There has been another crazy Judge Jeffrey Middleton base. It’s been an eventful few months for “Zoom court hearings.” At this point, judges probably can’t wait to get back to in-person hearings and trials.

Next up was the doctor who attended his trial while performing surgery. And now someone has been arrested during their hearing while smoking a cigarette.

Photo: Screenshot taken by Alistair Vigier of the video posted by St. Joseph County District Judge Jeffrey Middleton

Coby Harris appeared at a hearing after he had been charged with assaulting his girlfriend, who was a witness at the hearing.

The prosecutor became suspicious that Mr. Harris might have told the witness what to say. Since it started going viral this week, the video has been viewed over 1.3 million times.

Photo: The prosecutor facepalming after the defendant is arrested again during the hearing while smoking a cigarette (St. Joseph County District Judge Jeffrey Middleton)

Another Outrageous Case Involving Judge Jeffrey Middleton

Coby Harris’s girlfriend, who I won’t name as she is allegedly the victim, took the “virtual stand” to tell the prosecutor what happened.

In the video, around the seven-minute mark, the hearing gets strange. The defendant’s lawyer objects, and Mr. Harris goes off-camera for a short period.

At the same time, the victim turns her face and appears to be speaking with someone. After considering her words, the prosecutor cuts the defence attorney off and speaks directly to the judge.

“Your honour, number one, I have reason to believe that the defendant is in the same apartment as the complaining witness, and I’m extremely scared for her safety.

And because she’s looking off to the side and he’s moving around, I want confirmation that she is safe.”

Zoom court hearings tips

That was a big risk on the part of the prosecutor. Had she been wrong, it would have looked like she was being unreasonable with her suspicions of Mr. Harris. But that’s not what happened.

The prosecutor has worked with victims so often that she can feel something is wrong and act on her gut feeling. The judge doesn’t believe the victim and defendant when they say they are not in the same house. The judge asks the defendant to go to the front of the house and take a picture of the address.

The defendant says he needs the phone charger but cannot find it. The police are called to the victim’s and defendant’s houses to check if they are in the same house.

Spoiler alert: they were.

Never lie to a judge. They have decades of experience figuring out the truth from the lies. They are called judges for a reason. Judges are experts at judging people.

Judge Jeffrey Middleton

After the defendant disappears, he reappears and pleads to the judge while handcuffed.

“Your honour, me and Mary both don’t want the no-contact. I ask that that be dropped. I’m sorry I lied to you. I knew the cops were outside,” Harris told the judge while smoking a cigarette.

“(Mr) Harris, my advice is don’t say anything else,” the judge replied. “The hearing is adjourned. Your bond is cancelled. If you have $10 million, you can’t bond out. In addition, the prosecutor will probably also charge you with obstruction of justice.”

I would suggest that when you are being arrested and admitting to having lied to the court simultaneously, it’s not the best time to appeal to the judge to have a court order changed.

Credibility is very important in the courts, sometimes even more so than what the law says. Judges have a lot of power to interpret the law in different ways. They will often only do this if they trust you.

I found it funny that the judge logged into YouTube after the hearing. It’s probably because he knew he was about to publish a viral video. I believe I saw a smile on the judge’s face as well.

About The Michigan Judge

Jeffrey Middleton, widely known as Judge Middleton, is a highly respected and fascinating figure in the American legal system. His professional and personal story intertwines with many of the values that form the bedrock of the judiciary: integrity, fairness, and a commitment to justice. Judge Middleton’s journey is inspiring, demonstrating how a sense of purpose and dedication to public service can impact society.

Judge Middleton hails from Michigan, where he has built a commendable reputation over decades of work in the judicial system. His career didn’t commence in law; he first served the country in the military, gaining exposure to the vast spectrum of human experiences. This service lent him a unique perspective that would shape his approach to the bench later.

Commitment to upholding the law

When he finally entered the legal profession, Judge Middleton approached it with an open mind and a relentless drive for justice—his years of service in the military made him aware of the responsibility that came with the position. However, his innate sense of empathy and respect for human rights set him apart from others in the field.

He has presided over countless cases, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to upholding the law regardless of the circumstances. His compassion for those who appear before him is often highlighted. He takes great care in understanding the context of every case, not just the legal elements. Judge Middleton is known to delve deep into the narrative’s root causes, the human side, to ensure his verdicts are well-rounded and just.

The hallmark of Judge Middleton’s career has been his work in St. Joseph County District Court in Michigan. There, he gained popularity for his transparent and interactive proceedings. At the height of the pandemic, when the world was uncertain, Judge Middleton began streaming court proceedings online.

Judge Jeffrey Middleton at the Center of Another Eccentric Case

This effort was not only practical but also educational. It gave people insight into the workings of the court system, demystifying the judicial process and enhancing the public’s understanding of the law.

Judge Middleton’s innovative approach to making the legal process more accessible to the public is worth appreciating. His interactive style has also significantly humanized the otherwise intimidating image of the judiciary. His courtroom is a space of learning and awareness, where justice isn’t a distant concept but an everyday reality.

In one memorable case, which later went viral, a defendant appeared to be joining a virtual hearing from the same house as the victim, violating a restraining order. Judge Middleton’s sharp observational skills and subsequent swift action demonstrated his experience and commitment to the safety and well-being of all parties involved.

Future generations in the legal profession

He is a judge, mentor, and guide, often taking time to speak with young lawyers and advise them on their legal journey. His wisdom and insights have guided countless individuals through their careers, making him a cherished figure in the legal community.

Despite his towering stature in the legal community, Judge Middleton has maintained an aura of humility. He consistently ground himself in the values that drove him to the bench in the first place. His focus on ‘justice for all’ is not just a statement but a way of life that he diligently follows.

Another Unusual Legal Battle Presided Over by Judge Jeffrey Middleton

Judge Jeffrey Middleton is more than a figure in a black robe. He represents the ideal blend of legal acumen, emotional intelligence, and commitment to public service. His career, marked by a steadfast pursuit of justice and empathy for those before him, sets a precedent for future generations in the legal profession.

In an era where faith in public institutions seems to wane, individuals like Judge Middleton rekindle hope and trust in the system. His unique approach to justice—tempered with mercy, understanding, and humility—stands a testament to the enduring power of the judiciary in upholding values.