An attorney for Michael Jackson\u2019s doctor said he was in negotiations with a prosecutor Thursday morning about how the physician will surrender to face criminal charges in the pop icon\u2019s death. <\/p>\n
No case has been filed against Dr. Conrad Murray, but the Los Angeles County district attorney\u2019s office is expected to file an involuntary manslaughter charge and potentially other counts against him this week, said numerous sources familiar with the case.<\/p>\n
\nMurray\u2019s lead attorney, Ed Chernoff, said he and Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren were discussing arrangements for booking and arraigning the doctor after the case is filed.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe both share the goal of the efficient administration of this process,\u201d Chernoff said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nA spokeswoman for the district attorney\u2019s office did not immediately return messages seeking comment. <\/p>\n
A sticking point appeared to be whether Murray, who is staying with the mother of his infant son in Santa Monica, will be arrested and placed in handcuffs or permitted to turn himself in at a police station or courthouse.<\/p>\n
\nLos Angeles Police Department officials were pushing for an arrest, according to a departmental source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The source said police were concerned that allowing Murray to turn himself in suggested to the public — including future jurors — that he was entitled to special treatment and was a \u201cwhite-collar\u201d case rather than an accused criminal.<\/p>\n
\nMurray\u2019s lawyer insisted there was no reason for handcuffs or police cars.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAn arrest of Dr. Murray would be a waste of money, time and resources. We\u2019ve always made it clear: You tell us where; we\u2019ll be there. I\u2019m sure something can be arranged,\u201d Chernoff said.<\/p>\n
\nHe said Murray and his defense team have met with bail bond companies in preparation for the charges.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve had eight months to prepare,\u201d he said, referring to the criminal probe of Murray that began in the hours after Jackson\u2019s June 25 death.<\/p>\n
\nMurray acknowledged giving propofol, a powerful anesthetic intended for use in operating rooms, to Jackson as a sleep aid the morning of his death, according to court documents. The coroner\u2019s department ruled the death a homicide and said it was caused by \u201cacute propofol intoxication\u201d in combination with the use of sedatives also administered by the doctor.<\/p>\n
\nInvoluntary manslaughter, which applies to unlawful killing committed without malice or an intent to kill, carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n[Updated at 11:45 a.m.:<\/strong> The prosecutors who will try Murray are at odds with the police who built the case against him over whether the physician should be arrested or allowed to surrender, according to a high-ranking official in the district attorney\u2019s office. <\/p>\n The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, said prosecutors oppose an arrest because Murray does not have a criminal record and poses no danger to the public. <\/p>\n The official denied that a surrender would represent special treatment for Murray, saying similarly situated defendants, including police officers accused of crimes, are commonly allowed to turn themselves in. — Harriet Ryan, Jack Leonard and Richard Winton<\/p>\n More breaking news in L.A. Now:<\/strong><\/p>\n UCLA hosts ‘Locks of Love’ event<\/a><\/p>\n Magnitude 6.0 earthquake hits off the Northern California coast near Eureka<\/a><\/p>\n Rainstorm headed to Southern California<\/a><\/p>\n Crop-threatening weevil discovered at LAX in basil shipment from Mexico<\/a><\/p>\n Bell police searching for accomplice in car chase that led to fatal shooting<\/a><\/p>\n Casey Johnson died of diabetes-related condition, L.A. County coroner says<\/a><\/p>\n Brittany Murphy’s death ruled accidental by L.A. County coroner’s office<\/a><\/p>\n LAPD arrests alleged Melrose Avenue serial burglar<\/a><\/p>\n Former Pico Rivera councilman arrested on perjury charges<\/a> <\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis shouldn\u2019t be treated differently because it\u2019s a celebrity-related case,\u201d the official said.]<\/p>\n