When I first was hired for this internship, they told me I would have my own caseload. I thought they meant that as a figure of speech. I didn’t really think they meant that I would have cases…to go to trial with.
But I actually do have cases that I have to prepare for. But now I know why they aren’t terrible concerned. It’s because no matter how much I prepare, how much I practice my closing argument, how much I look up the case law, it doesn’t matter. Because mostly, the defendants don’t show up. I have had two cases where the defendant defaulted.
The case I prepared for today was for an Operating a Motor Vehicle after your License is Suspended. You should have heard my brilliant Opening Statement:
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Commonwealth, in order to meet its burden, must prove that the defendant was operating a motor vehicle after his licensed had been suspended. Well…the defendant’s license was suspended, and then he drove.
But I have another case on for Tuesday. It’s kind of interesting because it’s a road rage case. On the file, someone wrote, “Defendant wants a trial.”
The names of the defense attorneys are written on the jacket. I took a look to see who I was going up against.
The name read, “Prose.” I was like, “Gee, I don’t remember meeting a Prose.”
And then I took a closer look. Oh hell no. The defense wasn’t Prose…its
Pro Se.
I pointed this out to another intern. He smiled and said, “That one is definitely going to trial.”
Lord help me.
oh man…well, at least you don’t have to represent these people. And that was an AMAZING opening statement
Muahahahaha.
And I read all the pro se writs and app briefs. You’re in for a good time. Don’t forget to wash off the crazy on your way out.
I would scared out of my gourd doing my first trial. Hope that helps. Good luck!!
Actually to prove the crime you need to show that the defendant was on notice that his license was suspended.