Judge: Cambria Can Serve in Va. Obscenity Case

STAUNTON, Va. — Circuit Judge Humes J. Franklin Jr. ruled this afternoon that 1st Amendment lawyer Paul Cambria Jr. can serve as co-counsel representing Rick Krial in his obscenity case, after the prosecution claimed last week that Cambria should be disqualified from the case.

Krial and his company, LSP of Virginia, have been charged with 16 felony counts of obscenity and four misdemeanors in connection with his store, After Hours Video.

Staunton prosecutor Ray Robertson, who has opposed Cambria's involvement in the case, argued that Cambria represents producers of the videos that were purchased at Krial’s store so Cambria could not provide his client unbiased advice, suggesting that Cambria might reject a plea deal by Krial to protect the producers.

Cambria responded that Krial’s decision to reject Robertson’s plea deal happened well before he entered the picture.

“I didn’t have anything to do with advising him,” Cambria said. “If there was something like that of substance, rather than disqualify me, another lawyer should advise him, and I think Mr. Love [Krial’s local attorney] has filled that role.”

Prosecutor Robertson postulated hypothetical scenarios of future plea bargaining, federal investigations and appeals of guilty verdicts. Franklin asked Robertson no fewer than four times, “Where are your facts?”

Robertson also suggested that parties in the porn industry, not Krial, were paying Cambria’s fees. The judge referred to a sworn affidavit in which Krial states he alone is paying Cambria.

“How does he know?” asked Robertson.

“He’s paying; he ought to know,” the judge said.

After the hearing, Cambria told reporters he’s looking forward to arguing Krial’s case.

“There’s so much culture here and it’s a sophisticated city, and sophisticated people are not afraid to make choices,” Cambria said. “Any time a person’s ability to make a choice is on the line, it’s worth it to lend whatever competency you have.”

Cambria said the case should go to trial around Valentine’s Day, adding, “an appropriate day.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on its Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Electric Novelties Expands 'Gläs' Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced a variety of new items from its Gläs collection.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More