Nelson Circuit Court Judge Charles Simms III followed the recommendation of a jury, which, in May, found Lawson guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.

The attorneys filed court documents Wednesday alleging that the government has failed to produce requested information on who, when and how Taylor’s phone was tampered with.

The conduct of public defender Angela Elleman "has crossed over from zealous advocacy within the bounds of ethical and legal constraints to criminal conduct."