SALEM -- The state is pressing contempt-of-court charges against the former lawyers for Gary Haugen, the death-row inmate who is seeking to reject the governor's clemency.
The Statesman Journal newspaper reports that the state is taking the action because the pair appealed a Marion County judge's decision last year to remove them from the case and because they filed appeals on related matters without permission from the presiding judge.
Attorneys W. Keith Goody and Andy Simrin say they were within their rights to question Haugen's capacity to seek their removal and waive his right to counsel.
Haugen seeks a warrant for his execution. He is proceeding with a separate civil case with a different lawyer against Gov. John Kitzhaber for a reprieve Kitzhaber issued Nov. 22.
Background: Haugen allowed to challenge halt to execution
