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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A former longtime Kirksville dentist convicted on two felony charges has decided he needs a new attorney to handle his appeal.
    
Steve Barber was represented by Kirksville attorney Ed Campbell in his original case.  Barber has now hired the Kansas City law firm of Wyrsch, Hobbs and Mirakian for his appeal. The lead attorney for Barber's appeal will be J.R. Hobbs.

Barber was convicted in August of two counts of tampering with a witness. He was taken into custody following his sentencing by Scotland County Judge Karl Demarce.

Barber was sentenced to five years in prison on each count and is currently free on bond. He has filed a notice of appeal with the Western District Court of Appeals.
    
Barber filed a request to leave the state over the Christmas holiday to visit family in Kansas. That request is being opposed by the Missouri Attorney General's Office which is handling the appeal for the state.

When contacted by KTVO, Campbell said people change attorneys for all sorts of reasons.
    
Meanwhile Hobbs told KTVO he couldn't comment on any possible reason for the change in attorneys. 
   
Although Barber has filed his intention to appeal with the appeals court, he has not yet filed the actual appeal.


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