Peterson attorney Greenberg postpones withdrawing from case
By Janet Lundquist jlundquist@stmedianetwork.com October 4, 2012 10:49AM
Drew Peterson defense attorneys Joel Brodsky and Steven Greenberg (right) talk during a lunch break in jury deliberation during the Drew Peterson murder trial at the Will County Courthouse Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Updated: November 6, 2012 6:18AM
JOLIET — The post-trial drama with Drew Peterson’s lawyers continued Thursday.
Attorney Steve Greenberg, who Peterson “fired” from his defense team, had filed a motion to withdraw as one of the former Bolingbrook cop’s lawyers.
But after a lengthy conference with Peterson Thursday morning, Greenberg asked that the motion be postponed to Nov. 16.
“I love Drew, Drew loves me,” Greenberg said in the hallway outside the courtroom after the appearance before Judge Edward Burmila.
Peterson “asked me not to say anything,” Greenberg said. “I find it difficult to bite my tongue, but that’s what I’ll do.
“I think my letter spoke for how I feel.”
Lead Peterson defense attorney Joel Brodsky, who was not at the hearing, said he spoke to Peterson afterward.
“The reason for the continuance of Mr. Greenberg’s motion is so Mr. Peterson can have a confrontation with Mr. Greenberg where all attorney-client privileges are in place,” Brodsky said. “Nothing else has changed.”
Brodsky would not elaborate.
Greenberg, who spent about a half-hour talking with Peterson Thursday morning before the court appearance, declined to comment on Brodsky’s remark.
Peterson, 58, faces a maximum of 60 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 26.
Greenberg was fired from the defense team after Peterson was found guilty of the March 2004 murder of Peterson’s third wife, Kathleen Savio.
In a public statement after Greenberg’s firing, Brodsky said Greenberg didn’t properly question witnesses and wasn’t prepared for some court sessions because he spent too much time “hanging out in the press room.”
“Mr. Greenberg was let go because of his failure to accomplish most of the tasks he brought on board to take care of,” Brodsky said in his earlier statement.
Greenberg then accused attorney Joel Brodsky of “single-handedly” losing the trial.
Greenberg also threatened to sue Brodsky for “scandalous, contemptible and repulsive” comments he allegedly made about Greenberg. Peterson, meanwhile, has asked the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to investigate Greenberg’s behavior. Brodsky has declined to comment on Greenberg’s accusations.
Peterson is scheduled to return to court Oct. 18 for a hearing on several post-trial motions.
