Nick Reiner’s Lawyer Withdrew From His Case: Here’s Why Legal Experts Are ‘Surprised’

Nick Reiner’s high-powered attorney, Alan Jackson, recently stepped down as his representation in the trial of his parents’ murders. Jackson signed on as Nick’s lawyer shortly after his arrest for the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Jackson did not disclose his reason for withdrawing from the case, noting that he will not explain in the future for legal and ethical reasons. A legal expert shared why Jackson may have stepped down, and why his decision comes as a bit of a surprise. 

Nick Reiner’s lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew from representing him

In a court appearance on Wednesday, Jan. 7, Jackson announced that he was withdrawing from the case. As a result, Nick’s arraignment, will now take place on Feb. 23. Public defender Kimberly Greene will represent Nick.

Outside the courtroom, Jackson told reporters that “circumstances beyond our control” and “more importantly, circumstances beyond Nick’s control” led to the decision. 

“Be very clear about this: My team and I remain deeply committed to Nick Reiner and to his best interests,” he said, per USA Today. “We know that the legal process will reveal the true facts of the circumstances surrounding this case.”

Legal experts weighed in on Alan Jackson’s withdrawal from Nick Reiner’s case

While Jackson did not elaborate on his reasons for withdrawing from the case, Los Angeles-based entertainment attorney Tre Lovell of The Lovell Firm shared why a defense attorney may come to this decision.

“Alan Jackson’s withdrawal was a bit of a surprise,” he tells Showbiz Cheat Sheet in a statement. “Conventionally, attorneys may choose to withdraw in criminal defense cases for a variety of reasons, which could include financial issues or hesitations to get involved based on the evidence and chances of success.”

He noted that a defense attorney’s working relationship with their client could also lead them to withdraw from a case.

“Also, in cases where the defendant is mentally challenged or impaired, often occurring in matters involving an insanity defense, there can be an inherent difficulty in the defendant being able to participate in his defense and/or assist with his case,” he explained. “In situations where the defense attorney is not only combating the prosecutors in defending the case, but also having issues with the client, such can often be a reason to step back.”

He noted that while Greene, a public defender, now represents Nick, he can still hire a private attorney at some point.

Another lawyer said the public defender will be excellent counsel

Jackson has worked on highly publicized cases for very famous clients. R.J. Dreiling of Dreiling Law APC, who has worked with both Jackson and Greene, said that Nick is still in very capable hands with the latter.

“Alan is an excellent attorney, not just because of what he does in court, but because of how he works up a case. I would not discount anything he says,” he said. “That being said, the prosecutors handling the case are in an elite division of the most prestigious prosecuting agencies in the country so I do not doubt for a second that they are doing their due diligence.”

Dreiling and Lovell theorized that Nick will plead not guilty by reason of insanity. As a result, the defense will have to provide a great deal of evidence to prove its case.

“Unlike other areas of criminal law where the prosecutor has the burden to persuade a jury, the defendant has the burden of proving insanity by a preponderance of the evidence,” Dreiling explained. “That means they actually have to put on witnesses, provide medication documentation, and give evidence to support their claim. That can include medical reports, psychiatric reports, and even lay witnesses talking about how the person was behaving. For this particular case, I would expect both the prosecution and the defense to be attempting to interview witnesses from Conan O’Brien’s party to see what they observed about Nick’s behavior.”

The prosecution has not yet specified whether they will seek the death penalty in this case.