Garrido lawyer may be dismissed from Dugard case

Placerville attorney Gilbert Maines may not represent Nancy Garrido for much longer.

A judge on Thursday morning relieved Maines of his duties, but stayed his decision until Nov. 30 in case Maines wanted to appeal. Most of the 40-minute hearing was conducted in private, with only Maines, Garrido and Judge Douglas Phimister in the courtroom.

"There is confidential information that may or may not fall into the category of privileged communication," Judge Phimister said during the brief public portion. "The court feels if it is disclosed it could adversely affect Mrs. Garrido's case."

After the hearing, both Maines and prosecutor Jim Clinchard declined to comment.