by KYW's Ed Kasuba

A Burlington County, NJ judge has ruled that a New Jersey lawyer did not violate the attorney-client privilege in a local murder case.

Mary Ann Neabor (right), 55, of Shamong, NJ is charged with murder for allegedly giving her brother-in-law a toxic blend of fruit juice and antifreeze two years ago.

Craig Mitnick initially was her attorney, and she claimed during an interview with the Burlington County Times that he had forced her to confess. Mitnick -- also a legal analyst for Fox News -- denied that charge when contacted by the newspaper.. 

Now. Judge Thomas Smith has ruled that Mitnick's conduct was understandable:

“Having a former client talk to the press and criticize you in the press, you can’t just sit there and keep your mouth shut -- you gotta respond.”

The judge has, in effect, issued something similar to a gag order by telling attorneys in this case not to speak with reporters.  He also urged Neabor to refrain from future news media interviews.