Lawyer for accused animal abuser hopes to avoid trial
VIERA -- Lawyers in the Christine Abrams animal cruelty case said in court this morning they're working to avoid a trial in the case that could send their client to jail for a year.
"We weren't looking to litigate this case. We're looking for a negotiated plea," said Andrew Stine, who represents Abrams, 29. His comment came during a status hearing this morning. Abrams is accused of moving out of her Cocoa home and leaving behind her 2-year-old German shepherd, Ella, without food or water for two months. She faces two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty in connection with the incident, which left the dog dead. A hearing initially set for June 18 was moved up to avoid possible issues with "speedy trial" laws, which entitle defendants to a trial within 90 days of arrest on a misdemeanor charge. Abrams was at the hearing, sitting in the front row. She left the courtroom without making comment. Judge Kelly McKibben set another status hearing for June 17. Five people stood outside the courtroom holding signs that read "No dog deserves to be starved," "Send animal abusers to jail," "No excuse for abuse," and "Fight animal cruelty: Remember Ella." If convicted, Abrams faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
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Andrew Stine 224 Datura Street, Suite 1111 West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
