Originally Posted by
excon
Hello again, this:
Let's for a minute, assume that everything you say mauj did, he did. Let's say he WAS, indeed, irresponsible.
I reiterate; THIS isn't like a school assignment he missed where he'll get a bad grade. It isn't like an application for a job that he forgot about. It isn't even like a ticket that he missed the deadline on and now has to pay more. Nope. We're talking about JAIL TIME, here. A misdemeanor is a CRIMINAL offense that is punishable by imprisonment for up to ONE year in the county jail. That's a YEAR.
Now, some of you poo poo this, as though you can't believe that they actually would put him in the slam for a FULL year. But, they would. And, they'd enjoy doing it. If you think they wouldn't, you shouldn't be answering questions on the criminal law board. Plus, Mauj asks a good question of you. Would YOU lay down for them, even for such a piddly thing as this??? I don't think you would.
And, that's exactly WHY he is entitled to a lawyer. The Constitution says so. Now, I agree with you, that this TEXAS judge IS treating it as though he missed a school assignment, and too bad for him.
However, in THIS country, mauj, and people like him, are presumed to be innocent. It is incumbant on the court to insure that every effort is made to insure that his Constitutional rights are upheld. A cornerstone of those right, is the right to counsel - even if it means inconveniencing the court. That isn't ME saying that. It's the Constitution.
Therefore, in my view, the issue ISN'T "did he screw around?", cause even if he did, he ISN'T screwing around now. THAT is abundantly clear. He absolutely should be appointed a lawyer.
excon