2 Newburgh Men Accused Of Attacking Their Attorneys In Court: DA

NEWBURGH, NY — Two men are accused of attacking their defense attorneys during separate criminal court proceedings in May.

Arthur Thomas, 47, and Donnie Smith, 33, both of Newburgh, have been charged with attempted assault in the second-degree.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said both men were arraigned Wednesday in Orange County Court for the two incidents.

The men’s attorneys were not seriously injured in the attacks, according to Hoovler.

Thomas and Smith are being held without bail, and they are next due in court on June 17.

Prosecutors claim Thomas attacked his attorney on May 16 while Thomas was on trial for a 2020 Newburgh homicide. According to Hoovler, the disruption in the court proceedings resulted in a mistrial, and Thomas’ trial will be rescheduled.

In Smith’s case, he appeared in court on May 21 because of charges related to a 2024 attempted murder in Newburgh, according to the district attorney’s office. Smith is accused of attacking his attorney at that May court appearance, prosecutors said.

“While I am thankful that the attorneys in these matters avoided serious injury, we nonetheless will seek to hold accountable anyone who endangers anyone in court or attempts to disrupt the proceedings,” Hoovler said.