Public defenders represent people who’ve been arrested. But we meet them after that traumatic event. Yesterday I witnessed a man I represent get arrested right in front of me. Cuffed. Searched. I told officers not to question him. Told him it was gonna be okay. I felt ppowerless.
The mans girlfriend was hysterical crying. He was stoic but his eyes were petrified. I asked the officers if I could have a moment with him & surprisingly they did. I walked him through the process. Acknowledged the next 24 hours would be hell. But that Id have his back in court.
His hands were cuffed tightly behind his back. But I could tell he wanted to shake my hand. I put my hands on his shoulders. "You're *going* to be okay. If they try to get you to speak, just say, 'I want to speak to my attorney.'" I gave officers my card. They walked him away.
I spent some time w/ his girlfriend. Eyes & face covered in tears. Gave her all my information. Walked her thru the process too. Told her where the court where he'd ultimately be brought was. Tried to reassure her too. Walking away, noticed dozens of onlookers. Just kept walking.
I tried to follow his progress through system online. No luck. I emailed my colleagues working in court last night to alert them he might be coming through. Shared everything positive. Working. Engaged. Reliable. Never missed an appointment. Works w social worker from our office.
Went to sleep last night thinking about the arrest. His girlfriend's face swollen with grief & fear. And of course him. Head down. Walking away. First thing I did when my son woke me up at around 230am this morning was check my phone. Hoping for good news from a colleague.
An email! Good news. Only charged with a low-level misdemeanor. Released at arraignments. Adjourned late into January. He went home last night. He's no longer incarcerated or cuffed. Free. It's too early to call, but I'll touch base with him this morning to check on him.
Meanwhile, I just got to court. Will be here for rest of day meeting people about 24 hours after their arrest. In arraignments. When people meet their public defender (me). Find out their charges. Prosecutor asks for bail or consents to release. Freedom or Rikers. Good morning!
