The trial for Dr. Conrad Murray appeared on track to be postponed, with Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor saying Monday he doesn't think they are ready for trial and he may have to delay the planned March 24 start.
Murray was not at Monday's hearing and has continued to work at his clinics in Texas and Nevada.
Pastor has lectured attorneys from both the prosecution and the defense about their obligations to share what evidence they plan to use.
Despite multiple warnings, the defense says they may not be able to do that until the trial is underway.
"The defense is not 100 percent ready at this time," said defense lawyer Michael Flanagan. "We are in the process of getting ready."
In response, the Pastor said he was speechless.
Murrays says he is innocent of causing Jackson's death. Yet Murray's defense attorneys have not produced witness statements and reports from defense experts, which they need for trial.
That's not fast enough for the court.
The reprimand comes as Murray tends to patients in Houston, where he still has a license to practice. His defense hints he is in a money squeeze.
Murray has demanded a speedy trial, which means it must start in 24 days.
The frustrated Judge threatened with sanctions, including fining attorneys $1,500 per day and a possible delay in the trial.
The biggest threat to the defense was the potential exclusion of a key witness from testifying.
According to the defense, Jackson was so dependent on propofol that he swallowed a heavy dose when Murray was out of the room.
Under fire, the defense says they were unable to get evidence from the coroner's office. They also want surveillance video from the mansion from the Los Angeles Police Department.
While Pastor aimed his remarks at the defense counsel, he also put the prosecution team on notice.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
