He arrived at city hall shortly after the security officers and immediately positioned his nameplate at the center-front of his desk. He stepped back, gazing at his husband’s gift. “God, that’s abeautifulsight!” he whispered, then took a picture and sent it to Joshua with the message: “Thank you, my darling. You made it official.”
He spent over an hour scrutinizing the cases he would present in court later that morning. His nervousness had abated somewhat, but his stomach still fluttered every time he thought about standing before a judge for the first time.
Sheila stuck her head into his office a little after eight. “Time to head upstairs. Do you know the way to Judge Robinson’s courtroom?”
“I do,” Colin said, then gave her a smile. “But thank you.”
He placed all the files pertaining to his cases into his briefcase and stood. “Room 217, right?”
“Right.”
Colin threw her a wave as he moved toward the office door. “See you later.”
“Good luck!”
* * *
He enteredJudge Robinson’s courtroom fifteen minutes before his case was due to be called. It was early and the courtroom was nearly empty. He paused for a moment at the edge of spectator seating.One more step,he thought.One more step and I stand in the well of the court as a practicing attorney.
He took a deep breath and moved to the prosecutor’s table. Once there, he emptied his briefcase, stacking his case files neatly in front of him, then sat down to wait. After only a few minutes the court clerk entered, and the bailiff called: “All rise!”
Colin got to his feet and watched while Judge Robinson entered and took his seat. Colin didn’t speak, but he met Judge Robinson’s eyes and gave a slight nod of recognition which the judge returned.
The court clerk stood. “The District Court of Albemarle County is now in session. The Honorable Anthony Robinson presiding. You may be seated. At this time, we call case number 23934, to set bail on the charge of driving under the influence, a Class 1 misdemeanor.”
Judge Robinson peered down to where the two attorneys stood at their respective tables. “Are the attorneys in this case ready?”
Colin swallowed hard and spoke: “For the People, Colin Michael Campbell-Abrams. Yes, Your Honor, we are ready.”
The defense attorney spoke next: “Peter Kennedy, on behalf of Defendant, Cleland Ellis. I am ready, Your Honor.”
Judge Robinson nodded. “You may proceed, Mr. Kennedy.”
“Your Honor, we are asking that the minimum bail amount be set in this case. Mr. Ellis is a long-time member of the community with strong family ties. He has been employed by Ketch Industries for a period of ten years and does not pose a flight risk.”
The judge nodded then turned to Colin. “Do the People wish to be heard on bail?”
Colin stood and faced the judge. He paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Yes, Your Honor. The People wish to point out that this is the second time Mr. Ellis has come before you on the charge of driving under the influence. The repetitive nature of his crime elevates his misconduct beyond those norms mentioned by defense council. If convicted, Mr. Ellis faces a minimum of one month in jail and the loss of his license. Thus, the people feel duty-bound to request that bail be set at the maximum of five thousand dollars.”
He heard the defense attorney hiss out an angry breath and turned to face him.
“Your Honor,” Defense Attorney Kennedy said, his voice heavy with derision, “we understand that this is Commonwealth's Attorney Campbell’s first appearance in court and realize that he may be a bit...um,overzealousin his desire to impress his superiors with a quick win. But we must point out that Mr. Campbell’s excessive request would place an undue burden on the defendant and his family.”
Colin felt a sudden flare of anger which he controlled at once, and his nervousness evaporated. He threw the defense attorney a slow smile. Then, after a quick glance at his notes, he lifted his head and met Judge Robinson’s eyes.
“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Your Honor, more than a quarter of all traffic-relateddeathsare the direct result of alcohol impairment. Around eight hundred people per day are injured in adrunk drivingcrash and thirty people die. Thus, Your Honor, as much we appreciate Mr. Kennedy’s concern for our win-loss record, the People are muchmoreconcerned with the undue burden which would be placed on the citizens of Charlottesville should they be on the road at the same time as Mr. Ellis while he’s driving under the influence. For that reason, the people do not consider our request excessive. We consider it a necessary restraining influence on a repeat offender.”
He spun to face Defense Attorney Kennedy. “And it’s Commonwealth's Attorney Campbell-Abrams.”
Judge Robinson tried to smother a smile but didn’t fully succeed. “The court agrees with Commonwealth's Attorney Campbell-Abrams,and sets bail at five thousand dollars.”
Kennedy shot Colin an aggravated glance and took a half-step toward him. “Nicely played,” he muttered under his breath. “Sending a message?”
“How about: don’tfuckwith me,” Colin snapped. His voice was low enough that it didn’t reach the bench but clear as crystal to the public defender.
Kennedy gave no reply. He turned and led his client from the well of the court.
Colin fell into the prosecutor’s chair and blew out a huge sigh of relief, then glanced up at the judge who gave him a quick wink before calling for his next case.
