Idaho Supreme Court Weighs Lori Vallow Daybell's Claim of Unconstitutional Attorney Removal

Lori Vallow Daybell, the convicted killer sentenced to multiple life terms for her role in several deaths, appeared before the Idaho Supreme Court on Monday as justices deliberated over whether a lower court violated her constitutional rights by removing her attorney. The case centers around District Judge Steven Boyce's decision to disqualify Mark Means, who had previously represented both Vallow Daybell and her co-defendant Chad Daybell.

Vallow Daybell’s appellate attorney, Craig Durham, argued that the removal of Means was unconstitutional because it deprived his client of her right to choose her legal representation. He contended that Boyce's decision lacked an evidentiary basis for a conflict of interest between Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell. However, Jeffrey Nye, representing the state, countered that Means had been actively violating Vallow Daybell’s constitutional rights by filing documents under penalty of perjury.

The justices seemed to agree with both sides on different aspects of the case. They acknowledged the appropriateness of removing Means as a conflict of interest but were troubled by the unconventional and unconstitutional procedures employed in doing so. Justice Gregory Moeller pointed out that Boyce had moved to remove Means through Chad Daybell’s case file, despite Vallow Daybell's incompetency ruling which had stayed her case.

Durham emphasized that the removal process was not only unorthodox but also violated Vallow Daybell’s right to effective counsel while she was deemed incompetent. He argued that this procedural irregularity should be considered a significant error. Meanwhile, Nye conceded that the proceedings were unusual but maintained there was no legal wrongdoing in how Means was removed.

The court deliberations highlighted broader concerns about judicial procedures and their adherence to constitutional protections for defendants facing severe charges. The case has drawn attention due to its complex nature and the high-profile status of Vallow Daybell, who is currently serving multiple life sentences at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center in Idaho.

Vallow Daybell was convicted not only for the deaths of her children Joshua “J.J.” Vallow and Tylee Ryan but also for the murder of Chad Daybell's first wife, Tammy Daybell. She was sentenced to multiple life terms without parole. Additionally, she faced convictions and sentences in Arizona for conspiring to kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and her ex-nephew-in-law Brandon Boudreaux.

The Idaho Supreme Court will issue a written decision at a later date following their deliberations on Monday. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for legal procedures related to attorney-client conflicts in high-profile criminal cases.