Two charged for assaulting defense attorneys in New York court

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GOSHEN, N.Y. — Two Newburgh men were indicted Wednesday for separate attacks on their defense attorneys during court proceedings, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced.

Arthur Thomas, 47, and Donnie Smith, 33, were each arraigned in Orange County Court on charges of attempted assault in the second degree. Both men were remanded to Orange County Jail without bail. Their next court appearances are scheduled for June 17.

According to court documents and statements, Thomas allegedly attacked his attorney on May 16 during a murder trial related to a 2020 homicide in Newburgh. The incident disrupted the proceedings and led to a mistrial. The murder trial will be rescheduled.

In a separate incident on May 21, Smith allegedly assaulted his attorney…