On a roll

From public defender blogger Defending the Public:

The persecutor proceeded to call two more store employees (neither of which had any probative testimony whatsoever) and four police officers, including a cadet, all of who gave stories that not only differed from one-another’s, but were internally inconsistent as well! Just before the prosecutrix finally closed her case, the judge sarcastically asked her if she planned to call any more witnesses, noting that he had a copy of the city phone book with him.

From my point of view, the burg charge was incredibly weak, and the shoplifting was dubious. So, my offer had alwas been an infracted shoplifting $100 fine and no probation. This was consistently rejected. Even the judge told us that an infraction offer was silly.

For the second time in a row, my client took the stand. But, in a turn of events I never expected, he choked up and began to cry during my direct. I knew it was sincere, but I was concerned that the jury would think he was faking. The government’s cross was weak, and my client was well-prepared. He didn’t hesitate to correct the prosecutor when she asked misleading questions.

I think I cared about Mr. Stone more than any other I’ve had so far. We bonded. So it was especially scary when the jury came back late in the afternoon.

I looked at their faces, trying to ferret out a hint of the verdict to come. Many had slight smiles on their faces. Were they embarassed? Happy? Was it schadenfreude?

Not guilty.

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