By AP
DETROIT –
Defense lawyers are asking a U.S. Supreme Court justice to intervene and free nine members of a Michigan-based militia from jail.
Richard Helfrick and Todd Shanker say an appeals court followed the wrong standard in continuing to keep the nine in custody while the government challenges a ruling that would send them home until trial.
The petition was filed Friday with Justice John Paul Stevens, who has some authority over federal cases in Michigan.
Members of a group called Hutaree are charged with conspiracy to commit sedition against the government. A three-judge panel on the appeals court blocked their release from jail this week while another panel considers a full appeal.
Shanker says an immediate response from the Supreme Court is unlikely.