During an opening argument that lasted well over an hour Tuesday at the Kent County Courthouse, McCarter & English partner Steve Wood said state prosecutors’ case against Auditor Kathy McGuiness is based on pieces of information taken out of context and presented as only part of the truth.

“The state ignored evidence that didn’t fit their story and sometimes said things that are flat-out false,” Wood said, asking the jury not to be biased by McGuiness’ position in a government role. “She’s not charged with being a bad auditor. That’s not a crime. She’s not charged with being a mean auditor. That’s not a crime. She’s not even charged with being a bad boss.”