Nodine murder case hearing set for Aug.

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Former Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine's attorney filed a motion asking a Baldwin County Judge to set a murder trial date soon. On the other hand, Nodine's attorney in his federal weapons case wants more time.

"I am not asking to dismiss the case of put it off forever, let's just try the state case first," Gordon Armstrong said.

Armstrong says trying the federal case before the murder case isn't fair, because his hands would tied in defending Nodine against the weapons charges.

"I would have to be careful about what witnesses I called," said Armstrong. "And I wouldn't be able to put Nodine on the stand. And he has every right to testify in his own defense and we may need that."

Armstrong said his client is eager to tell his side of the story.

"Nodine is being vilified by the public and he wants to get his case in court and have it heard in a proper forum where all the evidence can be heard. He is resolute and in good spirits but he is frustrated by the fact that all of this misinformation is being thrown out," said Armstrong.

Nodine made bond in June, and did have a job. However, Armstrong says because of the intense public scrutiny he was let go.

A preliminary hearing on the murder charge is set for August 25. As of right now, jury selection in Nodine's federal weapons case is set for August 30 with a trial starting in September. Armstrong is going to ask a district judge to review the trial date.