Jan 5, 2008 9:05 am US/Eastern
Leyritz Hires His Defense In DUI Manslaughter Case
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Former New York Yankees catcher Jim Leyritz stayed silent as he left a meeting with attorney David Bogenschutz Thursday night.
Bogenschutz has represented some big names in high-profile cases including former Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne.
Bogenschutz said he was only retained a day before, and will be giving more insight into his plans to defend the serious charges against his client.
Police say Leyritz was drunk when he crashed into Fredia Veitch's SUV in Fort Lauderdale. The wife and mother of two from Plantation was killed.
Bogenshutz said, "The only thing I can say on behalf of Jim is his condolences have already been indicated in the press, at a time when I did not represent him, to the family. I don't think his sentiments have changed one iota."
But despite his sympathy for the Veitch family, Leyritz does not plan to accept the DUI manslaughter charge against him. Leyritz will plead not guilty.
Bogenshutz added, "It was an accident; frankly, plainly and simply an accident."
Leyritz has a long list of citations on his driving record, and his license was suspended in New York.
Bogenschutz says that won't mean much in court.
"It could have some impact, but because of the severity of this case, I don't think much," explained Leritz's attorney. "I think this case itself is going be an impact enough."
Veitch's husband did not comment on Leyritz's hiring a hard-hitting lawyer except to say, "He can hire anyone he wants."
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