Gazlay’s attorney stepping down

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 | 9:56 a.m.

One of the most visible alleged members of the 311 Boyz gang will have a new attorney when he returns to court for his second trial.

Defense attorney James "Bucky" Buchanan said he would likely step down from 19-year-old Steven Gazlay's case because Gazlay's family can no longer afford his services.

Defense attorney T. Louis Palazzo is expected to represent Gazlay when he is tried on charges that he burned a teen with a hot butter knife. Both attorneys appeared with Gazlay on Monday during a status check before District Judge Valorie Vega. The trial is set for Feb. 9.

Buchanan said his stepping down from the case was unrelated to Gazlay's recent conviction on battery charges stemming from an attack on a young man with a crowbar last summer.

The Gazlays "weren't happy about it (the conviction)," Buchanan said. "But it's a matter of money. I don't think they can afford to continue on at my rate."

Gazlay and his family could not be reached late Monday for comment.

Gazlay and eight other teens also face 12 felony charges relating to a rock attack on 17-year-old Stephen Tanner Hansen. Buchanan said he was not sure if he would continue to represent Gazlay in that case.