Published
1 year agoon
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.
Images featured in a charging document allegedly show Benjamin Martin at the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. (USDOJ)
“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.
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.
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 Story: Two Valley Men Still in Court One Year After Capitol Riot
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email