Michael Jacques' lawyers want trial moved out of state

Michael Jacques

Brooke Bennett

Burlington, Vermont - February 24, 2010

He's charged with raping and killing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Now Michael Jacques' lawyers want his trial moved out of Vermont.

The disappearance of Jacques' niece in July, 2008, sparked Vermont's first Amber Alert. Now the Randolph man's lawyers are filing a change-of-venue request, saying the extensive publicity surrounding the case will make a fair hearing impossible.

The defense has also requested that the trial be moved from federal to state court, which would spare Jacques the death penalty and have him facing a maximum penalty of life in prison. Defense lawyers say the alleged crimes occurred in Vermont so there is no federal jurisdiction. Prosecutors are expected to file arguments against that request later this week.

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Michael Jacques' lawyers want trial moved out of state - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Michael Jacques' lawyers want trial moved out of state

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