Casey Anthony Has New Attorney

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Orlando, Fla. attorney J. Cheney Mason has joined Casey Anthony's defense team. He said he would work on the case pro bono.

According to Mason's website, he began his private law practice in Orlando, Florida in 1971 after admission to The Florida Bar. His areas of practice include Criminal Defense, Marital and Family Law (Divorce Law), Entertainment Law and Trial Practice, with a strong emphasis on Marital and Family Law and Criminal Law. He is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, certified by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Mason is frequently a guest lecturer before various Bar and Legal Associations and has published numerous legal articles. J. Cheney Mason is often invited by the news media to provide expert commentary on legal issues involving criminal law and marital and family law, and he is active in numerous local and national legal organizations. He has volunteered his time to teach trial techniques to young Prosecutors and Public Defenders at the annual workshop at the University of Florida, College of Law.

Cheney is the recipient of numerous awards from a variety of professional organizations for his dedication to and accomplishments in the legal profession. In 2004, he was awarded the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

He is currently is rated as an "AV" lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

Casey Anthony remains jailed on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee who was last seen in June of 2008, but she was not reported missing until a month later. Her remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11, 2008. Investigators say the toddler's body was found with duct tape over her mouth.

Casey has pleaded not guilty and claims a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.

READ THE COURT DOCUMENTS RELEASED FEBRUARY 3, 2010 >>>