In a bizarre turn of events, a man from Michigan who had his license suspended appeared before the court via Zoom while behind wheels.
The Facts of this Case
During a court hearing in Michigan, Corey Harris, aged 44, drew the attention of Judge J. Cedric Simpson when he joined a Zoom meeting while driving, despite his appearance being linked to a suspended driver’s license. This unusual situation left the judge perplexed as Harris participated in the hearing from behind the wheel of his car.
Harris had chosen to appear virtually at his court hearing on May 15 instead of attending in person. The proceedings were conducted via Zoom and were streamed live on Judge Cedric Simpson’s YouTube page. The video feed clearly showed Harris driving during the hearing.
Judge Simpson, noting the risky behavior, directly asked Harris if he was indeed driving. Harris responded that he was in the process of parking at his doctor’s office and assured the judge that he would soon be fully focused on the hearing.
The incident highlighted the challenges and potential safety concerns associated with participating in court proceedings while operating a vehicle. Despite Harris’s assurance that he would soon be fully attentive, the judge was left puzzled by the unconventional circumstances of the virtual appearance.
Following a short pause and Judge Simpson’s confirmation that Harris was now “stationery,” Harris’s attorney, Natalie Pate, who was present in court, requested an adjournment of two to four weeks. In the video, it was evident that Judge Simpson was visibly dumbfounded. “I’m looking at his record. He doesn’t have a license. He’s suspended, and he’s just driving,” said Judge Simpson.
Court’s Verdict
Judge Simpson was shocked and remarked, “I don’t even know why he would do that. He revoked the defendant’s bond and instructed Harris to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by six o’clock that day.
