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 got suspicious that Mr. Harris might have been directing the witness what to say. The video has been viewed over 1.3 million times after it started to go viral this week.

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

Zoom court hearings

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 is when the hearing gets strange. The defendant’s lawyer makes an objection, and Mr. Harris goes off-camera for a short period of time.

At the same time, the victim turns her face and appears to be speaking with someone. The prosecutor cuts the defence attorney off, and after considering her words, 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 right now and I’m extremely scared for her safety.

And the fact that she’s looking off to the side and he’s moving around, I want some 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.

My guess is that the prosecutor has worked with victims so often that she could feel that something was wrong and acted on her gut feeling.

The judge doesn’t believe when the victim and defendant 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 that he needs the phone charger and cannot do so. The police are called to attend to both 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 eventually reappears and makes his plea to the judge while in handcuffs.

“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’s probably also going to charge you with obstruction of justice.”

I would suggest that when you are being arrested and admitting to having lied to the court at the same time, 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 right after the hearing was finished, the judge logged into YouTube. It’s probably because he knew that 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 story, both professional and personal, 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. It is remarkable to note that his career didn’t commence in law; rather, 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 later shape his approach to the bench.

Commitment to upholding the law

When he finally made his way to 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, it was his innate sense of empathy and respect for human rights that 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. Yet, it’s his compassion for those who appear before him that are 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 root causes, the human side of the narrative, 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 grappling with uncertainty, Judge Middleton began streaming court proceedings online.

Judge Middleton’s innovative approach

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 played a significant role in humanizing 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 not just his experience but also his commitment to the safety and well-being of all parties involved.

Future generations in the legal profession

He is not only a judge but also a mentor and a 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, consistently grounding 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.

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.

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