Man With Suspended License Joins Court Zoom…While Driving
Washtenaw County Judge Cedric Simpson could hardly believe the situation as it unfolded. When a seemingly routine court hearing via Zoom began, the judge waited patiently, smiling quietly, for the defendant to park his car. Once the judge read the charges against Corey Harris, though, his mood quickly changed.
Watch the Zoom by clicking on slide two in the post below.
“Mr. Harris, are you driving?”
At the beginning of the video call, Judge Simpson sees that Harris appears to be operating a vehicle. Harris confirms, saying that he’s pulling into his doctor’s office and will be parked soon.
For those who aren’t well-versed in Zoom culture, logging into a virtual meeting while driving is considered both rude and dangerous.
“Maybe I don’t understand something.”
Judge Simpson then silently reviews the charges. His expression and tone change. He briefly clarified with someone in the courtroom with him that Harris was being charged with “driving while license suspended.”
After a beat, the judge says, “He was just driving, and…he doesn’t have a license.”
“I don’t even know why he would do that.”
Judge Simspon took no time in determining the next step. “So, the defendant’s bond is revoked in this matter. The defendant needs to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. end of day. Failure to turn himself in will result in a bench warrant with no bond.”
Harris appears dumbfounded in response. He tilts his head up to the car’s ceiling and sighs, “Oh, my god,” under his breath.
This is certainly an instance where telecommuting proves worse than showing up in person.
