January 29, 2011
December 7, 2010
October 2, 2010
May 10, 2010
May 1, 2010
February 3, 2010
January 19, 2010
December 7, 2009
STATE APPOINTED ATTORNEY
“I don’t want you – I want a state appointed attorney!” my client screams at me within 10 seconds of meeting him in the holding cell of div 30 right after I asked “why were you arrested?”
“Okay, I hear you,” I say and pause a moment. Then, I volunteer as if I’ve just discovered this information and I’m as surprised as he “I am a state appointed attorney.”
“Oh” he says. The interview goes much better from there.
May 23, 2009
REDACT
One of those words I can never remember. I always have to use it too. Because there’s always something that needs “redacting” – always – your guy’s statement – a crimey’s statement – a witness. Hate it when my client tells me the word. I’m the goddamn lawyer I know the word – it just takes me a while to get it out. May 3, 2009
YOU JAMMIN’ ME?
“What are you jammin* me for?” DA says to me.
My client had refused to waive time**.
“I’m not jammin you.” I tell him. “My client wants to have his trial already.” (I’d like to add but I don’t “he doesn’t know anything aobut your plans to go scuba diving off the reefs in Hawaii next week, asshole – he’s in jail – he’s not thinking about screwing your trip up but if he knew I’m sure he would love to do just that.”
What’s wrong with some DA’s thinking is they think we’re on the same team – when we’re only in the same league – on different teams. (unfortunately alot of my clients think the same way – “You’re in bed with the DA!”)
*jammin” the act of not agreeing to a continuance for your colleague’s convenience [colleague can be co-defense counsel or DA] “jamming” is considered very non collegial – very like “civil” lawyers)
**”waiving time” means the defendant says it’s okay with him to postpone the trial
