Murray is charged with manslaughter in the pop star’s 2009 death. By Kelley L. Carter Conrad Murray Photo: Toby Canham/ Getty Images Dr. Conrad Murray, who is being charged with manslaughter for the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson, has said in court papers that he must be granted the right to continue practicing medicine, otherwise, he won’t be able to pay for his defense in the case. Murray was responding to a bid by the California attorney general to suspend his license pending trial, The Associated Press reports. Attorneys for the doctor say if that were to happen, the results would be devastating for the financially strapped Murray. “He is, without fear of overstatement, hanging on by a thread,” the attorneys wrote. “His ability to pay for his own defense depends almost entirely on his ability to continue to treat patients.” Murray, who is due back in court on Monday, has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary-manslaughter charges brought up against him in Jackson’s death; the singer was administered anesthetic propofol and other drugs by Murray. Should he be suspended in California — where he no longer practices — his lawyers fear there might be a domino effect in Texas and Nevada, where the bulk of his practice is. “If Dr. Murray is unable to practice medicine in Texas, and especially Nevada, he will likely be faced with the inability to adequately defend himself of the charges facing him in the Superior Court of California,” his lawyers wrote. “The case with which he is charged will require intensive attorney work and fees. In light of the fact that much of his defense will be scientifically based and involves the death of an internationally famous decedent, expenses for his defense will be considerable.” Lawyers for Murray also say that should he be suspended, he’d struggle to pay child support. The AP also reports that court records show financial woes aren’t new to Murray, and they date back to when he signed on in May at $150,000 per month to keep Jackson healthy through a series of comeback shows planned in London. At that time, he owed at least $780,000 for settlements against his business, outstanding mortgage payments on his house, delinquent student loans, child support and credit cards. He also faced near foreclosure on his Las Vegas country-club home. In January, he made a payment of $1,003 on a $15,500 child-support debt involving a California woman and her 11-year-old son. The next month, he failed to appear at a Las Vegas court proceeding and was found in default on a $132,000 debt related to office and medical equipment and services. Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson
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Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Fights To Keep Medical License
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