You Already Know

Public Defenders

Brandon is sitting on a bench in a holding cell, looking nervous. He can't believe that he is even in this situation. He has never been in Jail before. His lawyer enters the cell and sits down opposite him.

The lawyer is behind schedule and has 13 more clients to see today. "Brandon, I have some bad news. You're being charged with gang assault."

Brandon: "What? That's ridiculous! I didn't know those people that joined in."

The  lawyer has a  screaming headache and can barely focus on Brandon. He has been thinking about quitting his job due to long hours and no pay. He thinks about Brandon and after hearing Brandon's side and reading the victim's obvious lies he thinks the situation is ridiculous."I know, but the law is clear on this. You were seen as the leader of the group, so you're responsible for their actions." The lawyer looks down at his legal pad and then his laptop. "Plus, you were in possession of a retractable baton." He rubs his sparse goatee and fixes his glasses. Brandon thinks to himself that the lawyer looks like an alcoholic Jeff Goldblum and laughs to himself. The lawyer wonders what is funny. He hates his job. "I convinced them to decline to prosecute that ."

Brandon doesn't want a violent felony charge over a minor incident that he didn't start. "What can we do? I don't want a criminal record. That's gonna mess up my chances of  jobs or an apartments."

T he lawyer's headache is getting worse.  "Well, I've talked to the prosecutor, and they're willing to offer you a plea deal. If you plead guilty to a lesser charge, they'll reduce your sentence."

Brandon doesnt thint that the public defender gives a shit about his case and he is right. The case is nothing compared to the major cases that he is working on. They require more energy. "I can't do that. I didn't do anything wrong. I want to plead not guilty and fight. This is bullshit."

The lawyer realizes that it is his lunch time. Maybe If he eats the headache will dissipate. "I understand how you feel, Brandon, but think about it. The evidence is stacked against you. If you go to trial and lose, you could end up with a much longer sentence."

Brandon just wants to leave this fithy, degrading place and situation."I don't care. I can't plead guilty to something I didn't do. I want to fight this."

The lawyer has set a 3 minute timer on his laptop. He decides that no matter what, that is when he is leaving. "Okay, I understand. It's your decision. But just remember, a criminal record will make your life harder in the future."

Brandon just wants to keep his record clean. "I know, but I have to do what's right. I can't just take this L."

The lawyer nods and stands up.

The lawyer"s silent timer starts flashing on his screen. "Okay, Brandon. I'll do my best to fight for you in court. But you have to be prepared for a tough battle."

Brandon says thanks and thinks to himself that hes fucked. He will probaby be in jail for 6 months. Wheh he described his situation to the other arestees in the holding in central bookings they told him that he would be in jail for 60 to 180 days. He decided to try to accept the worst case scenario.