Share
Roger Nuttall long ago proved his mettle as one of Fresno’s most-respected defense attorneys.
On the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot — which many called an insurrection — Nuttall publicly defended his client, Ben Martin.
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16175812/James-Martin-Charging-Doc-Photo-Combo-1.jpg)
“I don’t view this as an insurrection. I don’t see (Mr. Martin) guilty of any crime,” Nuttall told GV Wire on Thursday. “He has a strong case.”
Martin was arrested in September and charged with six counts for his role one year ago, mainly for obstructing law enforcement. He is accused of entering the U.S. Capitol building.
In interviews at the time, Martin says he was pushed into the building and tried to act as a peacemaker.
The case is in the pre-trial discovery phase and will return to court on Feb. 18 in Washington. Martin is likely to participate remotely, as he has done for his prior appearances.
Plea Deal Entertained
Nuttall said the defense is considering a settlement deal from the Department of Justice. He would not reveal what the government is offering.
“We don’t comment on the possibilities of pleas or offers in our cases,” USDOJ spokesman Bill Miller said.
Separate Gun Charge
Martin also faces a separate weapons charge for violating a prior court order that banned him from possessing firearms. He has pleaded not guilty.
GV Wire previously reported that Martin had yet to be charged on the weapons count, but that was incorrect.
The weapons case is ongoing at the Fresno federal courthouse. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
However, following any conviction, sentences are at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutes and federal guidelines.
RELATED TOPICS:
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
13 hours ago
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
14 hours ago
Top Brazilian Judge Orders Suspension of X Platform in Brazil Amid Feud With Musk
1 day ago
How a Real Estate Boom Drove Political Corruption in Los Angeles
1 day ago
![Police officers secure the area and investigate the scene of a shooting at Union Square in San Francisco, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31184052/piersall-shooting-1024x683.jpg)
49ers Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall Shot in Attempted Union Square Robbery
![Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at an event in anticipation of signing a bill on his proposed oil profit penalty plan in Sacramento on March 28, 2023. (CalMatters/ Miguel Gutierrez Jr.)](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/31175839/newsom-big-oil.webp)
Will Gov. Newsom Call a Special Session to Deal With Gas Prices?
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16183042/Eagles-vs-49ers.jpg)
Bettors Banking on Eagles Resurgence, Cowboys Regression as NFL Season Begins
![A black poodle's face with his tongue sticking out](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/29135336/Rescued-from-an-abandoned-home-after-weeks-of-fending-for-himself-Adam-a-shy-but-sweet-poodle-mix-is-now-seeking-a-loving-forever-home.-Mells-Mutts-1024x538.jpg)
Abandoned Poodle Mix Adam Survives the Wild and Seeks a Forever Home
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/28091346/082824-Lede-1024x576.jpg)