Part of the job
Representing people charged with criminal offenses is often an unpopular vocation. Often, you will be the only one standing by someone who is hated by the public, the police, and even the justice system itself. You will be challenged and questioned about your motives, and even your friends and family will at times wonder why you represent “a guy like that.”
There is often a lot of pressure on criminal defense attorneys to “back off.” Despite the oath we all took to zealously represent all of our clients, people get offended when you stand up for who they believe to be the wrong guy.
Thomas William Mote II, 28, was sent to the Orange County Jail by Circuit Judge Richard Conrad.
That’s the story from the Tallahassee Democrat. Mote is a public defender who started a criminal trial this week and ended up drawing a 10 day term in jail for direct contempt of court. Apparently he saw it coming because he told his father earlier “I’m taking my toothbrush to work. I know this judge is out to do something.” I have to have respect for a person who takes their job so seriously, that they are willing to risk their own liberty and wellbeing to do the job well.
Thank to Skelley for the link (Arbitrary and Capricious).
