So, I get a postcard in the mail last month with my new court date - yeah, two weeks after the original. So much for a 3 month extension.
I have been having a hell of a time at work lately, so I figured the day doing something else would be a good change. My stitching supplies were checked at the door, and I had to return them to the car because of the small scissors and the stitch puller. Holy crap! I was able to take these items on a plane but not the courthouse?? Thank God I had my iPad as well.
My panel was the last one in there. The first panel was dismissed because their case came to a settlement agreement - lucky bastards! The other panel was called into the courtroom by 10 am. We, however, got to sit there and sit there and sit there. Normally, I would not complain that I was sitting and reading, but the chairs were horrible, and I was truly in need of more coffee and not able to get it.
At 11:45, we were notified that our panel was being released for lunch but asked to return at 1330. Ugh! Again, I don't mind spending a day reading a book, but those chairs were so very uncomfortable! Luckily, I had texted with Ken, and he was already on his way to pick me up and go to lunch together. I would have met him for lunch, but I actually had a supreme parking location and did not want to lose it.
Ken and I went to the local Coco's for lunch, and we enjoyed catching up with one another. We have totally been spoiled over the last two years with me working at home, and suddenly I was spending an entire day away. That just wasn't going well for me or with Ken for that matter. During our lunch and discussion, I absently reached for the ketchup. When I looked at the bottle, I was amazed by what I saw.
I made Ken take a moment to look at it, and even he stopped. We both thought it was great that Heinz had take the time to write those labels. It's just ketchup, but what a great message.
I hated having to go back to the Jury Room especially since it meant leaving Ken. Of course, by this point, I would have completely preferred to be at home reading than in the jury room.
At 2pm, my panel was finally called to the courtroom. It was for a criminal trial, so my curiosity was piqued. The judge apologized for the delay and then went on and on about how necessary jurors are in this great system and thank you for patiently waiting, etc.
OK, so
the jury I was being selected for was for a gun charge, specifically, Criminal
charge of possession of a firearm in a vehicle. I had many questions because if
the pistol was unloaded then it was only a misdemeanor and then there's all the
questions that follow that, how was it being transported, etc. But, I wasn't there to ask the
questions.
On a side-note, I am telling EVERYONE I know to NEVER have to go to trial in the High Desert. Out of the 46 people on this panel, I was the only one with a Master's Degree, there was one working on his Master's, 5 with a Bachelor's, a couple trade degrees, a couple Associate's degrees but 23 of them had not graduated from high school. Yeah, there's NO way to get a jury of our peers here.
So, I'm on the second set of people interviewed, so I hear the questions from the judge and both attorneys. When I sit down for my turn, I answered I had lived here for 10 years, I have a Master's Degree, Husband of 3 years is retired, blah, blah, blah. Judge asks if we have friends/family who are cops - yes, 3 in SB alone, family and friends elsewhere. OK, do we have any membership affiliations with guns one way or the other? Yes, I'm a lifetime NRA Member and an active member at the Apple Valley Gun Club. I'm the ONLY one out of 46 who had any affiliation either way.
The Defense attorney has NO questions for me. I know and he knows that he wants me on this jury. The Prosecutor was going to test and see if I was impartial. "So, Ms. Koehler, you have a Master's Degree but you're also part of the NRA. I can tell you're educated and study so I'm perplexed. What would have you supporting gun rights?" I answered, "Well, I enjoy the sport of shooting and have done so since my youth, and I enjoy the right to protect myself, and with so many wanting to remove my right, I have no choice but to align with a group that will protect that right even to extreme."
The Prosecutor thought that was a well thought out answer. Then he asked me, "But, you have to agree that laws are put into place to keep us safe, and even if you don't agree with those laws, then you still have to follow them and write your congressman or someone to change the laws, right." I smiled, "Yes, whether or not I agree with the law or feel that it's asinine is not the point. As a responsible adult, member of the community and gun owner, I follow the laws of my Town, County, Stated and Nation. That's how it's supposed to work."
He went on to others for a while, and then came back at me. "Again, Ms. Koehler, I just wanted to be sure that even if you cannot agree with a gun law, you still feel and understand that you still have to follow them." At this point, he's testing me, so I tested right back, "Yes sir, but now I wonder if you're speaking of California Gun Laws or Federal Gun Laws." He asks, "Well, what's the difference?" I responded, "Um, do you imply that you do not know the difference between the two sets of gun laws or that we should follow the laws no matter if they're State or Federal?"
The Prosecutor falters for a moment, regains his smile, and states, "I can see why you were confused. No, I meant that I did not understand why you would ask about the difference between State and Federal gun laws." To which I replied, "Well, seeing as you're prosecuting a gun charge, I would seriously hope that YOU would know the difference."
The other jurors giggled, as did the judge. The Bailiff was sitting forward listening now rather than paperwork as were both of the clerks. The Prosecutor was not happy. "Please, Ms. Koehler, enlighten me with even just ONE example." The Bastard was not even 6 inches away from me leaning on the table.
So, I took the gauntlet and ran because I still haven't learned to use the sensor button on my mouth yet.
"Well, you are familiar with the Brady Bill, correct?"
He answers, "Yes, that's for the Waiting Period to purchase guns."
"Yes, that's correct. Mr. Prosecutor, what IS the waiting period to but a gun - you should know since you said you own some.:
"It's 10 days."
"Yes, that is correct in California, but not under the Brady Bill."
The Prosecutor chuckles to himself, and if the man could have patted me on my head, I'm sure he would have.
"Oh, Ms. Koehler, EVERYONE knows that the waiting period is 10 days. You're mistaken."
"And this is why I'm concerned you're the one prosecuting a gun charge. I can say it's a good thing you're familiar with CA laws and he was arrested in CA, but the Brady Bill does not state 10 days. Mr. Brady was in the employment of the United States and was attached to the president. Unfortunately, a man who was previously convicted for a felony and prohibited under our laws from even touching a firearm managed to somehow GET a firearm and attempted to shoot the President which also hit Mr. Brady. While it is sad and tragic, it shows that if someone wants to get a gun badly enough they can. However, Mr. Brady's life experience caused him to make it difficult for law-abiding citizens to get a firearm, so there's the background checks and Waiting Period. However, the Brady Bill only calls for 3 days for each firearm. California was the one who said, 'I'll see your 3 and raise you 7" so we have a 10 day waiting period. Now, it's the law-abiding citizens who have a waiting period, not the criminals mind you, but this is your one example of how the Federal Law is different than the State."
The lady next to me who was saying she hated guns, had never held or seen one, and was afraid of guns, went, "Hmmmm. I never thought about it all like this before." And that's when I knew I would be gone. I knew the DA was going to make a case on bias against guns with the first series of people he kept.
I was the 2nd person excused by the DA on that round with his "thanks." Sadly, I wasn't dismissed until 4:45 pm. What a waste of a day. Of course, I did get through most of an entire new book, so that was good.
On a side-note, I am telling EVERYONE I know to NEVER have to go to trial in the High Desert. Out of the 46 people on this panel, I was the only one with a Master's Degree, there was one working on his Master's, 5 with a Bachelor's, a couple trade degrees, a couple Associate's degrees but 23 of them had not graduated from high school. Yeah, there's NO way to get a jury of our peers here.
So, I'm on the second set of people interviewed, so I hear the questions from the judge and both attorneys. When I sit down for my turn, I answered I had lived here for 10 years, I have a Master's Degree, Husband of 3 years is retired, blah, blah, blah. Judge asks if we have friends/family who are cops - yes, 3 in SB alone, family and friends elsewhere. OK, do we have any membership affiliations with guns one way or the other? Yes, I'm a lifetime NRA Member and an active member at the Apple Valley Gun Club. I'm the ONLY one out of 46 who had any affiliation either way.
The Defense attorney has NO questions for me. I know and he knows that he wants me on this jury. The Prosecutor was going to test and see if I was impartial. "So, Ms. Koehler, you have a Master's Degree but you're also part of the NRA. I can tell you're educated and study so I'm perplexed. What would have you supporting gun rights?" I answered, "Well, I enjoy the sport of shooting and have done so since my youth, and I enjoy the right to protect myself, and with so many wanting to remove my right, I have no choice but to align with a group that will protect that right even to extreme."
The Prosecutor thought that was a well thought out answer. Then he asked me, "But, you have to agree that laws are put into place to keep us safe, and even if you don't agree with those laws, then you still have to follow them and write your congressman or someone to change the laws, right." I smiled, "Yes, whether or not I agree with the law or feel that it's asinine is not the point. As a responsible adult, member of the community and gun owner, I follow the laws of my Town, County, Stated and Nation. That's how it's supposed to work."
He went on to others for a while, and then came back at me. "Again, Ms. Koehler, I just wanted to be sure that even if you cannot agree with a gun law, you still feel and understand that you still have to follow them." At this point, he's testing me, so I tested right back, "Yes sir, but now I wonder if you're speaking of California Gun Laws or Federal Gun Laws." He asks, "Well, what's the difference?" I responded, "Um, do you imply that you do not know the difference between the two sets of gun laws or that we should follow the laws no matter if they're State or Federal?"
The Prosecutor falters for a moment, regains his smile, and states, "I can see why you were confused. No, I meant that I did not understand why you would ask about the difference between State and Federal gun laws." To which I replied, "Well, seeing as you're prosecuting a gun charge, I would seriously hope that YOU would know the difference."
The other jurors giggled, as did the judge. The Bailiff was sitting forward listening now rather than paperwork as were both of the clerks. The Prosecutor was not happy. "Please, Ms. Koehler, enlighten me with even just ONE example." The Bastard was not even 6 inches away from me leaning on the table.
So, I took the gauntlet and ran because I still haven't learned to use the sensor button on my mouth yet.
"Well, you are familiar with the Brady Bill, correct?"
He answers, "Yes, that's for the Waiting Period to purchase guns."
"Yes, that's correct. Mr. Prosecutor, what IS the waiting period to but a gun - you should know since you said you own some.:
"It's 10 days."
"Yes, that is correct in California, but not under the Brady Bill."
The Prosecutor chuckles to himself, and if the man could have patted me on my head, I'm sure he would have.
"Oh, Ms. Koehler, EVERYONE knows that the waiting period is 10 days. You're mistaken."
"And this is why I'm concerned you're the one prosecuting a gun charge. I can say it's a good thing you're familiar with CA laws and he was arrested in CA, but the Brady Bill does not state 10 days. Mr. Brady was in the employment of the United States and was attached to the president. Unfortunately, a man who was previously convicted for a felony and prohibited under our laws from even touching a firearm managed to somehow GET a firearm and attempted to shoot the President which also hit Mr. Brady. While it is sad and tragic, it shows that if someone wants to get a gun badly enough they can. However, Mr. Brady's life experience caused him to make it difficult for law-abiding citizens to get a firearm, so there's the background checks and Waiting Period. However, the Brady Bill only calls for 3 days for each firearm. California was the one who said, 'I'll see your 3 and raise you 7" so we have a 10 day waiting period. Now, it's the law-abiding citizens who have a waiting period, not the criminals mind you, but this is your one example of how the Federal Law is different than the State."
The lady next to me who was saying she hated guns, had never held or seen one, and was afraid of guns, went, "Hmmmm. I never thought about it all like this before." And that's when I knew I would be gone. I knew the DA was going to make a case on bias against guns with the first series of people he kept.
I was the 2nd person excused by the DA on that round with his "thanks." Sadly, I wasn't dismissed until 4:45 pm. What a waste of a day. Of course, I did get through most of an entire new book, so that was good.
By the time I got home, Justin had actually come over. What a major surprise. That child hasn't been in our house more than 4 times in the last 12 months. I was amazed he actually showed up. Ken had spent time discussing things with him regarding gun physics, and whatever. I started asking him about his plans when his mom leaves for her "happiness." I probably should have waited and let him settle in with me, but I had a feeling I knew what his plans were, and he just didn't have time.
Sadly, I was again right - Justin is planning to get "emancipated" and then stay here and live in his mother's house. Holy shit! I started explaining to him the difference between an "Emancipated Minor" and an adult. He was not aware that even if he manages to convince a judge to emancipate him, he still can't vote, buy his cigarettes, etc. He won't be an adult. He and his mother hadn't thought about that. I made sure he knew that his mother would still be collecting child support money for him while she's away and he's left to survive on his own to which he became upset. He didn't know she was still going to get money for him, and yet he was facing paying utilities, homeowners insurance, bus fare, go to college all while not being able to find a job. Then Ken and I made sure that Justin understood that the GI Bill money comes AFTER he completes school - not before. Justin thought he would have money as soon as he starts school and because alarmed to find out that he wouldn't. Then we asked what he was going to do when he didn't receive GI money during his Breaks.
Justin started to panic - as well he should. I did my best to explain to him that even if he hadn't screwed up his life, there was no way for him to be prepared for all of this at this stage in his life. I asked if his mom was going to pay off the utilities or would he have a balance, was she going to ensure he had food, etc. and he said that he didn't know and it was supposed to be up to him to take care of everything - including his grandmother. Justin does not realize how much help his grandmother needs and there will not be any way to attend school, work, hang out with friends if he is listed as her caregiver. He was also not aware of this.
Unfortunately for him, Justin left last night with more questions than he knew how to answer and in total fear of his future. I reminded him that his mother has sole physical custody and until he's 18, her residency affects his. He wanted to argue, so I told him to look it up on his own.
Sheryl's unending selfishness never ceases to amaze me. I have asked her to inform me if she plans to move to Texas to be with the new Love of Her Life so I can make informed decisions about Law School for her boys if necessary, but she tells me it's none of my business about her personal life, and she has it all figured out - she'll keep Brian with her and then send him back to us just before graduation. Funny! I tried to ask her how she was going to do that if we moved for me to attend Law School and I got, "Oh, I didn't think about that." Then I reminded HER that Cal-Vet doesn't guarantee if residency is interrupted because of the custodial parents who are fucking with the Veteran and then returning the children to gain the benefits. I told her that the Veteran's Administration has caught on to this little trick and they don't like it. Hopefully, she'll let us know what to expect by the end of the week as promised, but I've made Sean, Justin and Brian at least think about things so they can make informed decisions.
It was a crazy day!! I was so glad to crawl into bed and fall into complete exhausted sleep.
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