OK Criminal Defense Attorney breaks down Richard Glossip's request for release

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A local Criminal Defense Attorney weighed in on Richard Glossip's legal team's request for his release.

Criminal Defense Attorney Joe Griffin says a deal in any big criminal case isn't uncommon.

"Defense attorneys and prosecutors make deals all the time," Attorney Griffin said.

The motion for Glossip's release was filed Wednesday morning. His attorneys say a deal was reached with Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond back in April 2023.

According to court documents, the deal would allow Glossip to plead guilty to an Accessory to Murder Charge, with a 45-year sentence. With good behavior, he'd still be eligible for immediate release.

In an email exchange between AG Drummond's attorneys and Glossip's attorneys, Drummond responds, saying, "We are in agreement."

However, hours later in his own filing Wednesday morning, Drummond is dialing back on the agreement.

Drummond argues the plea bargain was "unfinalized" and "long abandoned" by both parties.

Attorney Griffin said, in order for the deal to be off the table, there had to have been a breach of the agreement terms.

"Has there been breach by the defendant? Has there been new evidence put forward so far? Has someone of authority said, you know, we're not going to take this plea deal? Not to anybody's knowledge, so what's going on?" Attorney Griffin added.

Glossip has been on death row for nearly 30 years and has been scheduled for execution nine times.

Many are left wondering what's next if the state won't release him?

Attorney Griffin said, "You're kind of going into uncharted waters. So from a legal standpoint, this is something to watch."

Neither attorney for AG Drummond nor Glossip is providing further comment outside of the filings at this time.