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"We Will Be Going to Trial."

Nope, that's not Marc Nurik.

Instead that was David O. Markus, Buju Banton's counsel, at a hearing yesterday in Tampa:

`We will be going to trial,` top Florida defense attorney, David Oscar Markus, said Thursday at a bail hearing in Tampa federal court for the singer, born Mark Anthony Myrie.

`He did not commit the crimes he`s charged with. He was not in any conspiracy,` Markus added.

Earlier in court, the `Rasta Got Soul` singer, pleaded not guilty to conspiring to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last month.

As is often the case, Banton faces detention anyway from immigration officials:

U.S. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli ordered the singer held without bail after Markus said he would not oppose the government`s request.

Markus told reporters after that if Banton is freed on bail he would be held by immigration officials. The attorney said he will focus now on fighting to have the detainer lifted before seeking bail on the criminal charges.

`There should be a presumption of innocence. Instead there is a presumption of guilt in immigration,` he said, adding there is `no question` his client would be allowed to post bail if not for the detainer.

In light of recent crazy polls involving support for torturing the underpants bomber, most people probably are surprised that non-citizens have any rights at all when charged with a crime in the United States.

Full post as published by South Florida Lawyers on January 08, 2010 (boomark / email).