Alan Jackson has broken his silence on why he withdrew as counsel for Nick Reiner, the 29-year-old charged with murdering his parents Rob and Michele Reiner.
At a Glance
- Jackson stepped down Jan. 7 and Reiner was assigned a public defender
- The lawyer cited “legal standards and ethical obligations” for his silence
- Jackson maintains he is “completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest”
- Reiner’s arraignment postponed to Feb. 23
- Why it matters: Jackson’s exit leaves Reiner with public defenders in a potentially death-penalty case
Speaking on the Jan. 13 episode of Sirius XM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa,” Jackson said, “Everybody’s got that same looming question, and I am compelled because of legal standards and ethical obligations – there’s certain things I simply can’t divulge in terms of why there was a change in counsel, why we stepped away and the public defender’s office stepped in.”
The veteran litigator, who previously represented Karen Read, Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, emphasized that he and his team “remain completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest. We always will be committed to his best interests. I want nothing but the best for him and I want him to get the most robust defense that he possibly can get.”
Public Defender Steps In
During his Jan. 7 announcement, Jackson confirmed that Reiner-formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders-would be assigned a public defender. Reiner’s arraignment has been postponed until Feb. 23 following Jackson’s withdrawal.
Jackson, 60, praised the new counsel:
- “I have a lot of faith in the public defender’s office”
- “They’re outstanding, outstanding, legal professionals”
- “I was doing a favor to the truth”
“We had worked at that time, it was about three weeks almost to the day, we had worked tirelessly. Nearly every waking hour, our entire team, and you saw the team behind me,” Jackson said on the Jan. 12 episode of the “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast.
Addressing Speculation
Jackson felt compelled to correct “lots of speculation” after his announcement.
“It was important for me to write some wrongs that had been printed, lots of speculation, lots of people who want to believe certain things,” he explained. “Obviously, something happened with my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue the representation, but I don’t want you, your audience, or anybody else to start speculating as to what that might be. I have not said a word about it.”
The attorney previously stated he believes Reiner is not guilty under California law.
Future Representation
When asked if he would consider rejoining Reiner’s legal team, Jackson replied, “The withdrawal is in the books, the court has relieved me of his counsel, and that’s where it stands, moving forward.”
Reiner lost his private legal defense team at a hearing this week. The judge also discussed an ongoing defense investigation that may indicate the direction of the criminal case.
Case Background
Nick Reiner stands accused of murdering his parents Rob and Michele Reiner. The case has attracted significant media attention due to the family name and the severity of the charges.
Key timeline:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 7 | Jackson announces withdrawal |
| Jan. 12 | Jackson appears on “Hot Mics” podcast |
| Jan. 13 | Jackson speaks on Sirius XM show |
| Feb. 23 | Reiner’s rescheduled arraignment |
Jackson’s departure leaves Reiner relying on the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office for what could become a death penalty prosecution.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson’s withdrawal creates uncertainty for the defense strategy
- Public defenders now handle a complex double-murder case
- Jackson maintains belief in Reiner’s innocence despite stepping away
- The next court date is set for Feb. 23
