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

B-Vibe 'Rimming Plug 2' Highlighted in Men's Health Article

B-Vibe's Rimming Plug 2 has been recognized by Men's Health magazine.

William Garland, Leigh Dedhar to Launch Doxy 2.0

U.K. pleasure brand Doxy's original founder, William Garland, has purchased the Doxy brand along with Leigh Dedhar and has announced the launch of Doxy 2.0.

Lovense 'Lush Mini' Spotlighted on Wired.com

Lovense’s Lush Mini has been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Autoblow Introduces AI Companions With Device Interface

Autoblow has debuted a new series of AI companions that can control the Autoblow Ultra stroker.

Motorbunny Expands 'Grip' Line With 'Fleshlight' Attachment

Motorbunny has added a new Fleshlight-compatible attachment to its Grip line of sex machine attachments.

Canadian Privacy Commissioner Endorses National AV Bill

Philippe Dufresne, privacy commissioner of Canada, has voiced support for a bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Orion Unveils 3 New Styles From 'Noir Handmade' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced three new styles from its Noir Handmade line.

Industry Attorney Paul Cambria Retires After 50 Years of Practicing Law

After more than a half-century in practice, during which he provided the defense in some of the adult industry's most notable legal cases, attorney Paul Cambria has retired.

A Look at the Growing Business of Artificial Companions Powered by AI, Advanced Materials

Step into any adult expo or consumer forum thread today and the evidence is unmistakable: the sex doll category is in the middle of a full-scale transformation.

Orion Debuts 'Masturbator 09' From 'WYNE' Collection

Orion Wholesale has introduced Masturbator 09 from its What You Never Expected (WYNE) line.

Show More