The defendants in this case deserve a vigorous defense as do all defendants in our legal system. If the prosecution feels there is a problem with the publicity generated by the defense, they should file a motion with judge requesting limits. Of course, those limits might be imposed on the prosecution as well.

But this was not the tactic used. Instead, a complaint is filed with the Oregon State Bar, the third filed so far. It seems clear the purpose is not to level the playing field with respect to access to the media, but rather a demonstration that anyone who dares to mount a vigorous defense for the wrong defendant will pay a professional price and will be forced into a less vigorous and more expensive defense as they have to spend time defending themselves instead of their client.

Since this is the third complaint filed, it seems possible there is collusion involved. Perhaps the Bar should be looking not only at those whom the motions were filed against, but those who filed them.