D.A. Tries To Silence Defense Attorneys

"I'm not signing it," says John Beck. "The district attorney always shares information and talks to reporters about criminal cases, why can't the defense tell their side of the story?"

Fairhope attorney John Beck says he's concerned about a nondisclosure agreement given to him and other defense attorneys by the Baldwin County District Attorney's Office. The agreement states attorneys can't release certain items of discovery in a criminal case to outside parties, including the media. The document also states defense attorneys should not publish or broadcast certain items of discovery.

Beck, who represents capital murder suspect Eric Buzbee, says he was told to sign the agreement after he talked to News 5 about his client and provided WKRG certain materials involving the death of gas station owner Bobby Wilson.

"This is basically a gag order," says Beck. "She has no right or authority to do this. If she's concerned about a specific issue or has a problem, she should ask a judge for a special order or go to Montgomery and ask for legislation."

Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb says the nondisclosure agreement is not meant to silence defense attorneys. Newcomb says the agreement is a way to protect all parties involved in a criminal case.

"We are bound ethically and morally to do this," says Newcomb. "It's always been my policy to not release non-public items in every case, and it should be their policy as well."