Zoom trials can always be a bit interesting, but a recent story out of Michigan may top them all.
Last month, Corey Harris attended a virtual hearing that was related to an October traffic stop where he was cited for driving with a suspended license. These virtual hearings allow defendants to connect with the judge and the legal team without being inside the same courtroom, which gives the defendant some freedom to choose where they’ll appear from. Harris decided that the best place to attend his virtual court hearing for driving with a suspended license was behind the wheel of his vehicle while he was driving.
In the now viral clip, Judge Cedric Sipson appears incredulous at what appears on his screen when Harris joins the call.
“Mr. Harris, are you driving?” Simpson asked.
After Harris confirmed that he was indeed behind the wheel during the virtual hearing, Simpson says what is on everybody’s mind.
“OK, so maybe I don’t understand something. This is a driving-while-license-suspended [case],” Simpson told Harris’ public defender. “And he was just driving, and he doesn’t have a license.”
Following the interaction, Judge Simpson revoked Simpson’s bail and ordered him to surrender to authorities at the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that day, to Harris’ disbelief.
Simpson later told a local TV station that his license was suspended in 2010 for unpaid child support, but a judge rescinded the suspension in January 2020. However, the Judge Simpson later issued a statement saying that the license suspension had never been lifted, cooling any claims that Harris was a victim in the situation.
“He has never had a license — ever,” Simpson said.
What To Do When Appearing On A Zoom Court Call
Avery Appelman put together a quick list of five things you should do prior to and during your Zoom court appearance. Take a look at his list and so that you know what to do to make your court appearance run smoother.
1. Dress well – Collared shirts, nice jeans or slacks show that you take the appearance seriously.
2. Be patient – Nothing moves swiftly. When appearing on zoom always be prepared to spend 2-4 hours on the call.
3. Be courteous and polite when addressing the court staff or the judge – Use “yes, your honor” when addressing the court.
4. Be prepared – Understand what is happening. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself if you do not understand the proceedings.
5. Be stationary – Have the device set up and ready when the appearance starts.
Bonus Tip – Do not drive on Zoom if you do not have a driver’s license.
