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Calif. Supreme Court Ruling May Kill 'Bell 8' Corruption Charges

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — City officials at the center of the Bell corruption scandal hope to have the charges against them thrown out by this summer, attorneys said on Tuesday.

KNX 1070's John Brooks reports a judge has delayed trial proceedings for the so-called "Bell 8" until later this summer.

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The state Supreme Court is hearing arguments on a case that could resolve whether a crime is committed if a public official either does not intend or does not know an action violates the law.

Celebrity attorney Harlan Braun, who is now representing former assistant city manager Angela Spaccia, says he expects the defendants will not see a trial.

"The evidence against Ms. Spaccia is almost non-existent," said Braun. "I'm very hopeful her case will be kicked out."

Deputy District Attorneys Sean Hassett and Juliet Schmidt still believe the case will go to trial, and they intend to prove there was intent to accept illegal loans and to hide excessive salaries and benefits from the public .

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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