McClatchy Washington Bureau

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Court documents filed this week indicate Nancy Garrido's former attorney was removed after he was accused of drunkenly talking about the case — and a possible book or movie deal — at his country club bar.

In his appeal to the Third District Court of Appeal to stay the removal order, Gilbert Maines denied allegations that he'd ever sought to exploit his client's life story. He also said that his response to the media was consistently "no comment," except for one live interview.

Garrido, 54, is accused along with her husband, Phillip, 58, of kidnapping Jaycee Lee Dugard in 1991 when she was 11 and holding her captive for 18 years. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to rape, kidnapping and other charges that could send them to prison for life.

Nancy Garrido provided a declaration, filed with the appeal documents, saying that she wants to retain Maines as her lawyer.

"I have a relationship with Mr. Maines and I know and trust him," she said.

El Dorado Superior Court Judge Douglas Phimister removed Maines in a secret Nov. 5 hearing after receiving confidential evidence that was never disclosed.

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