Conrad Murray in Shackles, Asks for Court-Appointed Attorney

Doctor's previous attorney tells E! News, "I've never seen something like this before"

By Baker Machado Dec 14, 2011 12:47 AMTags
Conrad MurrayRobyn Beck-Pool/Getty Images

The cash-strapped Conrad Murray, who has asked for a court-appointed attorney for his appeal process, doesn't seem to be experiencing jail time like some other well-known names.

Murray's previous attorney J. Michael Flanagan is outraged at the doctor's treatment in the slammer, telling E! News that "it is crazy and unbelievable how [the sheriffs] are treating" Murray in jail.  

Flanagan says that after waiting for over an hour to visit the doctor yesterday, Murray arrived with his feet and hands cuffed, and was then handcuffed to the table for their meeting. "I've never seen something like this before," for someone serving for this particular crime, the attorney tells us.

He also adds that Murray's cell is next to a member that is in jail for gang murder.  

According to documents obtained by E! News, in the notice of appeal Murray filed this morning in Los Angeles Superior Court, Michale Jackson's former doc stated that he is "indigent and respectfully requests the appointment of counsel on appeal."

Murray was convicted last month of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 death of Michael Jackson and was ordered to serve four years in a Los Angeles county jail. He intends to appeal his conviction, but does not have an attorney to work with to argue his case.

Flanagan tells E! News that he doesn't handle appeals and that is why he isn't representing Murray in this process. He says he has offered advice about whom Murray should have represent him, but says, "Whoever does it has a big undertaking" with all the evidence involved.

Murray had filed a motion to appeal back on December 6 "In Pro Per," which means he was planning to represent himself.