Conrad Murray Heads to Court Amid Reports of Possible Defense

April 5, 2010— -- Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of administering the lethal dose of a powerful sedative that killed Michael Jackson, is due in court today for a hearing in connection to the involuntary manslaughter charge against him.

Murray's defense will argue that Jackson gave himself the lethal dose of Propofol, according to the Web site TMZ.

Miranda Sevcik, a spokeswoman for Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, said its "premature to discuss defense at this time." The D.A.'s office has yet to provide the defense team with all the evidence in the case, she added.

The defense team said it will request a later date for a preliminary hearing to allow it time to go over any evidence from the district attorney's office. The defense said it also expects to take up California Attorney General Jerry Brown's move to prevent Murray from practicing medicine in the state.

The doctor was released on bail in February after pleading not guilty.

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles County D.A.'s office, confirmed that the process of handing over evidence is continuing, adding that it's unclear how long it will take.

Gibbons also confirmed that Jackson family members are expected in court today, although she was unable to say who or how many members will be in attendance.

Criminal attorney Dana Cole, who has no connection to the case, said "the LAPD and the D.A.'s office had several months to review this case, not surprising then that the defense would need more time to enlist experts that might be necessary in defending the case."

The date for a preliminary hearing will likely be postponed today, Cole added. The preliminary hearing is an opportunity for the judge to determine if there is a "probable cause" or "reasonable suspicion" to believe that a crime has been committed and that the person charged has committed the crime.

Murray is not expected to testify in today's hearing.

Murray was Michael Jackson's doctor in the weeks leading up to his death. Murray met with LAPD detectives two days after Michael Jackson death and told them that he gave Jackson the drugs Propofol, Lidocaine, Ativan and Versed during the early hours of June 25, 2009, according to an unsealed affidavit,