Cash crisis for Jackson doctor facing trial

Responding to a bid by the California attorney general to suspend Dr Conrad Murray's medical licence pending trial, attorneys Ed Chernoff

and Joseph Low said the effect would be devastating to the doctor who already faces financial problems.

"He is, without fear of overstatement, hanging on by a thread," the attorneys wrote.

"His ability to pay for his own defence depends almost entirely on his ability to continue to treat patients."

Murray, who was working as Jackson's personal physician, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death from the anaesthetic propofol and other drugs. He has pleaded not guilty.

He is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday at which a judge may be assigned to his case and a preliminary hearing date selected.

The attorney general's office said a representative of the Medical Board of California will appear to challenge Murray's licence.

Murray has already been told not to use anaesthetics.

Murray's lawyers said there is no need to revoke his California licence since he does not practice in the state and cautioned that a suspension would have a "domino effect" leading to his inability to practice at his clinics in Nevada and Texas.