Sneiderman lawyers say charges are vague, should be dismissed

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Attorneys for the Dunwoody widow accused of playing a role in her husband's murder were back in court Tuesday, arguing that several charges in her indictment should be dismissed.
 
Andrea Sneiderman is accused of convincing her former boss and alleged lover, Hemy Neuman, to shoot her husband Rusty outside their son's day care in November 2010.  Sneiderman has denied an affair and any involvement in the murder.
 
In court Tuesday, her defense team continued to pick apart several charges against her, including allegations she lied to Dunwoody police about what she knew and when.
 
"They are so vague and uncertain that the truth or falsity of a statement  ...  can't be ascertained," argued John Petrey.   "What is she supposed to have done?"
 
Petrey argued the indictment, as written, fails to inform Sneiderman of what she's alleged to have done, so as to adequately prepare for trial.
 
Prosecutors countered that their indictment gives more information than is legally required.  Assistant District Attorney Lee Green argued a recent Supreme Court ruling gives the state the benefit of the doubt when drafting an indictment.
 
"The language of the indictment (should be seen) in favor of the state, construed against the accused," Grant argued.  "We gave them the information. They just don't like the information we gave them."
 
By law, legal experts told Channel 2 Action News if a judge were to dismiss the charges in question twice before trial, they would automatically be dismissed. 
 
Judge Gregory A. Adams previously dismissed four false statements charges, but because the district attorney's office re-indicted Sneiderman before the ruling, experts said he would have to dismiss them a second time before they'd be removed from the indictment.
 
Sneiderman's trial is scheduled to begin July 29.  The judge said Tuesday he expects it to last three to four weeks.

WSBTV