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How Many Attorneys Can Blagojevich Retain?

Ex-Governor Due In Court For Hearing On Subject

Just how many lawyers will ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich be able to retain for his retrial next year on corruption charges?

He could find out Wednesday during his second status hearing since his initial trial ended largely deadlocked.

U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel wants more information about Blagojevich's financial situation before making final decisions.

Blagojevich currently has about half a dozen attorneys. But his legal funds have run dry.

Now, taxpayers will likely have to foot his attorney bills. And guidelines for broke defendants say they normally shouldn't have more than two lawyers.

Prosecutors are retrying Blagojevich on 23 counts, including that he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich has declared his innocence.

The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m.

(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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