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Family Did Not Plan Civil Suit |
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Larry Feldman, an attorney who has represented Michael Jackson's accuser took the stand Friday, telling jurors he has never been asked to file a lawsuit against Jackson but acknowledging the boy could file a civil lawsuit against Jackson until he turns 20. The accuser is now 15.
Feldman was called by the prosecution to testify about how the alleged molestation came to the attention of authorities; the defense tried to use his appearance to show that the accuser and his family were after money.
Feldman said he ceased to represent the family of Jackson's current accuser in about October 2003, but has met with the boy's mother since then and has represented the family in trying to keep records about them from being released to defense attorneys, including bank records for the accuser's grandparents.
He said he was not paid for the work reports ABCnews. Feldman was permitted to tell jurors about a previous accusation against Jackson in 1993 by another boy who was represented by Feldman and who won a monetary settlement. Jurors were not told how much the boy was paid, but Feldman said there was no trouble collecting it. That figure has been reported to be millions of dollars.
Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., asked Feldman about whether a conviction of Jackson on child molestation charges would make it easier for them to get a financial judgment against the pop star.
"If Mr. Jackson was convicted of felony child molestation in this case, (the boy or his brother) could use that case to win a civil case alleging similar or same facts against Mr. Jackson, is that correct?" asked Mesereau.
"That's correct," said Feldman.
The lawyers chatted over the exact requirements of a civil suit and Feldman turned away accusations that he encouraged the criminal action to avoid incurring costs involved in preparing a civil lawsuit. Feldman insisted there would still be litigation expenses.
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