Delay in state Senate trial will nullify Carroll Fisher impeachment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Impeachment proceedings against state Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher have to end by November 16th, or they'll be nullified.<br/><br/>That's when current legislators'

Tuesday, September 7th 2004, 5:34 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Impeachment proceedings against state Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher have to end by November 16th, or they'll be nullified.

That's when current legislators' terms end.

The state House is scheduled to meet Thursday to consider whether to impeach Fisher, who's accused of neglect of duty, corruption in office and incompetence.

If the House decides for impeachment, Fisher will be tried in the Senate.

If it comes to that point, Fisher's attorney, Irven Box, hopes to stall the trial until after criminal charges against Fisher are disposed of.

Senate proceedings could "prejudice his rights" in criminal proceedings, Box says.

Box doesn't believe the criminal allegations will be wrapped up by November 16th.

The state has already spent $118,000 considering whether to impeach Fisher.