Vehicular Homicide update

So, the Judge dismissed my Vehicular Homicide case this morning for want of prosecution. The State claimed that they couldn't find their eyewitness. I think that they were looking for a way for the case to go away, because I think it wasn't so much a case of "couldn't find their eyewitness" and "didn't want to find their eyewitness." The case was a dog, as evidenced by the fact that they offered a plea to reckless driving.

(The State was alleging that she was speeding. A pedestrian walked out in front of my lady, and she hit him. An eyewitness claimed that she was going 60 mph in a 40 mph zone. However, the science pretty well established that she was going 40 mph.)

I am very happy for my client, although I would have mightily liked to try the case. She has some closure now, although I'm not sure that that is much solace for her. It will take a very long time for her to come to some sort of peace with this tragic accident. She arrived a little late to Court, after the Judge had already dismissed the case. When she was told the case was dismissed, she broke down in the courtroom. I hope she is doing well.

Mixed news

I've had a vehicular homicide kicking around for several months now, which is set for it's second date-certain on Monday. A pedestrian walked out in front of my lady. The State is alleging that she was speeding, based on an eyewitness' testimony. The science says that she was traveling at the speed limit, and I am loaded for bear.

I got voicemail on my cell phone yesterday, which I just checked, from the Solicitor's office, advising that they have witness problems. So, they're going to be requesting a continuance.

I'm still going into the office to finish preparing, but that little bit of news brings the axiety level way down.

Caseload, Part 2

So, I've surpassed the 400 misdemeanor mark. Does that mean that I'm supposed to start refusing cases?

As if that's even feasible.

A New Division

Tomorrow, I'm starting in a new courtroom. I have mixed feelings. I'm leaving a very big caseload for the September trial calendar, but I really have enjoyed working with this Judge.

We didn't see eye to eye at first, but we ended up working together quite well. I think he likes to test people when they first come into this courtroom. I appreciate the fact that he is very practical, willing to work with defendants satisfy everyone's interests, as best he can within the confines of what he needs to accomplish during sentencing. A lot of our clients have challenges that the rest of the population doesn't. Some of them are just plain behavioral, but a lot of the challenges are psychiatric or addictive in nature. He is a very fair Judge, a Judge who is able to empathize, and a Judge who is able to see the bigger picture.

Like I said, it was good working with him.