ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON 15

Episode 35

" There is absolutely no reason to have my client , Rona Johnson, charged as an adult, your honor ," Marcus Simms stated as he stood up at the defense table in the family court and juvenile justice courtroom.

Judge Beverly Barnes sat on the bench in her long flowing black robe and a furrowed brow as she glanced down at the case file before her. " The attorney of record in this matter is a Beulah Wade, Mr. Simms. How is this your case , sir ? "

Marcus smiled smoothly from beside the defiant faced Rona who sat slumped over in the seat beside him with her mother Shondie behind her. " It became my case very recently, ma'am. My sister, Beulah Wade, was the attorney of record but she is now representing Tina Green in this matter.  "

Beverly glanced in irritation at her court clerk and snapped," Why was I not informed of this?"

The court  clerk stammered out ," Your honor, I.... the files ..... I....."

" Never mind. Just get organized. Now. Mr. Simms , why should this be remanded back to juvenile court? There are very serious charges on this young lady here. "

Marcus replied," Because the assistant state attorney, Mr. Paterson, in my opinion overreached by adding on charges for crimes that took place without my client's knowledge and when she was not even present. The charges being the attempted murders of Edward Moore, Nicole Duncan and the murder of Susan Mullins. I respectfully ask for this case to be placed back in juvenile court and the new charges to be dropped. Thank you. "

Beverly shot out tersely," Mr. Paterson, is this true? Was this child not involved in the planning or execution of the new crimes ? "

Paul Paterson stood up, looking pale and rubbing his head, as he said," Yes , your honor. It's the state's position that Miss Johnson was an active participant in the A&B robbery that resulted in the attempted murders of three people as was Miss Green. The police were searching for Miss Green at the time of the other shootings so we believe Miss Johnson is an accessory after the fact. I ...."

Beverly shook her head. " Ridiculous. I'm not charging her for what she didn't do. The new charges against her shall be dropped effective immediately. And, Mr. Simms , you got your wish. The case will be placed back into juvenile court. Miss Johnson is released back to her mother's care pending trial. Mr. Paterson, don't waste my time anymore. Now , everyone, get out of my courtroom. "

As she banged the gavel and adjourned court Shondie smiled widely and reached over to hug a tight faced Rona while Marcus shot Paul a triumphant look.

Paul sighed as he turned around and saw his colleague Peter Wong glaring at him from one of the seats in the gallery.