On January 14, 2013 Assistant District Attorney Carla Sigler argued a case before the United States Supreme Court. The case, Louisiana v. Boyer, deals with defendant Jonathan Boyer who faced a capital first degree murder charge in 2002.
In 2007 that charge was amended from first degree murder to second degree murder and armed robbery, removing capital punishment as a potential penalty. This case was tried by First Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Killingsworth, and a conviction of second degree murder and armed robbery was obtained.
Boyer complained about the delay in his case and blamed the state for failing to provide funding for attorney fees and investigations. During Monday morning’s arguments, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito pointed out that the initial defense lawyer for Boyer filed continuances in the case numerous times causing the trial to be delayed.
Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland attended the arguments with Sigler.
A ruling is not expected for several months.