My Day In Court
Today I had to go to court. Those who know me know why... Anyhow, that's not my point here.
I get to the courtroom at the assigned time. First thing I notice is that it's crammed with people already. This isn't the first time I've had to appear in court, but it was the equivalent to a human sardine can in there. Next thing I notice is that it's downright cold in there. I'm wondering if they do that on purpose.
So there I sit, waiting my turn to see the judge. He was an older gentleman, but seemed like a decent person. He wasn't your stereotypical draconic figure in the tall black robe with a chronic frown. He talked to everyone in a conversational manner, not like he was Omnipotent and you were dirt. That, or he got lucky last night.
After about a dozen cases before mine, he called me up next. As expected, he couldn't get my last name right. Got to love having a last name that nobody can pronounce, even if it's painfully obvious how it should sound.
We went through the statutory conversation; none of us approaching the judge even had the time to get to the podium before he was already reading off our charges. "Do you understand your rights? You are here on this charge, is that correct? Did you commit this (insert name of misdemeanor here)? How do you plead?" Then he asks the clerk for an appropriate verdict, based on your record. You get sentenced, then you're done and just another name crossed off on the docket.
It probably took you longer to read this than it took me to stand in front of the judge. I stood there for less than 25 seconds. I was amazed with the turnstyle approach of the court. At least it didn't drag on.
Once I exited the courtroom, I had to stand in line for another 40 minutes to get my paperwork on the fines due, etc. All in all, I arrived at the courthouse at 1:20 in the afternoon, and left at close to 3 pm. Spent more time waiting than actually getting my wrist slapped by the justice system.
Lesson learned: Don't break the law, especially when it requires a mandatory court appearance!
I get to the courtroom at the assigned time. First thing I notice is that it's crammed with people already. This isn't the first time I've had to appear in court, but it was the equivalent to a human sardine can in there. Next thing I notice is that it's downright cold in there. I'm wondering if they do that on purpose.
So there I sit, waiting my turn to see the judge. He was an older gentleman, but seemed like a decent person. He wasn't your stereotypical draconic figure in the tall black robe with a chronic frown. He talked to everyone in a conversational manner, not like he was Omnipotent and you were dirt. That, or he got lucky last night.
After about a dozen cases before mine, he called me up next. As expected, he couldn't get my last name right. Got to love having a last name that nobody can pronounce, even if it's painfully obvious how it should sound.
We went through the statutory conversation; none of us approaching the judge even had the time to get to the podium before he was already reading off our charges. "Do you understand your rights? You are here on this charge, is that correct? Did you commit this (insert name of misdemeanor here)? How do you plead?" Then he asks the clerk for an appropriate verdict, based on your record. You get sentenced, then you're done and just another name crossed off on the docket.
It probably took you longer to read this than it took me to stand in front of the judge. I stood there for less than 25 seconds. I was amazed with the turnstyle approach of the court. At least it didn't drag on.
Once I exited the courtroom, I had to stand in line for another 40 minutes to get my paperwork on the fines due, etc. All in all, I arrived at the courthouse at 1:20 in the afternoon, and left at close to 3 pm. Spent more time waiting than actually getting my wrist slapped by the justice system.
Lesson learned: Don't break the law, especially when it requires a mandatory court appearance!
posted by That Brown Guy at 12:21 AM
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