There has to be a better way.

I just spent too long picking out clothing for two clients who are going to be in court for trial tomorrow. Some things that annoyed me (even more than the last time I picked out clothing):

One of our clothing racks had collapsed, leaving heaps of suits, belts, ties and jackets all over the floor.

None of the suits are marked with sizes, so you have to try it on yourself, or guess at the size.

We only have a few pairs of shoes, and most of them are all the same size.

Everything is outdated and out of style.

These guys may be in jail, but they should at least have their basic dignity in court....

Death

I had a client die in the local jail. I only found out because the Medical Examiner called me to see if I knew of any next of kin. I didn't really know this client, except that it was a mental health case, suicide watch....

Wasted client

I have a client who is trashed out of his mind and he keeps calling me up this afternoon. He keeps trying to tell me how I just told him to call back.... no, I didn't tell you that sir. He also denies drinking when I ask about it. Dude, stop calling me!!

Death

I just learned that a prosecutor's young son was killed last night. I was heartbroken to hear this and I am very saddened by the news.

We spend a lot of time bitching at each other, fighting each other, fighting over cases, complaining about each other... but this is terrible news that nobody deserves to get.

It has been a sad, sad morning.

No trials yet

My aggravated stalking trial took a plea. My three cases called in for today's calendar all went away... though only temporarily. (One of them has a great suppression issue where the cop is in jail for violating of oath of officer). Hurry up and wait all over again.

Called in on Aggravated Stalking

My latest trial case has just been called on to start trial tomorrow. Aggravated Stalking, Simple Battery, and Terroristic Threats.

It should be an interesting case, only a few witnesses though.

Your office is on fire... now what?

You're suggesting my office cut 13 positions. You have a guy with a PhD running the safety department and he sends e-mails like this?

"Reminder!
The very popular class, “Your Office is on Fire…now what?!” is being held on Tuesday, January 12th from 8:30-9:30. Don’t miss this wonderful and eye-opening class."

How much can we save if we eliminate that office and the entire staff?

I think I'm close to tears

Today I had a helluva Calendar to work through. It is now 8PM and I am just getting back to my office. We worked out a lot of cases and some folks went home for the holidays. The other PD assigned to my courtroom got out "early" at 6:00 tonight. I got the late shift and am just finishing out my 12 hour day. I returned to my office for some news that has my stomach in a real knot. I'm not sure if I'm physically sick from my long day, or if this just scared the crap out of me. I opened my computer to the following email....

From my boss, the county public defender:

"We just received the recommended budget for our department and it is not good news. There is no easy way for me to say this, but the recommendation is that 13 positions be eliminated from our office. Please know that I will do everything possible to keep these positions. The budget is now up to the Commissioners and they have until March 1st to approve the budget. I have a plan of action, including meeting with each commissioner to impress upon them that we are constitutionally mandated to provide representation and that a crisis in the courts will result if positions are eliminated from the Public Defender’s Office. I have already received support from other departments that they will publicly support us keeping these positions. Unfortunately, we are not the only department to suffer these losses. The majority of departments are losing positions, such as the solicitor’s office who will apparently lose 16 positions.

I know this is terrible news to hear, but I believe it is important that everyone knows what we are facing in 2010. Also, nothing is final yet. Public Defenders know how to fight, so that’s what we will do! I will keep everyone updated ..."

Our office has less than 50 attorneys.

Three trials, three weeks

I am currently waiting on a jury in a 2 count burglary case. This marks the end of the third case I've tried in the three weeks of this trial calendar. First was that Armed Robbery I mentioned, then an Aggravated Assault (self-defense claim), finally this Burglary is the only one left to come in.

Jury selection had some humerour moments. One older juror was asleep during general questioning. I actually called him out on it too. "Juror number nine? ... Juror number nine? You need to try to stay awake sir, these are some important questions." The Judge told us later that he had never seen an attorney call out a juror for sleeping. We all had a good laugh.

Public Defenders with the C word

Tonight I found out that one of my closest friends at the office has cancer. Serious cancer. I hope that I am supportive enough, and helpful enough, and can do enough to .... I don't know what, I just hope I can help.