Bryant Hearing Starts Today

Three days of hearings in the Kobe Bryant case will begin today in Eagle County Court, culminating with the Laker star entering a “not-guilty” plea to the felony sexual assault charge against him.

As with the last several hearings, most of the proceedings will be in closed court. However, Judge Terry Ruckriegle listed seven items that would be addressed with the media and public in the courtroom. A court spokeswoman said they would be taken up Tuesday afternoon at the earliest, more likely Wednesday.

After Bryant’s plea, the judge will set a trial date within six months. Cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the arraignment and plea, which is expected to last only a few minutes.

Bryant, 25, is accused of raping a 19-year-old woman at a mountain resort June 30. He has said they had consensual sex.

Other topics to be addressed in open court include several requests by Bryant’s attorneys. They want potential jurors to undergo detailed questioning and want prosecutors to turn over any evidence that could help Bryant. Also, Ruckriegle will hear arguments on whether Bryant’s accuser should be referred to as a “victim” during trial, and on the constitutionality of the Colorado rape-shield law.

The first item on the agenda today in closed court is the continuation of a hearing on Bryant’s motion to throw out an audiotape of his interview with two detectives and a T-shirt and running pants he wore the night of the alleged rape. Bryant was not read his Miranda rights, and his attorneys have called several witnesses to testify that he believed that he was in custody during the hourlong interrogation.

Dist. Atty. Mark Hurlbert is expected to call an audiotape expert, John Polito of Burbank, to counter the testimony of defense expert Richard Sanders. The tape was made without Bryant’s knowledge, and prosecutors had acknowledged that it was “enhanced” because of its poor sound quality.

Ruckriegle said written closing arguments and proposed findings on the issue would be due from both sides May 17.

Next in closed court will be the continuation of the rape-shield hearing, including the issue of DNA testing. The judge has indicated that evidence will not be completed until the next round of hearings, beginning June 21. But he said that closing arguments on the testimony and evidence that had been submitted would be due May 17.

A third issue to be addressed in closed court will be oral arguments on Bryant’s motion to establish that his accuser’s four purported suicide attempts and her prescription medication should be admissible.