Ashleigh Merchant, a prominent Marietta attorney and president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, recently garnered attention for her steadfast support of fellow lawyer Brian Steel. Steel, who represents Young Thug in the Young Slime Life trial, faced legal challenges when he was held in contempt of court by Judge Ural Glanville.
The Contempt of Court Case
Brian Steel’s contempt charge arose after he refused to disclose how he obtained information about a private meeting between Judge Glanville, a state’s witness, and the prosecution. The incident occurred during the trial, after the jury had been excused. Judge Glanville demanded Steel reveal his source, but Steel, adhering to his professional ethics, remained silent. Consequently, Glanville ordered Steel to spend the next ten weekends in jail.
Ashleigh Merchant’s Role
Ashleigh Merchant quickly stepped in to represent Steel. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Merchant utilized her extensive legal knowledge to advocate for Steel. She emphasized the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, arguing that Steel’s actions were rooted in professional responsibility.
Merchant wasn’t alone in her support. She was joined by about two dozen Atlanta attorneys at the Fulton County Courthouse, demonstrating solidarity within the legal community. Merchant also called for Judge Glanville to recuse himself from the contempt case, asserting that he was a witness to the ex parte communication in his chambers. She argued for a different judge to handle the contempt issue, ensuring an impartial hearing for Steel.
Confronting Judicial Bias
Merchant addressed what she perceived as judicial bias head-on. She presented case law differentiating between civil and criminal contempt cases, bolstering her argument for Glanville’s recusal. Her strategic legal approach aimed to protect Steel’s rights and maintain the integrity of the legal process.
Public Advocacy
Merchant didn’t hesitate to speak out publicly about the situation. “We’re not OK with this. We’re not going to let this happen to our brother, who was simply doing his job,” she stated. “This is not how advocates should be treated. It’s hard enough being a criminal defense attorney, and we shouldn’t be threatened with jail.”
Ashleigh Merchant’s support for Brian Steel highlights her dedication to justice and professional ethics. Her advocacy underscores the importance of solidarity among defense attorneys and the need to uphold due process. Merchant’s efforts ensure that the principles of fairness and justice remain central to the legal profession, even in the face of significant challenges.