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ORLANDO, FL -- An Orange County circuit judge said Wednesday that he is convinced that there is no conflict of interest between
Casey Anthony and her attorney, Jose Baez.
Judge Stan Strickland came to his conclusion after a short hearing in open court and another meeting in private.
Prosecutors wanted to know how Casey is paying her legal bills and if Baez has any book or movie deals to help pay for the attorneys on Casey's defense team.
They said such an arrangement could provide grounds for an appeal if she is convicted.
They noted in a court motion that she has limited assets to pay her defense and that such an arrangement could encourage a defense attorney to take decisions that heightened the value of that story -- rather than doing what was in the best interests of a client.
In such an arrangement, a lawyer could earn money by charging for TV interviews or getting a publishing deal for a book or movie.
"We want this on the record now so that five years from now we're not back having to retry this," said Jeff Ashton, an assistant state attorney.
Baez categorically denied any conflict and accused the prosecutors of trying to interfere with his work, adding "I'm trying to defend this case."
Strickland spoke briefly with Casey (photos), who confirmed the details of an affidavit she signed.
In the document, Casey says her agreement with Baez does not contain any "clauses or parts that allow or entitle him to any rights that would allow him to sell my "story" or that of my daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony."
In her own handwriting, Casey added in the affidavit that she believes prosecutor Jeff Ashton is "angry" because she refused to "take a plea agreement for a crime that I did not commit."
"No conflict exists," Strickland said.
As court adjourned, there was a brief exchange of words between Baez and Ashton. Strickland told the lawyers, "This is getting old."
Casey is charged with first-degree murder. Caylee Anthony's skeletal remains were found in December near the home where she and her mother lived (photos).
