The Tool Dudes Many Court cases

[TheTooldude]

I have many court cases coming up and I would like to log them here.

The good news is I got one speeding ticket dismissed on Tuesday Nov. 16th. I'd like to say I used Marc's book to do it, but it was dismissed before I had any chance to say anything. It is kinda funny what happened however.

I'm in the courtroom. Only 4 people waiting in the room. All rise. Sit down. They called my name. I'm right up front so I just raised my hand. The judge say's, "Yeah, He's Here", kind of sarcastic like. Very odd.

They tell us to come back in half an hour.

I come back they call my name first and say my case is dismissed. I say, "May I ask why?" Judge say's kinda mean like, "Don't worry about it, it's dismissed".

Kinda took the wind outta my sails cuz I was all ready to ask the pertinent questions.

Still, a minor damage control none the less.

The dismissal form said "insufficient evidence". Apparently I can get the minutes to find out exactly why it was dismissed.

I'd like to think it was because I showed up with papers in my hand and looked like I was ready for a fight.

Fast Forward to Nov. 18. I drive 180 miles to Waxahachie for a hearing on another speeding ticket.

The whole court house is a small metal building. Extremely rural. The fine is $212.00. I walk ito a small courtroom and the "Bailiff" is spewing forth instructions, rules, and jovial threats to a packed room full of highway speeders.

Judge comes in. Stand up. Sit down. Blah blah blah. In comes the prosecuter gal. Judge leaves the room. Prosecuter gal calls us one by one. As the people leave the room they go to the cashier window where the Judge has taken off his robe and is now taking cash from the "customers". LOL ;D

Anyhow, I set it for trial. They offered me deferred adjudication. Blah blah blah.

[TheTooldude]

This is my major court case. It's for "possesion of Marijuana under two ounces".

I'm looking at possibly 6 months in a cage and $2,000 revenue.

I've gone six times now to Dave at he courthouse. He's the lawyer in the black robe. He keeps asking me if I have a lawyer, and I say no. He such a nice guy he gives me two more weeks to get one.

I'm thinking one of these days he's gonna ask why I haven't gotten one yet.

My next court date is Wednesday December 24th if any court watchers in Austin would like to participate. It's Lawyer Dave court #3 on the 5th floor in the Travis county Justice center. New building.

[weishaupt1776]

Instead of buying those bags, buy AILL for lawyers.

[tru2form]

Hey tooldude,
keep us up to date. We got one of those coming up in Feb, tho' unfortunately for our mate here, he slugged three coppers of the search and seizure party before the red lights came on. NOW we have a complaining party! Oups!

[marc stevens]

I'll bet they still bring it in the name of the "state."

[KaosTheory]

Yeah, make sure you ask if you are going to get a fair trial.

[tru2form]

Yea I reckon they will bring it under the "state" too. I will have to get a look at the paperwork on that and get back to you on that.
A fair trial? Is there such a thing in legalland?

[weishaupt1776]

Whatever you do, don't burn one the day of the hearing, there's a possibility that you may not be as sharp. Also, be careful of "celebrating" in the car on the ride back home.

[KaosTheory]

tru2form said:

Yea I reckon they will bring it under the "state" too. I will have to get a look at the paperwork on that and get back to you on that.
A fair trial? Is there such a thing in legalland?

Fair trial? It doesn't matter what my opinion is right? I'm referring to Marc's line of questioning to the judge if/when they bring an action in the name of the state.

1. Am I entitled to a fair trial?
2. Am I entitled to a meaningful trial?
3. Who do you represent?

[tru2form]

I reread your comment in that context and it makes more sense, thanx for clearing that up.

Can anyone tell me what (factually~?) a "meaningful" trial is, so i will know one when I see it (yes, I concede that it may not exist in LL)?

tru

[KaosTheory]

It has to exist or your trial is meaningless. They will tell you that you are entitled to a meaningful trial. That means that they are going to do their best to make sure that you understand everything in it. Well, I mean they will say that they will do their best but that is what question 3 is for. It's the test of their assertion that they will make sure that you are fully informed so that you can adequately defend yourself. You can't really sign your plea and they can not accept it if you do not understand the charges against you.

Have they ever asked you "Do you understand the charges against you"?

[tru2form]

Yes they have. They usually confirm that answer immediately by asking whether I wish to adjourn to seek legal advice.
Thanx for the meaningful answer.

[TheTooldude]

I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to update.

Thanks for all the posts and interest.

My court date on the 24th was the same as the other 6 or 7 (lost count). Do you have a lawyer? No This time he said, "Are you working on it". I said yes. I'm going to file a motion to dismiss next week. Happy Thanksgiving. Watch out for the Annual Turkey Migration. Nate

[KaosTheory]

Wait Tru, what is your answer to their question.

Tooldude,

Why do you accept their assumption that you need a lawyer? Did you ask them if they were forcing you to get a lawyer?
Did you ask them if getting an attorney was madatory?

[TheTooldude]

marc said:

I'll bet they still bring it in the name of the "state."

Bring it on I say! Thanks Marc
www.thetooldude.com