log 4

May 16,2002

Once again, the day started in the courtroom with the arraignments. I sat with Jeff in the bailiff’s box, and observed the happenings. I’ve neglected to mention the diversion programs that Judge T likes to use. There is a DUI diversion program and a DUS diversion program. They are both for first time offenders, and allow the offender’s record to be erased if they comply with probation. In the DUI program, the person must serve jail time or do the community service and DUI classes. They must also be on probation for I believe 6 months (possibly a year) and comply with any other requirements. In the DUS program, the person has a chance, as I mentioned yesterday, to rectify their license and insurance. Judge T’s goal is to get valid drivers on the road with insurance.

After I spent a little time with the bailiffs, Pete brought me about 6 or 7 new sheets from the W Court requesting information on individuals. I spent a couple of hours searching through the criminal books and then printing out information. The cases found on the computer can, like I said, be printed out. However, the cases listed in the books must be brought up from the basement files and copied, in order to be sent elsewhere. After I wrote down the case numbers, Pete took me down a very narrow spiral staircase to the files which date from 1999 back. We pulled the cases, and then headed back upstairs. I had to copy them in a certain way, then stamp them to say “copy” before sending off the information. It was kind of a pain, but it’s nice to be actually doing something other than observing.

Apparently Thursdays are slow court days. The bailiffs completely left after the morning, and there was nothing scheduled for court in the afternoon.

8:00am – 1:30pm 5.5 hours