New Trial Denied For Former House Speaker

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A judge is denying convicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s request for a new trial.

HUBBARD

Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker on Tuesday said Hubbard failed to show that jurors were biased against him when they convicted him on ethics charges.

Walker noted jurors convicted Hubbard on some, but not all, counts. He says that suggests jurors weighed the evidence in making their decisions and were not unduly prejudiced.

A jury in June convicted Hubbard of using his position as speaker to obtain work and investments in his companies.

Walker sentenced Hubbard to four years in prison. He is free on bond while he appeals.

Walker’s decision was expected. Hubbard’s defense lawyer said last month that the new trial request was denied automatically since 60 days had lapsed without a ruling.