San Diego
Anti-abortion lawyer Cyrus Zal, who is serving a 290-day sentence for contempt of court, lost a bid Friday to have his sentence suspended while he wages an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Jesus Rodriguez denied Zal’s bid after a brief hearing, saying that he had already begun serving his sentence--imposed by an El Cajon judge for repeatedly discussing abortion during a trial--after losing every appeal in the California courts.
Zal, 42, a Folsom-based attorney, said he was “disappointed” in the decision but called it “not unexpected.”
“I wish this was happier news for me,” he said. “But this is the beginning of the final battle.”
He said he expects to file an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court next week. If the appeal fails, Zal is set for release from county custody April 23.
He reported Aug. 13 to the County Jail. Earlier this month, he was allowed to return to practicing law through a work-furlough program, though he must return to custody each night and on weekends.
El Cajon Municipal Judge Larrie R. Brainard imposed the 290-day sentence after citing Zal 20 times for contempt during a trial last February.
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