A dispute over legal representation has emerged in the U.S. case against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcotics trafficking charges in New York. Attorney Barry Pollack, who accompanied Maduro in a recent court appearance, accused Bruce Fein, a former Deputy Attorney General under President Ronald Reagan, of attempting to join the case without authorization.
Legal Wrangling in Maduro’s Case
Pollack argued before Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein that Fein lacked permission from Maduro or his legal team to represent him. The conflict came to light on Thursday when Pollack requested the judge revoke Fein’s authorization to participate in the defense. Fein, however, stated to the court that individuals “credibly situated” within Maduro’s inner circle or family had contacted him for assistance given the “extraordinary, surprising and viperous circumstances” of Maduro’s arrest and criminal proceedings in the U.S.
Fein acknowledged in a court filing that he had not directly contacted Maduro – neither by phone nor video conference – who is currently detained in a federal jail in Brooklyn. He claimed, however, that the former president had expressed a desire for his collaboration. Pollack countered this by stating he spoke with Maduro on Thursday, who confirmed he “does not know” Fein, has not communicated with him, and has neither hired nor authorized him to represent him, according to court documents cited by EFE.
Pollack attempted to contact Fein by phone and email to clarify his involvement, but received no response. Following Maduro’s confirmation, Pollack formally requested the judge exclude Fein from the defense team, a request Judge Hellerstein granted one day after initially allowing Fein to participate under the legal provision of “pro hac vice,” which permits temporary practice in another jurisdiction.
Fein responded on Friday by not disputing Pollack’s claims, but suggested the judge interview Maduro privately to definitively determine his preferences regarding legal representation – whether he wishes to be represented by Pollack, Fein, or both.
Separately, attorney David Wikstrom requested the judge recognize him as court-appointed counsel to be compensated for his time during Maduro’s initial hearing. Wikstrom stated he was present “of service” and his participation was superseded by private counsel, limiting his request to a record of his attendance in the court file.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have both pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States. They were apprehended days prior by U.S. special forces at their residence in Caracas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the dispute over Nicolás Maduro’s legal representation?
The dispute arose because attorney Bruce Fein attempted to join Maduro’s defense team without, according to attorney Barry Pollack, the authorization of Maduro or his existing legal team.
What was Judge Hellerstein’s ultimate decision regarding Bruce Fein’s involvement?
Judge Hellerstein ultimately granted a request from Barry Pollack to exclude Bruce Fein from representing Nicolás Maduro, reversing a previous provisional authorization.
What is the current status of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores’ case?
Both Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty to charges of collaborating with drug cartels and remain in U.S. custody.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether further legal challenges will arise regarding Maduro’s representation, and how the court will navigate potential conflicts of interest moving forward.
