Scientology lawyer admits "media attention not a good idea" as child gets 30 years

The case spurred a media maelstrom, with the attorneys making numerous television appearances, even allowing CBS News' "48 Hours" to tape their daily "war room" sessions for a special aired after the trial ended. But in retrospect, Menzies said the media attention may not have been a good idea.

If he had been convicted of voluntary manslaughter, Pittman could have been sentenced to anything from two to 30 years in prison, with the possibility of early release, although prosecutors only wanted the maximum. With a murder conviction, he faced a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison, with no possibility of parole.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/aug/28/defense-team-made-mistakes-lawyers-say/