The federal trial of a prominent New Jersey defense attorney accused of orchestrating the murder of a government informant will get under way this fall.

Paul Bergrin
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The Record newspaper reports that U.S. District Judge Dennis Cavanaugh decided Tuesday to start Paul Bergrin's trial on Oct. 1.

But the start date could be pushed back if Cavanaugh grants a government request that Bergrin be tried on all 33 counts he faces in a federal racketeering indictment.

Bergrin, who is representing himself with help from court-appointed counsel, said he would need more time to prepare his defense if that happens.

Cavanaugh was recently chosen to preside over the trial. The reassignment came weeks after a federal appellate court removed U.S. District Judge William Martini from the case over questions about his impartiality.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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