Its not over till its over

“Next case, please,” the trial official announced to the defendant standing in the city hall courtroom.

A distraught, disheveled young woman approached the bench and stood before the magistrate. “Young lady," said the judge, "you are charged with speeding, driving without a license, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer." The judge set the file down and removed his glasses. “How do you plead?”

“I am not guilty of anything,” the teary woman exclaimed. “It's all a mistake.”

“Is the arresting officer present?" the judge asked the bailiff.

“I'm here, Your Honor.” A tall police officer in his late 30s stepped forward.

“I see by your written report, Officer Duncan, that this woman, Judith Lanston, is facing serious charges, and you were compelled to arrest her and impound her vehicle.”

“Yes, your Honor, a female police officer finally arrived and took her to the county-”

“No!" she cut in, her voice ringing out. "He treated me like a common criminal! He forced me out of my car, and took my child away from me!" Disquieted murmurs arose from the bystanders in the courtroom.

“Is there a child involved, Officer Duncan? Please explain.”

“Yes, her four-year-old son was seated in a child safety seat in the back.”

“Where is he?" The young woman cried out. "What have you done with my child?”

“Please do not interrupt, Mrs. Lanston," the judge said. He turned back to the officer. "Where is the child now?”

“He was placed in the county child care facility, your honor.”

“Well, that's a new twist," the judge said, frowning. "Let's go over the first two offenses against you, Mrs. Lanston: the charges are speeding and driving without a license, especially with your child in the car.”

The woman placed her hand on her forehead, her voice trembling. “I was so upset. I had just found out that I would be evicted; I was rushing home before they took all my belongings.” (More sounds of sadness echoed in the courtroom.)

“Why didn't you have your driver's license with you?”

“I was in a panic to pick up my child, and I had forgotten to put it in my purse.”

“Okay, I can understand that, but why did you assault this police officer?”

“I didn't assault him. I just pushed him away, that's all, but he kept pulling on me.”

“Officer,” the judge turned to the man. “Did you roughly treat this person?”

“Sir, she had no license, I am required by law to ask her to get out of the car, but she resisted. I pleaded with her, but she refused to budge. Finally, I had no choice but to remove her from the vehicle.”

“He grabbed me,” Judy interrupted, "yanking me by my arm. I fought back.”

“Your honor, she scratched my arm with her sharp nails." The officer pulled back his sleeve, revealing a long red injury. I was trying to be as careful as possible, but she fought me."

The judge looked over at the woman. "Did you do that, Mrs. Lanston? Did you assault this policeman?”

Judy's voice was softer and more apologetic. “I'm sorry, officer. I didn't mean to do that. I was just trying to push you away.”

“Why didn't you obey this officer, Mrs. Duncan?”

The woman took a tissue and wiped her eyes. “I just froze in fear. Yesterday was my last day as a waitress because of COVID. I couldn't pay my rent; they were throwing me out. All I have now is my little boy.” 

“Where is your ex-husband, Mrs. Lanston? Doesn't he pay you child support?"

"We were never married. When he found out I was pregnant, he disappeared. I haven't seen him since the child was born. It's just me and my son now.” (More disquieted sounds of compassion in the courtroom.)

“Officer, I must ask you this now. Was this use of force necessary?”

The policeman's shoulders sagged; it was evident that the woman's testimony had affected him. "I had a really tough day myself, your honor. I was yelled at and verbally attacked by every speeder I stopped. Then, Mrs. Lanston refused to exit her vehicle. It was getting dark, and I had no backup available. I couldn't leave her there. We were stalled on the side of a dangerous expressway with her little boy in the back seat." He turned to the defendant. "Mrs. Lanston, please forgive me; I didn't mean to do that." (Sympathetic voices filled the courtroom.)

“Mrs. Lanston, before I pass sentence do you have anything further to say to this court?”

“Your Honor, I was really upset yesterday. Staying in jail last night was very hard for me. Please, I just want to see my son; I miss him so much.” She started to cry. 

The judge looked to the Bailiff. “Of course. Let's bring the child here immediately.”

“The child is nearby, your honor,” Officer Duncan interrupted.

“Where?” the judge asked.

“I asked them to bring him to the court care center because I felt responsible for him. I'm single, but I love children.”

“He's here, officer?" Judy exclaimed, her face lighting up. "Did you see him?"

“For sure, I told him that his mom was nearby, and I brought him some ice cream from the kiosk.” 

“Officer Duncan, we still have these offenses,” the judge exclaimed. “Are you still standing by these charges?”

“No, Your Honor, I wish to dismiss them all; she has been through enough already. Please let her go.”

The young woman turned to the police officer and embraced him. Loud cheers erupted in the courtroom, and the officer held her tightly.

The judge brought down his gavel. “Case dismissed, you two may go.”

As the newly acquainted couple walked out of the courtroom, a noticeable trace of a tear appeared on the stern judge's face. He quickly wiped it away.

“Next case, please,” he announced.