What does the ‘not guilty’ plea mean in Nick Reiner’s case?
John W. Day, a criminal defense attorney and former deputy district attorney in northern New Mexico, told USA TODAY Reiner’s not-guilty plea could change.
“Today’s plea should not be read as predictive of how the case will ultimately conclude,” Day says. “At this stage, no competent defense lawyer would advise otherwise. (The plea) preserves all defenses while the evidence is examined.”
A plea of not guilty by reason of insanity is still possible for Reiner, Day said, adding that the plea would have to be added with the court’s permission.
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Rob and Michele Reiner, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his parents.
Looking gaunt, Reiner appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, Feb. 23, in a brown jail-issued jumpsuit, with his hair buzz-cut and gray-speckled facial hair stubble. Sitting in a glassed-off area, Reiner conferred with his lawyer, Kimberly Green, a public defender assigned to the case after Reiner’s original counsel, Alan Jackson, stepped down in January because of “circumstances beyond his control.”
Greene entered the not guilty plea on Reiner’s behalf. Reiner, whose demeanor in court was quiet, if not confident, said one word in the perfunctory arraignment hearing.
