U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s decision to have Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams stand trial at the end of May—less than two-and-a-half weeks after he was indicted on bribery charges—is remarkable for its rapid pace, but is ultimately justified, according to several criminal defense lawyers.
While Diamond’s decision may seem harsh, attorneys who spoke to The Legal said it was understandable, given that an indicted district attorney whose license has been suspended is still in control of the largest prosecutor’s office in the state despite calls to resign.
