Music producer Phil Spector is to be retried for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson following the collapse of the first trial last month.
But the retrial is likely to be delayed for several months as Mr Spector looks for a new legal team to defend him after his leading lawyer left the case.
Roger Rosen, who is stepping down along with two colleagues, said he needed to turn his attention to other clients.
The first trial ended with the jury deadlocked 10-2 favouring conviction.
Spector, 67, is accused of murdering Clarkson on 3 February 2003 at his home in California.
'Not happy'
Mr Rosen said Mr Spector also wanted the "fresh perspective" of a new defence team.
"Of course now [Mr Spector] is faced with this ordeal all over again and I'm sure from that point of view he's not happy," Mr Rosen told reporters.
One member of his defence team from the last trial will continue to work with Mr Spector for the time being.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler set another hearing for the case on 23 October.
Mr Spector pioneered the "Wall of Sound" recording technique in the 60s, working with stars such as The Beatles, Tina Turner and The Righteous Brothers.
He is accused of killing is Ms Clarkson, 40, hours after meeting her at the Sunset Strip nightclub House of Blues where she worked.
If convicted, Mr Spector faces between 15 years and life in prison.
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