I made a presentation to the Alexandria La. City Council. My presentation starts approximately half-way in. I am representing an African-American lawyer in a multi-million dollar fee dispute. As some of you may recall, the last time I spoke to the Council, it was quite intense.
Watch 12-1-09 Legal Committee.mpg in News | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
John Stewart is the 21st Century Walter Cronkite
It is somewhat disconcerting to realize that the most thoughtful, and intellectually honest discussion of American Policy is seen nightly on the Comedy Channel. Hosted by a comic who readily admits that his first priority is to get a laugh.
CNN, FOX, MSNBC eat your heart out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/jon-stewart-lou-dobbs-dis_n_363616.html
CNN, FOX, MSNBC eat your heart out.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/jon-stewart-lou-dobbs-dis_n_363616.html
Monday, October 19, 2009
I ain't making this up!
I write often in this space about my experiences as a criminal lawyer. And I know that you believe that I be making some of this shit up. But believe me life is stranger than art.
Today I was representing a 27 year-old African-American who was charged with DWI II and Convicted Felon With A Firearm. His bond was set at $75,000.00. I knew nothing about the facts of the case as his family hired me the day before, which is not unusual. They requested that I try to get his bond reduced at the arraignment.
In court after I entered a not guilty plea the arraignment went something like this:
English: Your honor I have filed a Motion To Reduce my clients' bond. $75,000.00 seems excessive for a DWI II and a Convicted Felon With A Firearm.
DA: Your honor we object Mr. Johnson previous felony was illegal use of a weapon and he has now been caught with another weapon while driving intoxicated.
English: (In my arrogant southern lawyer voice, trying to be cute) Your Honor, Mr. Johnson has only been charged with a crime. If we are going to leave his bond at $75,000.00 why don’t we just go ahead and take him outside and hang him. (I can hear snickers in the back of the court. I let out a sarcastic smile)
Judge: Let me see the file.
(Pause for 30 seconds)
Judge: Mr. English according to arrest warrant your client had a AK47 fully loaded on the front seat of his vehicle. I am raising the bond to $125,000.00
Client: Am I going home today?
I turn to my client and then turn to the DA and I whisper with embarrassment "a mothefucking AK47?"
We both laugh
Next case!
Today I was representing a 27 year-old African-American who was charged with DWI II and Convicted Felon With A Firearm. His bond was set at $75,000.00. I knew nothing about the facts of the case as his family hired me the day before, which is not unusual. They requested that I try to get his bond reduced at the arraignment.
In court after I entered a not guilty plea the arraignment went something like this:
English: Your honor I have filed a Motion To Reduce my clients' bond. $75,000.00 seems excessive for a DWI II and a Convicted Felon With A Firearm.
DA: Your honor we object Mr. Johnson previous felony was illegal use of a weapon and he has now been caught with another weapon while driving intoxicated.
English: (In my arrogant southern lawyer voice, trying to be cute) Your Honor, Mr. Johnson has only been charged with a crime. If we are going to leave his bond at $75,000.00 why don’t we just go ahead and take him outside and hang him. (I can hear snickers in the back of the court. I let out a sarcastic smile)
Judge: Let me see the file.
(Pause for 30 seconds)
Judge: Mr. English according to arrest warrant your client had a AK47 fully loaded on the front seat of his vehicle. I am raising the bond to $125,000.00
Client: Am I going home today?
I turn to my client and then turn to the DA and I whisper with embarrassment "a mothefucking AK47?"
We both laugh
Next case!
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