Lawyer for missing woman’s spouse can shut up now

Crime suspects are entitled to a vigorous defense. But every once in a while, a defense lawyer takes the concept of innocent until proven guilty and acts like a real asshat.

Renee Pernice, a 35-year-old Northland wife and mother, has been missing since January 2. Since her disappearance, it seems fair to say that her husband, Shon, has acted like a man with something to hide. He has not commented publicly. And he has shown a reluctance to speak with police.

Shon Pernice’s lawyer, Kevin Baldwin (pictured), said last week that he had instructed his client to stay silent. Baldwin might have added, “My client maintains his innocence,” and ended it there.

Instead, the lawyer has felt compelled to riff on a variety subjects.