Going to court...

**Zardoz** · 22nd April 10, 08:00 PM

Well, I'll just say, I'm 47, and have had that wacky 'dressing properly for the occasion' idea my whole life. I've had suits in my wardrobe for at least 35 of those years, so practice is not required

**Zardoz** · 7th May 10, 08:01 AM

Well, we had the trial, so I'll give y'all an update...

I had a meeting Tuesday with the DA to go over what my part in the case was, basically I would be taking the stand to identify my home and property in photos, and confirm that I didn't know the kid or give him permission to be around or in my house. I showed up to the meeting in a kilt, and it didn't seem to phase the DA, who was former military, but based on the reaction of others I was surely the most interesting thing in that small town courthouse that day.

After we went over all the trial info, the DA asked if I wore the kilt all the time, and was I gonna wear one to the trial?, and I said "normally yes, but I can wear a regular suit if you think it would be better". He said that the juvenile courts judge in question was pretty "defense oriented", and easygoing about the dress of the kids and their families. But she had commented on the dress of the lawyers and other adults before, including asking why a DA had worn an 'ugly tie' to her courtroom once.

So in a rare bow to convention, yesterday ol'Zardoz dressed like this for a day ....

My dad went along with me to watch, and took the photo before we left my house.

Testifying at a trial was a first for me, and it was interesting, although a little boring at times. The DA's star witness was actually the 16 year old kid I had held in the garage. Even though he was willing to testify against his friend, he didn't seem real smart, so it was an effort to drag usefull stuff out of him. The defendant, a 13 year old with a prior drug charge, did not take the stand at all, I think that was best, since he was unsuccessful in raising the correct hand to get sworn in, even with several folks in front of him doing it correctly.

On the good side, the judge found the kid guilty of the Burglary of a Residence, a felony, but then basically reversed herself during sentencing and reduced it to Criminal Trespass, a misdemeanor, and gave him a 12 month probation.

**auld argonian** · 7th May 10, 08:21 AM

Hope that the judge scared the sh*te out of the young evil-doer and that said young person will not screw up again.

...and...as we say on the South Side: "you sure do clean up good".

Seriously, though, it was a noble thing you did to show up be-trousered...now get the kilt back on!

Best

AA

**BoldHighlander** · 7th May 10, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Didn't I see you on the Sopranos?

All joking aside, I think you did the right thing given the circumstances, and you really look sharp to boot!

I hope the lil' miscreant learned his lesson!

**bchunter** · 7th May 10, 11:32 AM

Indeed, sir, you did yourself and many others credit in your actions. And, even though not kilted, I'll say you do look dashing.

**auld argonian** · 7th May 10, 12:55 PM

Seriously...if I was going to court, I'd ask him to sit at my defence table just to impress the other guys.

Best

AA

**Zardoz** · 7th May 10, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Didn't I see you on the Sopranos?

All joking aside, I think you did the right thing given the circumstances, and you really look sharp to boot!

Sopranos? funny you mention that! I was wearing a black shirt when my Dad showed up that morning, and Dad says "Hey Tony! go put a white shirt on" After we left the courthouse, he remarked I might have outdressed the lawyers.

Thanks guys!

**Jack Daw** · 7th May 10, 03:19 PM

You got better response from law enforcement than I did in 1997 when my house was burglarized. Glad it all worked out for you, Z, even though you had to conform to the man for a day.

**Ian.MacAllan** · 11th May 10, 04:57 PM

I think the most important part of your appearance at court was that you looked responsible and credible.

.

**Lallans** · 12th May 10, 06:16 AM

Zardoz, you done good. Perfect court attire for a witness. The lapel pin, nice added touch.

Ian, your signature line about fishing reminds me of the wise old Appalachian saying: "If you want to ruin a man for honest work, give him a jug, a fiddle, or a shotgun."

For 'shotgun' you could as easily substitute 'fishing rod'. But a kilt of course would never do that.