I had an experience the other day that I wanted to share because I think it sheds light on what a criminal trial lawyer can do in a courtroom. I was in a Tampa Bay courtroom attending a pre-trial conference for a client. The client had been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana but had failed to submit to a drug test recently. The first words out of the judge's mouth were "I'm going to have you taken into custody." It looked like she was going to jail. This is a single mother who's already struggling to make ends meet. Admittedly, she has a drug problem. However, she's been attending AA and testified that she will submit to the required drug tests. As I explained the human side of this story to the judge, I sensed he was listening and willing to show some compassion. In the end, he didn't take her into custody. She'll have to submit to the drug tests and continue with her AA, but she remains free.
This is what a criminal trial lawyer can do for his clients. There are times when a judge can be swayed by a persuasive argument and extenuating circumstances. It's not only just about the law.
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