some readers asked, so I respond!
I met Lowell in court one afternoon. He was a capias set aside case, meaning, he didn't show up for court when summoned, but he knew to call the public defenders, who just so happened to put him on that afternoon's docket.
In these cases, yes, he could have been taken to jail; however, this doesn't usually happen with level 5 (lowest) degree felonies. His case is theft....a fact that is important later.
I told Lowell to report to my office immediately after the public defender had him sign the papers clearing his warrant. a.t.t.i.t.u.d.e. (oh great)
He did report to my office, and was all peeyourpants hyper. I complete the pretrial interview (remember, my clients are NOT convicted and in pretrial supervision the presumption of innocecnse is held). then, we discuss the contract. Lowell is on telephone reporting with drug screens. (go figure that one out...drug screens are done At. My. Office...but he can just C.a.l.l. in. hmmm). I tell Lowell we'll make a copy of the contract and he'll be on his way out.
Lowell responds, "oh, Ms. lastname, you don't have to give me one of those, I ain't going to be jaywalking, spitting on the sidewalk, nothing. I know what I got to do and what I got not to do." He then proceeds to leave the office area, out the door, leaving me with the contract and his file.
19 hours later, Suburbville police department calls to let me know that Lowell is arrested for.....theft.
Apparently the no jaywalking, spitting on the sidewalk, nothing did not include stealing.
Oh, and that whole phone reporting, isn't working too well. Haven't heard from him or been able to contact him for two weeks. and he is not still in jail.
Go Lowell!
