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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is set to face a high-stakes trial in his securities fraud case, with a Harris County district judge confirming a trial date of April 15. The announcement came during a gripping 15-minute hearing presided over by Harris County District Judge Andrea Beall. Alongside the trial date, a pretrial conference has been scheduled for mid-February, marking a crucial step in the case's progress. This comes after years of delay, mired in debates over venue and payments to special prosecutors overseeing the case.

Paxton's Securities Fraud Trial : A Three-Fold Accusation

Paxton's legal ordeal centers around three felony securities fraud charges. These charges revolve around allegations that Paxton failed to register as an investment adviser and misled investors in a technology company regarding his commission earnings. Notably, these alleged offenses date back to a time before Paxton assumed his role as Texas Attorney General.

Paxton's Securities Fraud Trial : Promising a Fair Trial

In a surprising turn of events, Special prosecutor Kent A. Schaffer of Schaffer Kennedy Johnson & Mays assures the public that this trial will be different from Paxton's previous impeachment trial in September. During that impeachment trial, Paxton was acquitted on all 16 articles considered by the Texas House. Schaffer believes this time justice will prevail with an unbiased jury and a knowledgeable judge committed to fairness and justice.

Schaffer asserted, "There will be a jury that comes in unbiased, not owing anything to the defendant, not afraid of the defendant, not afraid of the state." He pointed out that during Paxton's impeachment trial, many senators were concerned about losing their elected positions if they voted to convict the state's top legal officer.

Schaffer emphasized that this case would adhere to strict rules of evidence, focusing solely on facts and justice, rather than being influenced by external factors like fear or retribution.

Paxton's Securities Fraud Trial : Unfazed Defense

Philip H. Hilder of Hilder & Associates PC, who serves as counsel for Paxton, remains unfazed by the outcome of the impeachment trial. He asserted that it was unrelated to the current legal defense.

Payment Controversy

One of the hotly debated issues surrounding the case is payment for the special prosecutors. Judge Beall refrained from making any immediate rulings on this matter, indicating her intent to address it separately.

Schaffer and special prosecutor Brian W. Wice have alleged that they haven't received payment since 2016, despite a $242,000 bill being approved and paid by the Collin County Commissioners Court at the time. Subsequently, a second payment of just under $200,000 was mandated by the trial court approximately a year later. However, it was later vacated by the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals.

Schaffer has worked tirelessly for over 500 unpaid hours since 2016 and accused Paxton's camp of withholding payment in an attempt to delay the case. He said, "Their thought is, 'If we cut off your payment, you'll withdraw. If you withdraw, the case is over.' It's just Mr. Paxton's way of trying to escape justice."

When questioned about their future involvement in the case, Schaffer said, "We have to see what happens." Meanwhile, Wice asserted firmly, "I'm not going anywhere."

Making it About Justice

Hilder, however, criticized the special prosecutors for making the case "about the money" rather than justice. He pointed out that special prosecutors are required to be paid according to a fee schedule issued through a statewide defense fund, equating to roughly $300 per hour for each prosecutor. Hilder emphasized the importance of ensuring Paxton receives a fair trial, regardless of the payment dispute.

Legal Storm Continues

In addition to the securities fraud case, Paxton faces two ethics complaints and an ongoing federal investigation, echoing allegations of abuse of office that he confronted during his impeachment.

The state is represented by Kent A. Schaffer of Schaffer Kennedy Johnson & Mays, and Brian W. Wice.

Paxton is represented by Dan Cogdell of Cogdell Law Firm and Philip H. Hilder of Hilder & Associates PC.