BlackHouse Development founder Sean Ludwick, jailed after attempting to skip bail in his vehicular homicide case, is breaking with his attorney Benjamin Brafman.
The two are parting ways over differences in legal strategy, as well as Ludwick’s erratic behavior.
Brafman — who has represented clients such as Michael Jackson, Sean “Puffy†Combs and former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn – only named practical concerns.
“In view of the fact that Mr. Ludwick is now remanded in Riverhead, it makes much more sense for him to be represented by local counsel,†the high-powered lawyer told the New York Post.
A judge revoked Ludwick’s $1 million bail after the developer was arrested in Puerto Rico last month, allegedly having attempted to flee the country before trial. The Long Island judge said there’s no possibility Ludwick will be bonded out before the trial.
Ludwick is charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of a fatal accident in connection with the August death of Douglas Elliman broker Paul Hansen in Sag Harbor. The developer allegedly struck a utility pole near Hansen’s house, pushed his lifeless body out of the car and drove off. He faces up to three decades in prison if convicted on the 13 criminal charges. [NYP] – Ariel Stulberg