Situated between the American and Massachusetts flags, Boston Municipal Court judge Carol Ball listens to the defense attorney’s arguments. Empty except for several legal aids, the courtroom remains silent except for the attorney. His client watches over the proceedings in an equally vacant room, broadcast to the court via television set and web-cam.
Arrested on counts of shoplifting, repeat offender David Montgomery was denied a reduced bail today, April 13, 2009.
Originally taken into custody on Wednesday, April 8, Montgomery received a bail of 500 dollars for violating probation and 200 dollars for shoplifting. Defense attorney John Russell appealed the bail sentencing on grounds of insufficient funds, citing the defendant’s unemployment, tenth grade education and current residency at a halfway house.
According to Russell, Montgomery had suffered a drug relapse when arrested, and by Thursday, April 9, retained no recollection of the previous day. Russell explained his client’s diagnosis as manic depressive, and claimed his good behavior following his arrest merited the bail reduction.
The judge then directed the court to Montgomery’s additional offenses. Due in court again on April 22, Montgomery faces shoplifting charges from 18 months ago.
“What do we do?,” Ball asked. “We keep cutting him loose and he keeps doing drugs and shoplifting?”
Ball denied the bail reduction without prejudice, allowing Montgomery to bring his case forward again without a change in circumstances.
Angelica,
ReplyDeleteGreat job. You provided a snapshot of what happened in court, like most newspaper court reporters do.
Good details and you summarized what the case was about, which was the newsgathering aspect of the assignment.
On a small note: when you talk about financial figures, use $200 or $500. don't spell it out.
Be prepared to share your experiences of this case with class on Thursday. I'm curious to hear what you thought of the assignment.