News

Actions

Sheriff Joe Arpaio seeks postponement of contempt trial

Posted at 4:37 AM, Nov 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-02 12:56:06-04

Sheriff Joe Arpaio has proposed a postponement of his upcoming trial on a criminal contempt-of-court charge.

RELATED: Latest Joe Arpaio news

The request to delay the Dec. 6 trial hasn't yet been ruled on by the case's judge.

Arpaio's lawyer says he needs more time to prepare for trial.

The sheriff was charged with criminal contempt for defying another judge's order to stop his immigration patrols.

The judge in question later said he believed Arpaio prolonged the patrols because he believed doing so would benefit his 2012 campaign.

Arpaio has acknowledged the violation, but said it wasn't intentional and vowed to fight the charge.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The charge was filed as Arpaio faces a tough campaign against Democrat Paul Penzone.