Lawyers Make Final Remarks in Mike Hubbard’s Ethic Trial

Lawyers make their final remarks to jurors in the ethics trial of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

A prosecutor and defense lawyer will finish closing arguments Friday morning. The jury is expected to begin deliberations later in the day.

Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions to obtain business and investment for his companies. Hubbard has maintained his innocence.

State prosecutor Michael Duffy told jurors Thursday that Hubbard put a “for sale” sign on his public office as he obtained consulting contracts for tens of thousands of dollars.

Defense lawyer Lance Bell said in closing arguments Thursday that Hubbard did not break the law and prosecutors presented nothing that proves he did.

A defense lawyer for Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard told jurors that overzealous prosecutors were trying to convict the Republican speaker of ethics violations based on “flimsy” evidence.

Defense lawyer, Bill Baxley, told jurors in closing arguments Friday that Hubbard was careful to obey the state ethics law and there was no proof he did anything wrong.

A state prosecutor will make final remarks after Baxley concludes.

If convicted, Hubbard will be automatically removed from office.

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