A few years back I represented a client charges with a poppy box theft. When I got the brief the crown who agreed to bail was disgusted. So was the court staff. So was anyone who heard about the charge. Frankly, so was I - but then I got to know my client.
He was homeless and had big addiction issues. He had a bunch of health issues too. Living on the street can do that - he was only 19 years old. He was remorseful and plead guilty. The judge sentenced him to a couple months jail and required him to write an essay about veterans.
My client did not write the essay. And the judge was very upset. And I was too. Why could he not write a few words? Why was he skipping appointments with me? Why risk more jail time? But my client could barely read or write and was too ashamed to tell anyone. Even his lawyer.
One the day we were schedule to appear before the judge to provide an update about the essay I got the call. My client had committed suicide. I was gutted. He had been doing ok. Keeping out of trouble. He was almost done with the court.
I think about this client often and about all the ways I could have done more. I also remind myself that there is always much more to a person than the offence they committed.
