Claimed and Corrupted: Bound to the MC

Chapter7 - Raven

Ameilia and I walk in and James Collins is already there, larger than life, looking like he owns this place, not that he's here while under arrest.

"Ameilia," Judge Bennett says inclining his head towards her, "great to see you, although I was expecting Thomas to be here as well."

"Yes, well he is the lead on this case but he had some other work to attend to. Ms. Westgate is a top attorney at our firm and is working with him on this case. She will be representing Mr. Collins today."

"Ms. Westgate, I don't believe I'm familiar with you. How long have you been practicing law?"

"Almost ten years."

"Strange you haven't come across my courtroom in that time."

"I generally practice corporate law, your honor."

"I see," he says, his eyes telling me he already knew I wasn't a criminal defense attorney. "And you're sure you are the best representative for our defendant?"

"Of course," I tell him. Annoyed that he's questioning my abilities, even though I've been doing the same thing since joining Thomas. I doubt he'd question me if I was a man though. He holds up a hand in my direction, apparently my tone was unbecoming.

"I meant no disrespect. However, as an officer of the court it's my job to ensure that our laws are upheld. And, as a lawyer, I'm sure you're aware that, legally and ethically, competency is required to represent a defendant. As someone who is not practiced in criminal defense, I must ask if you have the ability to represent Mr. Collins here with the level of competency required by this court."

"I understand your concerns, but I assure you I am fully capable of representing Mr. Collins. Especially with a paralegal like Ameilia by my side." I tell him motioning to her. The judge's eyes soften when he looks at her and her face turns bright red with the attention of everyone on her. I mouth my apologies to her but when I look back at the judge he nods.

"Let us proceed then."

"Your honor," I begin, "my client is not a flight risk. He has strong ties to the community, and has never been charged with anything more than a misdemeanor. This is the first time he has been charged with a crime of this magnitude, and to hold him in prison until the trial violates his presumption of innocence, and his right to a fair trial as the prosecution engages in a smear campaign while holding an innocent man in prison. He is not a danger to the public, and as such we are requesting that he be granted bail. My client has agreed to wear an ankle monitor if that will ensure the comfort of the prosecution."

"Your honor," the lawyer for the prosecution begins. I've never met him before but he looks like a d.ick. "it is ridiculous that this lawyer would even waste her time filing a motion. This man is the President of a one percenter motorcycle club. He is not only a major flight risk, given the number of chapters this gang has, but he is an utter danger to the community. It's laughable to suggest that he has strong ties, beyond supplying individuals with drugs. We request that he be remanded back into custody while he awaits trial."

"That is a gross mischaracterization of my client. He is not in a gang, and you have absolutely no proof that he is in any way involved in drug running." I rebuke the prosecutor. "And as for his ties to the community, Mr. Collins, and the club he is part of, are members of the nonprofit Bikers Against Bullies Organization. They have held charity events to raise money and awareness against bullying and have even sent members of their club to speak to local schools about bullying. That hardly sounds like a man that presents a danger to the community he serves."

"Well, Mr. Collins what do you have to say for yourself?" The judge interjects. "Will I be seeing your name again before you get to trial?"

"No your honor," Mr. Collins says as he stands up to his full height. Jesus Christ that man is huge. "Like my lawyer here says, I have many ties to the community, and I'm not a coward. I didn't kill anybody, but I'm not going to run away and hide from this trial. I'll see the whole thing out. I just ask that I be treated as fairly as any other person would."

"Your honor this is a farce, and an insult to our judicial system to let this monster out on bail after the heinous acts that he has committed."

"I'll thank you to keep yourself in check while we're in my chambers Mr. Langely. Now I've looked over this case, and I have to say the evidence that the prosecution has shared so far is flimsy at best. My job is to uphold the law, particularly due process. You have provided no evidence to suggest that Mr. Collins here is a flight risk, or a danger to the community beyond rumors as far as I can see."

"Your honor, the man was arrested after he murdered a woman in cold blood."

"Allegedly," I say coldly to him.

"Yeah, allegedly," he says his voice full of sarcasm.

"Be careful Mr. Langely, your contempt for Mr. Collins is showing. I'm inclined to agree with Ms. Westgate here, bail is set at $500,000 and Mr. Collins will wear an ankle monitor and surrender any passport in his possession. Mr. Collins will be remanded to the jail until bail is posted and he can be processed out."

"Your honor, Mr. Collins is currently being held at the Clinton Correctional Facility. Is there anyway to relocate him closer so that we can expedite the process?" I ask and am a little surprised when the judge's eyebrows meet his hairline.

"Why is this man being held in prison instead of the county jail?" he asks the prosecutor.

"He is a high-risk prisoner with a gang affiliation. We asked that he be held in the prison until trial for his own safety."

Why were we not aware of this? I look at Ameilia and she just shakes her head at me, a confused look on her face. "Your honor, we have established that Mr. Collins is not a member of gang, his motorcycle club is not classified as one. If that was the reason for his location decision -"

"His lawyer filed no objections to his location. He was well aware of where Collins was going to be housed." He interrupts me with disgust in his voice.

"I suggest you speak with Thomas about this then. In the meantime, it would take longer to initiate a transfer and then release than to just bring him back to the prison and facilitate the release from there."

"Of course your honor thank you. May I have a moment with my client before he is taken back?"

"There's a room next to this one that you can use."

"Great thank you." Ameilia and I leave and head into the room next door while the prison guard escorts Collins in and handcuffs him to the table before stepping outside.

"James, how are you doing?"

"I'll be better once I get out of that f.ucking place."

"I will speak with Luke after we leave, he, along with your other friends, are all waiting outside the courthouse. Once they get the bail money together, or visit a bondsman we can drive up to get you processed out. But I want to make sure you're going to be safe in the meantime. You understand why I had you put in protective custody yes?"

"Yeah I got the message."

"Will you be safe while we are getting you out then?"

"The boys will have the money together before I get back there. I doubt there will be much time before I'm released."

"Be that as it may, I'll be heading straight there as well to ensure your safe release."

"You coming too sweet thing?" He asks motioning his head towards Ameilia. She doesn't answer but her face turns as red as a tomato.

"Her name is Ameilia and she will be coming with me, yes."

"She can't speak?" he asks, sounding amused but not taking his eyes off her.

"I-I speak," she finally mumbles out. He winks at her and I step in between them so he's forced to look at me instead.

"Well Mr. Collins I will let the guard know you're ready and then I'll go talk to Luke. We'll see you in a few hours."

"Sure thing."