TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - None of the nine students charged in the hazing death of FSU fraternity pledge Andrew Coffey appeared in court Tuesday, but their attorneys were, and it only lasted for about five minutes.
The judge didn't set any trial dates and prosecutors are planning to try all nine cases together.
Each of the students are charged with felony hazing. Some have either withdrawn or been expelled from Florida State.
Their attorneys explained to the judge they will not waive their clients' right to a speedy trial, as they still need time to comb through evidence.
One attorney explained why his client wasn't in court Tuesday morning.
"Very rarely do I have a client attend a case management or status conference. There's no need for him to be here," said Fred Conrad, the attorney for Brett Birmingham. "The judge isn't going to ask him any questions. Lawyers have a right to waive their clients' presence in cases like this."
The next court date is set for Feb. 20.
