Lawyer: Ex-NY Lt Gov has strong legal challenges for charges
A lawyer for recently resigned New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin said Monday the Democrat has “very lively” legal issues from which to challenge corruption charges brought against him.
Attorney Barry Berke told a Manhattan federal judge that he expects to challenge on legal grounds the charges brought against Benjamin last week based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s skepticism toward criminal cases against politicians built solely on political contributions.
In a written statement issued after the hearing, Berke and defense attorney Dani James said they decided to represent Benjamin “because we are shocked and dismayed that the prosecution would bring such flimsy and unwarranted charges against a sitting Lt. Governor and so close to the primary election.”