Cristian Fernandez has new legal counsel as of today.  After a very short hearing in front of Judge Mallory Cooper, Shirk’s office will withdraw as legal counsel after a motion was filed by Cristian’s legal guardian to have a substitution of counsel.

Originally, Shirk called the motion a publicity stunt but said after talking with Cristian, they changed their minds.

"We've since spoken with Cristian and explained to him that it would be best that we not continue down this path of fighting.  The whole goal is to help him."

Taking over the case, a group of 6 high-profile lawyers from 5 law firms around Jacksonville.  Cristian's new legal team consists of Buddy Schulz and Adam Blank of Holland & Knight, Don Anderson and Melissa Nelson of McGuireWoods, Hank Coxe of Bedell, Ditmer, Devault, Pillans, and Coxe, Brian Gowdy of Creed & Gowdy, and Gray Thomas from The Law Offices of Gray Thomas.  The new legal team declined comment.

Shirk says he and his team will stay on and help Cristian when they're needed to maintain continuity.

"It's a winner of a case.  They're going to do a great job and we'll continue to help them with it."

The decision will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The case has already run up a $200,000 tab.  

Fernandez is charged with killing his two-year-old half-brother in March last year.  He did not speak in court Wednesday.  The next court date for Cristian hasn’t been confirmed.