⚖️ Judge grants Nelson Hearing for Dylan Deschaine to argue his defense attorney is ineffective.
📹 Deschaine claims prosecution is withholding CVS surveillance video and using a perjured witness.
⏳ Hearing outcome could delay trial if new attorney is appointed.
Dylan Deschaine will get his chance to fire his lawyer on Aug 19, 2025 at 9 AM after Judge Lacey Powell Clark granted his request for a Nelson Hearing.
Niceville Police charged Deschaine with murdering Mike Ledford on February 12, 2024.
A Nelson Hearing is an administrative hearing where the Judge will determine whether or not a defendant’s claim that his or her counsel is ineffective.
Should Powell Clark determine that Deschaine’s claim about his attorney, Michael Weinstock, has validity, she can appoint another attorney.
That would likely mean another long delay for a trial as the new defense attorney prepares to meet the prosecution in the courtroom.
Deschaine spoke to Powell Clark directly about his case, accusing Weinstock of failing to prepare him and present evidence.
“My attorney has completely failed to do anything on my behalf, your honor,” Deschaine’s quiet voice, amplified through the court PA system, noted, “He hasn’t showed me any of the videos pertaining to my case.”
Powell Clark stopped him after Weinstock made a motion for the microphone and told him that they would discuss the situation in detail at the August 19 hearing. “I set a special hearing just for that because I can’t hear motions on pretrial day because of the docket,” Powell Clark said.
Deschaine, who has not spoken publicly in the courtroom other than at his motion hearing for a stand your ground defense on April 2, accused the prosecution of withholding evidence and using a perjured witness.
RELATED: Judge Denies Stand Your Ground Motion in Ledford Murder Case
He demanded the court force the prosecution to turn over video evidence, he says they have from the CVS near the parking lot where Deschain and Ledford met for the final time that evening.
“I believe 100% that the state is withholding favorable evidence. My incident took place 15 feet out front of the CVS entrance with all of the video cameras there, and I have not seen these videos – [they are] nowhere to be found, your honor,” Deschaine said to Powell Clark.
Powell Clark asked the prosecution if they had any such evidence.
They told her no.
“Ok,” Powell Clark said.
Additionally, Deschaine accused the prosecution of using a perjured witness, but did not give the witness’s name.
Deschaine’s lawyer for the moment, Michael Weinstock filed a series of motions that date back to May.
Powell Clark quickly granted one motion, a request for Deschaine to appear in personal clothing and without shackles, after asking the prosecution if they objected.
Other motions, relating to a Massachusetts Detective involved in the case, the Golden Rule Argument, the use of the word ‘victim’ and shifting the burden of proof were not granted or denied at the time of the hearing.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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