ORANGE COUNTY, FL -- Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland has denied a motion by
Casey Anthony's defense team to have prosecutors removed from her murder case.
During a Friday morning hearing, Anthony attorney Jose Baez said a complaint against him from someone in the State Attorney's office to the Florida Bar was prejudicial and an effort to interfere with his client's right to counsel.
The state argued that the request was not proper and that none of the prosecutors involved in the case filed the complaint.
Judge Strickland denied the motion saying it lacked any basis.
Casey showed up in court wearing a pants suit and her hair in a bun, a major departure from the blue jail-issued jumpsuit she wore the last time she was in court. On Thursday, judge Strickland ruled that Casey is required to appear in court for every hearing in her case, excluding scheduling and trial status hearings.
Casey (
photos) is charged with murdering her daughter, 2-year-old
Caylee Anthony (
photos).
On another matter, the judge granted the defense access to the crime scene where Caylee's skeletal remains were found.
The judge said he would rule later on a defense request for more information from Texas-base EquuSearch. He added he would deny the motion if the defense couldn't provide additional support for the request.
The date for Casey's murder trial remains up in the air. During the hearing, Prosecutors told the judge they don't anticipate being ready until later this year at the earliest.
PARENTS WANT TO MEET PRIVATELY WITH CASEYThe attorney for George and Cindy Anthony is expected to request that the couple be allowed to meet privately with their daughter at the Orange County Jail.
Visits with inmates by family and friends are typically videotaped and made public. The Anthony's have not seen or spoken with Casey in more than three months.
Earlier reports from several Orlando media outlets indicated the Anthony's wanted to hold a funeral service for Caylee Anthony at the jail.
But attorney Brad Conway says the reason for the request is to allow Casey and her parents a little private time to remember Casey's murdered daughter,
Caylee Anthony (
photos).
Jail officials say it's unlikely that the request will be granted.
GEORGE ANTHONY REMAINS HOSPITALIZED - MAY BE MOVED CLOSER TO HOME SOON
The father of Casey Anthony continues to undergo treatment at a Daytona Beach hospital, but is expected to be moved to a facility closer to home within the next few days
George Anthony was taken to Halifax Medical Center a week ago by police after his attorney called 911 and reported him missing and possibly suicidal.
Police tracked him down at a motel through cell phone signals.
Officers said George was melancholy and despondent and that they found a suicide note in the room.
