Accused lawyer-beater to get another

Bail is set at $100,000 for the defendant, whose lawyer bled profusely and had to be treated at a hospital.

Last update: April 17, 2009 - 12:37 AM

A judge set bail at $100,000 Thursday for the 18-year-old man accused of striking his lawyer in a juvenile courtroom in Hennepin County District Court.

In his first comments about the case, acting chief public defender Jim Kamin said his office will arrange for a new lawyer for Dominique C.D. Cook, who is accused of attacking his public defender, Fay Nosow, in court on Monday.

But Kamin said the lawyer won't be one of his employees, as Nosow's co-workers would have a conflict of interest.

Cook didn't enter a plea. He remains in jail. His next scheduled court date is May 5.

"He, as much as anybody, needs a lawyer -- to give meaning to due process," Kamin said.

Cook allegedly punched longtime public defender Nosow as his hearing was about to begin. She bled extensively and was taken to a hospital. She has spent the week at home recovering.

Kamin said Nosow has some "ongoing injury-related concerns," but that it would be inappropriate to comment beyond that.

"Fay is a longtime dedicated public defender, working tirelessly on behalf of the indigent, making real the promises of fairness and justice and due process," he said. "She has handled this very difficult situation with graceful strength, and we could not be more proud of her."

ROCHELLE OLSON