It has been a very political week for me.
On Tuesday, I had wanted to attend the Obama rally at the Toyota Center. I only had standby confirmation, so I did not go. Hanging around the Toyota Center by myself at night is not my idea of a good time.
Instead, I went to the Harris County District Attorney debate at South Texas College of Law. The Democratic candidate did not go because he is running unopposed. So, I got to listen to the 4 Republican candidates engage in some verbal sparring. I am biased. I like Jim Leitner because he is a defense attorney and a great lawyer. He is a former prosecutor and served in the military. Kelly Sieglar is a 21-year ADA, a typical one, at that. Former judge Pat Lykos seems ok; she took a shot at Kelly. I have been told that Kelly kicked someone off a jury panel because they are a member of Lakewood Church. Wow... Does she know how powerful a voting bloc the religious right is??? How does she expect to get elected if she pisses off the Christians (who are probably registered to vote)? Captain Perry is a joke; he's a 26-year veteran cop and civil lawyer. What the hell does he know about being a criminal trial lawyer?
After the debate, I exited the auditorium and stood by the elevators waiting to leave. Arnold left the auditorium and saw me. After he saw me standing by the elevators, he took the stairs. He's 43 years old, and he can't get on the same elevator as me or stand in my immediate vicinity. That's funny!
Tonight, I watched the Clinton-Obama debate on CNN.com. (I don't have cable.) I enjoyed it. I still don't like Hillary. Ever since her husband was running for president, I have disliked Hillary. Someone posting a comment on the CNN blog made a comment I agree with: Bill & Hillary Clinton had 8 years to fix health care and failed. What is going to be different this time around if she gets elected? My answer, nothing. She's an idiot. She said that discriminating against sick people is unconsitutional. Umm... Has she read the Constitution or the Supreme Court cases interpreting it? If she had, she would know that State action is required to enforce equal protection or due process violations. Where's the State action, Mrs. Clinton? She is trying to get people fired up with rhetoric that has nothing to do with the law, but most people would not know that. Most people hear the word "unconstitutional" and immediately get riled up.
Of course, I'm the idiot that went to law school.
I thought Obama carried himself well. Clinton took some cheap shots at Obama; how Washington of her.
Now, I am debating with myself which primary I should vote in. I'm not sure.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
People
The Godmother is in my prayers today.
I hate people. People suck.
I especially hate people that don't appreciate how much I am trying to help them. For instance, today, in juvenile court, I was trying to explain that this kid should take responsibility for having smoked marijuana before school. I told him to treat the judge with respect and to be ready to answer any of his questions. So, I asked him, "Where did you get the marijuana." He responded, "It wasn't mine." In the back of my head, I was thinking 'This is a problem. The little punk is in denial.' So, I tried to get him to explain where the marijuana came from. The punk's mom started to explain that the marijuana did not belong to her son. The punk said that he was not seen by school officials smoking the marijuana. At that point, I was getting a little frustrated, so I told them both, twice, "YOU CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL SMELLING LIKE MARIJUANA." After I repeated myself, mom told me not to raise my voice. That was when I decided I had had enough of their denial and bullshit. I called Reed and told him he had to handle this shit by himself.
I leave them there and go to criminal court to find Reed to give him the file. He asked me if the punk had taken a urinalysis at court, and I said no because I did not realize it had needed to be done. Besides, I was a little angry at that point. So, I graciously return to juvenile court to get the punk to take his pee test. I then return to criminal court to file something. When I was filing something, Reed asked me to help him in juvenile court. So, after filing my stuff, I dragged myself back to hell AKA juvenile court. Because of the number of pleas, Reed had to leave to pick up his kids from school, and I had to stay to do the plea with punk and his mom. Reed said that mom did not like the fact that I had raised my voice in the hallway where other people could hear. Who the hell cares about your problems, lady??? NO ONE, that's who! Everybody has their own problems!
Our plea was last, so we all had to return to court after lunch. Finally, at almost 3pm, we go in front of the judge. I inform the judge that we are asking for a deferred and argue why my punk client deserves one. After my beautiful argument and asking some questions to the punk, the judge grants the deferred. So, the punk and his mom sit down, and the probation officer in court tells me I need to have them sign a form. So, I go to the punk and ask him to sign the form, and he hands it to his mom. So, I tell both punk and his mom that the probation department will speak to them after they have all of their paperwork ready. Mom completely ignores me. She does not say one word to me. So I just left.
I cannot believe that an adult woman, a mother, could act so friggin' childish. Lady, your kid is in denial about his drug problem! Lady, you're in denial about your kid's drug problem! I can't believe she was defending his stupid ass to me! The drugs were in his hands, PERIOD. It's people like this that make me wish I had a concealed hand-gun license...
I hate people. People suck. That's the moral of my story. It's always the moral of my story. It's a good moral. Don't you think?
"I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it." Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy
I hate people. People suck.
I especially hate people that don't appreciate how much I am trying to help them. For instance, today, in juvenile court, I was trying to explain that this kid should take responsibility for having smoked marijuana before school. I told him to treat the judge with respect and to be ready to answer any of his questions. So, I asked him, "Where did you get the marijuana." He responded, "It wasn't mine." In the back of my head, I was thinking 'This is a problem. The little punk is in denial.' So, I tried to get him to explain where the marijuana came from. The punk's mom started to explain that the marijuana did not belong to her son. The punk said that he was not seen by school officials smoking the marijuana. At that point, I was getting a little frustrated, so I told them both, twice, "YOU CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL SMELLING LIKE MARIJUANA." After I repeated myself, mom told me not to raise my voice. That was when I decided I had had enough of their denial and bullshit. I called Reed and told him he had to handle this shit by himself.
I leave them there and go to criminal court to find Reed to give him the file. He asked me if the punk had taken a urinalysis at court, and I said no because I did not realize it had needed to be done. Besides, I was a little angry at that point. So, I graciously return to juvenile court to get the punk to take his pee test. I then return to criminal court to file something. When I was filing something, Reed asked me to help him in juvenile court. So, after filing my stuff, I dragged myself back to hell AKA juvenile court. Because of the number of pleas, Reed had to leave to pick up his kids from school, and I had to stay to do the plea with punk and his mom. Reed said that mom did not like the fact that I had raised my voice in the hallway where other people could hear. Who the hell cares about your problems, lady??? NO ONE, that's who! Everybody has their own problems!
Our plea was last, so we all had to return to court after lunch. Finally, at almost 3pm, we go in front of the judge. I inform the judge that we are asking for a deferred and argue why my punk client deserves one. After my beautiful argument and asking some questions to the punk, the judge grants the deferred. So, the punk and his mom sit down, and the probation officer in court tells me I need to have them sign a form. So, I go to the punk and ask him to sign the form, and he hands it to his mom. So, I tell both punk and his mom that the probation department will speak to them after they have all of their paperwork ready. Mom completely ignores me. She does not say one word to me. So I just left.
I cannot believe that an adult woman, a mother, could act so friggin' childish. Lady, your kid is in denial about his drug problem! Lady, you're in denial about your kid's drug problem! I can't believe she was defending his stupid ass to me! The drugs were in his hands, PERIOD. It's people like this that make me wish I had a concealed hand-gun license...
I hate people. People suck. That's the moral of my story. It's always the moral of my story. It's a good moral. Don't you think?
"I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it." Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Justice
Today, Will and I fought a hard battle, and we won. Will attacked the testifying officers with their questionable investigation tactics, and I was there to remind him of the inconsistencies, suggestions questions, and make objections. I also made motions for continance and for directed verdict. At the end of the day, the jury came back with a verdict of "Not Guilty." Our defendant hugged me and thanked me, and she hugged and thanked Will, also. She cried tears of joy, and I was so happy to have been there to help her. Justice was done today. I had a small part to play in that, and I played it to the best of my abilities. I thank God that he blessed this jury of 6 people with the wisdom to see the holes in the State's case and act on their reasonable doubts of our defendant's guilt. We even had a lawyer on the jury, and he worked in our favor. Yes, Justice was accomplished today.
Now, I have no problems with the jury, with the judge, or anyone in that courtroom except for one person, the prosecutor. He insulted me today in a manner that I have never been insulted before as a lawyer. In his closing argument, he told the jury that defense counsel was attempting trickery by having me sit next to the defendant so that we could trick one of the officers into thinking that I was the defendant. (One of the officers identified ME as the suspect!) I looked at Will, and I had daggers in my eyes. I have never, ever been told that the only reason I was allowed to sit at counsel table was on account of my appearance. EVER! In fact, because I know that I am not a pretty girl, I have always worked twice as hard as any pretty girly lawyer to achieve the success I have accomplished. I cannot believe that DA told the jury that the only reason Will asked me to sit at counsel table was because I looked like the defendant. I don't care what attorneys have to tell me to my face or to other lawyers, but he said this TO THE JURY! While the jury was deliberating, I went back to judge's chambers and told him that I was offended by the DA's comments. The judge told me if I had objected, he would have sustained my objection, and that I was right in my feelings and should confront the DA about what he did to me. The judge was kind to me, and I appreciate his counsel. I have never been so angry at a DA, and there have been some DAs that have pissed me off. But this is the absolute worst behavior!
And then! And then! The DA was so angry that he lost the trial that he started arguing with the jury. He was arguing with the lawyer on the jury! He was almost yelling at them. The jury did their job, and this stupid DA gets mad at them. If the DA is mad, he should be mad at himself! Whenever I have lost in a jury trial, I have never blamed the jury; I have always blamed myself for not doing enough to convince the jury. I have never resented a jury for finding my client guilty, and I have never expressed any angry sentiments to them. This DA was completely immature and unprofessional. I can't believe he was attacking the lawyer on the jury. I looked up that lawyer, and that lawyer went to UT Law School and has been licensend since 1976. That was before I was born! And this punk DA was arguing with this 31-year lawyer! What a moron! This DA gives lawyers and DAs a bad name.
In the end, we won. More importantly, our client won. That's what counts. There was blatant unprofessionalism, but the jury picked up on that and set it aside. The jury followed our argument and acquitted our client. Maybe sometimes, if we fight hard enough, we can accomplish a little bit of justice in this world where everything is stacked against us.
Now, I have no problems with the jury, with the judge, or anyone in that courtroom except for one person, the prosecutor. He insulted me today in a manner that I have never been insulted before as a lawyer. In his closing argument, he told the jury that defense counsel was attempting trickery by having me sit next to the defendant so that we could trick one of the officers into thinking that I was the defendant. (One of the officers identified ME as the suspect!) I looked at Will, and I had daggers in my eyes. I have never, ever been told that the only reason I was allowed to sit at counsel table was on account of my appearance. EVER! In fact, because I know that I am not a pretty girl, I have always worked twice as hard as any pretty girly lawyer to achieve the success I have accomplished. I cannot believe that DA told the jury that the only reason Will asked me to sit at counsel table was because I looked like the defendant. I don't care what attorneys have to tell me to my face or to other lawyers, but he said this TO THE JURY! While the jury was deliberating, I went back to judge's chambers and told him that I was offended by the DA's comments. The judge told me if I had objected, he would have sustained my objection, and that I was right in my feelings and should confront the DA about what he did to me. The judge was kind to me, and I appreciate his counsel. I have never been so angry at a DA, and there have been some DAs that have pissed me off. But this is the absolute worst behavior!
And then! And then! The DA was so angry that he lost the trial that he started arguing with the jury. He was arguing with the lawyer on the jury! He was almost yelling at them. The jury did their job, and this stupid DA gets mad at them. If the DA is mad, he should be mad at himself! Whenever I have lost in a jury trial, I have never blamed the jury; I have always blamed myself for not doing enough to convince the jury. I have never resented a jury for finding my client guilty, and I have never expressed any angry sentiments to them. This DA was completely immature and unprofessional. I can't believe he was attacking the lawyer on the jury. I looked up that lawyer, and that lawyer went to UT Law School and has been licensend since 1976. That was before I was born! And this punk DA was arguing with this 31-year lawyer! What a moron! This DA gives lawyers and DAs a bad name.
In the end, we won. More importantly, our client won. That's what counts. There was blatant unprofessionalism, but the jury picked up on that and set it aside. The jury followed our argument and acquitted our client. Maybe sometimes, if we fight hard enough, we can accomplish a little bit of justice in this world where everything is stacked against us.
Monday, February 4, 2008
DAVE!!!
I am in the middle of researching a continuance issue and a suppression issue for a case that is currently in trial. We picked our jury today, and tomorrow, we begin testimony. It should finish tomorrow.
As a break from all of this law, I decided to check my email. I randomly decided to check an email from Dave Matthews Band. I love Dave! Ever since I first bought Under the Table and Dreaming in high school, I have loved Dave's music. And now, I respect his politics. Check out Dave's message.
Good luck, Obama! I hope Tuesday really is Super.
As a break from all of this law, I decided to check my email. I randomly decided to check an email from Dave Matthews Band. I love Dave! Ever since I first bought Under the Table and Dreaming in high school, I have loved Dave's music. And now, I respect his politics. Check out Dave's message.
Good luck, Obama! I hope Tuesday really is Super.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Becoming Better
I was planning on writing this post on February 3, 2008, which marks the one-month anniversary of the date I quit my former employment. January 3, 2008, was the day that I decided that I will not allow an employer or anyone else to define my limitations, to ignore my hard work, to take advantage of my good-will, and to pay me sub-standard salary.
Basically, January 3, 2008, was the day I decided to become a better version of myself. I closed the door to a situation that I could not change and that was not allowing me to grow. And God opened another door. Pastor Joel says, "Don't ever let good enough be good enough." I had done all I could do in my former employment, and that day was the day God showed me I needed to move forward.
Pastor Joel says to forget about the past and to look ahead. This is very difficult for me. I have always thought that our past is what defines us, but I have come to realize that our past is what is holding us back from enjoying our tomorrows.
Pastor Joel says to always strive to become better. There's always room for improvement. What happens if you ever reach the point of achieving all that you can achieve? Where else is there to go? Well, I may not know exactly which direction to take, but now, I am always going ahead and striving to become better. I pray to God for direction as often as I can.
This past month has been a great learning experience. I have learned who my true friends are. I have learned who those people are that I can go to for advice and help. I have learned that through Christ, all that I attempt is possible.
This past month, I have met new people. I have learned new things. I now know that even though I feel alone, I am not alone. I now have the courage to say no. I now have the courage to decline offers that are beneath me even though there is some money to be gained. I know that my integrity is not for sale.
Here I sit, in my shared office, exhausted after reviewing foreign tax issues for the past 3 hours. But, I am not complaining. I agreed to do this tax project because it is a great learning experience for me. I agreed to help prepare 3 different trials this week. I finally get to do what I want, and it feels great.
In the morning, I have to attend to a felony trial and a misdemeanor trial. I also have to attend to 2 new felony clients and 1 existing client. Later, I need to draft a tax opinion letter. And after all of that, I will go to my church to pray for prosperity.
It's funny. For the past 3 Sundays, I have been going to church twice a day. In the morning, I go to the regular Spanish Sunday morning service that lasts for 2 hours. Three Sundays ago, my church started having English sessions at 4PM. The pastor said he would be preaching about direction. At the time, I needed a lot of direction because I was considering taking a job offer from a law firm. And after the first Sunday, I have kept going back. The church was initially planning on only having 3 Sunday English sessions, but today, the pastor said there would be another one next Sunday. So, I plan to go. I like this pastor. I find it easier to talk to him about my issues in English. Even though I am fluent in Spanish, it's sometimes difficult to translate the technicalities. The pastor says they might have English mid-week sessions soon. How exciting! I just hope that my work schedule will allow me to attend those sessions as well.
Tomorrow is a big day, so I better get home. Good night.
Basically, January 3, 2008, was the day I decided to become a better version of myself. I closed the door to a situation that I could not change and that was not allowing me to grow. And God opened another door. Pastor Joel says, "Don't ever let good enough be good enough." I had done all I could do in my former employment, and that day was the day God showed me I needed to move forward.
Pastor Joel says to forget about the past and to look ahead. This is very difficult for me. I have always thought that our past is what defines us, but I have come to realize that our past is what is holding us back from enjoying our tomorrows.
Pastor Joel says to always strive to become better. There's always room for improvement. What happens if you ever reach the point of achieving all that you can achieve? Where else is there to go? Well, I may not know exactly which direction to take, but now, I am always going ahead and striving to become better. I pray to God for direction as often as I can.
This past month has been a great learning experience. I have learned who my true friends are. I have learned who those people are that I can go to for advice and help. I have learned that through Christ, all that I attempt is possible.
This past month, I have met new people. I have learned new things. I now know that even though I feel alone, I am not alone. I now have the courage to say no. I now have the courage to decline offers that are beneath me even though there is some money to be gained. I know that my integrity is not for sale.
Here I sit, in my shared office, exhausted after reviewing foreign tax issues for the past 3 hours. But, I am not complaining. I agreed to do this tax project because it is a great learning experience for me. I agreed to help prepare 3 different trials this week. I finally get to do what I want, and it feels great.
In the morning, I have to attend to a felony trial and a misdemeanor trial. I also have to attend to 2 new felony clients and 1 existing client. Later, I need to draft a tax opinion letter. And after all of that, I will go to my church to pray for prosperity.
It's funny. For the past 3 Sundays, I have been going to church twice a day. In the morning, I go to the regular Spanish Sunday morning service that lasts for 2 hours. Three Sundays ago, my church started having English sessions at 4PM. The pastor said he would be preaching about direction. At the time, I needed a lot of direction because I was considering taking a job offer from a law firm. And after the first Sunday, I have kept going back. The church was initially planning on only having 3 Sunday English sessions, but today, the pastor said there would be another one next Sunday. So, I plan to go. I like this pastor. I find it easier to talk to him about my issues in English. Even though I am fluent in Spanish, it's sometimes difficult to translate the technicalities. The pastor says they might have English mid-week sessions soon. How exciting! I just hope that my work schedule will allow me to attend those sessions as well.
Tomorrow is a big day, so I better get home. Good night.
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