ORANGE COUNTY, FL -- Casey Anthony was back in court Friday morning for a hearing in her first-degree murder case.
The 23-year-old mother is accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.
The courtroom was packed for the hearing. Casey, wearing a turquoise outfit, smiled at her parents as she entered the room.
Orange County Circuit Judge Stan Strickland dismissed a defense request to throw out the most serious criminal charges against Casey.
He ruled the motion did not meet the requirements needed for a dismissal of the first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges.
In an earlier filing, Casey's attorneys said the charges were based on "circumstantial and speculative" evidence.
During the brief hearing, prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick said the defense attorneys' motion was insufficient and riddled with errors.
Strickland also granted a request by prosecutors that defense attorneys turn over evidence they found in their own investigation. They have until February 1 to do so or explain why they can't.
Previously, one defense attorney said Casey's lawyers have evidence that can prove their client is innocent.
Last week, prosecutors released more evidence in the case, including pictures of a tattoo on Anthony's back and duct tape, which was located on her daughter Caylee Anthony's body.
Caylee Anthony's remains were found in December 2008, months after she was reported missing.
Casey has pleaded not guilty. She says a baby sitter kidnapped Caylee.
The state wants the death penalty for Casey, who remains in the Orange County Jail.
Sources: The Associated Press, OrlandoSentinel.com
