' in sexual assault cases,” according to Dana Stubblefield’s attorney Kenneth Rosenfeld. “As the national conversation about accusations like those against my client heat up, 'truth issues' are being unfairly kept under wraps. The order, in my opinion, is illegal." He has filed a motion to reverse it. In addition, Rosenfeld has asked to have the District Attorney recused from the case.

The defense further argues that sealing court documents from public scrutiny violates the First Amendment Rights of the public and press. In Stubblefield’s case, evidence compiled from pretrial motions would be subject to this order. Stubblefield, a popular former San Francisco 49er, has pled not guilty to five felony charges which stem from an alleged incident in 2015 with a woman prosecutors allege had a mental disorder.

The complete brief, with additional information, can be seen here:
http://www.therosenfeldlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Stubblefield_Petition_for_Mandate_2.pdf

For more information about California criminal defense attorney, Kenneth Rosenfeld, The Rosenfeld Law Firm, or to schedule a client consultation, please contact the law firm by calling (916) 447-2070 or visit the company's website at: http://www.therosenfeldlawfirm.com/