Defense to try again for dismissal of Stevens case

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Attorneys for U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens planned to urge a federal judge again Wednesday to either dismiss the corruption charges against their client or declare a mistrial, after repeatedly accusing the prosecution of concealing evidence crucial to their defense.

The prosecution was winding down its case Wednesday afternoon, and once they were finished, the jury was to be given the afternoon off so the judge can hear from both sides - and possibly rule from the bench whether the trial will continue.

Defense attorneys filed the current motion under consideration on Sunday night, and have filed another dismissal request since then, based on additional grievances.

The 84-year-old senator from Alaska, the longest-serving senator in Congress, is accused in a seven-count indictment of failing to report on Senate financial disclosure forms the receipt of more than $250,000 in gifts. Most of them were related to renovations at the Stevens' family chalet in Girdwood, about 40 miles from Anchorage.