Andrew Ford

FLORIDA TODAY

The assistant public defender who was involved in a courtroom fight with Brevard County Judge John C. Murphy resigned this morning, saying he disagreed with Public Defender Blaise Trettis' support of Murphy's return.

"I am thankful that I have had the opportunity over the years to practice law with the many outstanding attorneys who have worked for the Public Defender," Andrew Weinstock's resignation letter read. "As you are aware, I do not agree with your position on Judge Murphy returning to the bench. As such, I hereby tender my resignation, effective immediately."

Weinstock has not yet returned calls seeking a comment.

Murphy took a four-week paid leave of absence, issued a public apology and was reassigned to work civil cases in Titusville when he returned last week. Trettis supported that return.

"As a criminal defense attorney, I think it would be hypocritical to argue that Judge Murphy should not be given a chance at redemption as a county court judge," Trettis said. "Defense attorneys routinely plead that their clients should be given a second chance when their bad behavior is uncharacteristic of who they are and is an isolated instance in their life."

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