> At a Glance
> – Attorney Alan Jackson withdrew from Nick Reiner’s murder case moments into the Jan. 7 arraignment
> – Reiner, accused of killing parents Rob and Michele Reiner, now has public defender Kimberly Greene
> – New arraignment date set for Feb. 23
> – Why it matters: sudden counsel change raises questions about defense strategy and financing
Nick Reiner’s first court appearance since his arrest took an unexpected turn when lead counsel Alan Jackson exited the case seconds after it began.
The Withdrawal
Jackson told the judge his team had “no choice” but to step aside, offering no public explanation beyond asserting his former client is “not guilty.” Reiner, wearing a tan jumpsuit and shaved head, stood silent as the hearing pivoted to a public defender.
- Jackson had represented Reiner at the initial post-arrest appearance
- No plea was entered
- Case continued to Feb. 23
What Comes Next
Sweet James managing partner Bobby Taghavi, speaking to News Of Los Angeles, outlined common triggers for last-minute withdrawals:
- Ethical conflicts
- Breakdown in attorney-client relationship
- Confidential issues that can’t be disclosed
- Financial constraints
Taghavi stressed a switch does not imply guilt and is usually driven by behind-the-scenes developments.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Stay with public defender | Court-appointed if Reiner qualifies financially |
| Hire new private counsel | Allowed if finances change |
Key Takeaways
- Alan Jackson’s exit was immediate and unexplained on the record
- Public defender Kimberly Greene now represents Reiner
- Arraignment rescheduled for Feb. 23
- Withdrawal reasons remain confidential but are typically procedural, not evidentiary
The shuffle leaves Reiner’s defense in transition as prosecutors proceed with the high-profile double-murder case.
