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Late for court

By Jeff Terrill

Fort Wayne Reader

2014-02-24

Police arrested Justin after finding a small amount of marijuana and a pipe in his car. Justin admitted to the officer that he drank and smoked before driving. Justin isn’t a real person.

Justin’s mom picked him up from the jail later that same day. Justin had several papers in his hand and his mom asked about them. Justin told her the papers were nothing. He said he had court in the morning. During the ride home, Justin complained to his mom about how rudely the arresting officer treated him. He told his mom that the officer never read him his rights.

Justin’s mom told Justin that she would call her lawyer friend from North Carolina to get some advice. He told his mom he knew what to do. He said he met people in jail who knew everything.

When they got home, Justin went straight to his room. Mom spoke with her lawyer friend and went up to Justin’s room to tell him what she learned. She told her son that at his first court date Justin would probably learn about his rights, the charges and possible penalties. He could either plead guilty or ask for time to hire a lawyer. Justin told his mom that he already knew all of that. He said he was staying over with a friend and that he would be home after court.

Justin had a few beers that night and stayed out pretty late. So did his friends. The next morning came faster than Justin expected. He was pretty sure his court date was at 9:00 a.m. Justin’s buddy dropped off Justin in front of the courthouse. His buddy told him he was going to get some food.

Justin entered the courthouse only to find that he was in the wrong place. He was irritated that no one told him where to go. Justin found the right building, but he couldn’t get in with his cell phone. He went around the corner and hid his phone under a bush. He knew he’d be back soon to get it.

Justin eventually made his way into the right courtroom. He noticed the bailiff and the judge look at him when he entered. Minutes later, Justin’s name was called. The judge asked Justin why he was late. Justin explained that he got a slow start this morning. Justin also told the judge that he went to the wrong building and had to find a place to put his cell phone.

The judge asked Justin if he read the paperwork he received at the jail. Justin told the judge that he didn’t have time to look at it yet. The judge asked Justin if consumed any alcoholic beverages since his release from jail. Justin told the judge he had a couple beers last night but that he didn’t drive.

The judge told Justin that showing up late for court and drinking violated his release conditions. The judge ordered Justin remanded to the jail.

Justin couldn’t believe what was happening. What about his cell phone?

Justin wondered what his mom’s lawyer friend from North Carolina would think about this.


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Jeff Terrill is a partner/shareholder with the law firm of Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C. Mr. Terrill represents clients accused of crimes throughout northeast Indiana. You can contact Mr. Terrill with any questions or comments at his office at 260.420.7777 or via email at jterrill@fortwaynedefense.com. Learn more about his firm at www.fortwaynedefense.com. This article expressed opinions and observations of the author, is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. Please consult a qualified attorney with any legal questions or issues you might have. Thank you.