RSS FeedLawyer Accused of Dealing Drugs
Or, when a cross-examination goes nuts.
Courtesy of ABA Journal,
A Michigan defense lawyer’s cross-examination of an informant went awry yesterday when the witness became angry and said the lawyer questioning him had sold drugs.
Informant David Maki’s outburst came after defense lawyer Tim Barkovic called him a liar and a snitch, the Detroit Free Press reports. Maki “got angry and said defiantly on the stand that Barkovic had sold drugs, after which the judge dismissed the jury,” the story reports.
Barkovic is representing a co-defendant accused of felony murder in a store robbery that left one clerk dead and another injured. Jurors were instructed to ignore the comments by Maki.
Judge Donald Miller of Macomb Circuit Court denied the co-defendant’s request for a new lawyer, the Detroit News reports.
Barkovic says the charge of selling drugs is ridiculous and sought a mistrial. Miller also denied that request, the Detroit Free Press reports in an updated account.
Man Busted for Impaired Operation of a Riding Mower
Last month, I discussed the potential criminal liability for the impaired operation of a motorized wheelchair in Canada.
On the topic of drunken care and control of non-traditional motor vehicles, the Grand Rapids Press reports the story of a Michigan man caught operating a riding lawnmower with a blood alcohol level of 0.441 percent. That level is over 5 times the legal limit in Michigan – 0.08. It’s also enough to put most casual drinkers into a coma.
Witnesses told police that Earhart earlier appeared to be slumped over the wheel of the mower as it went in circles in the intersection. He appeared to regain control at one point, but passed out again and was thrown to the ground. The mower continued until it struck a tree and lawn ornament. A witness shut off the engine.
The man has been criminally charged with drunk driving.
While this case may sound pretty funny, it’s obvious that the impaired operation of a riding mower in an intersection could easily have led to serious injury or death.
By the way, the man would have been criminally liable in Canada, too. While many people may like to have a few beers before mowing the lawn on a fine Sunday morning, operating a riding mower while impaired is an offence under section 253 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Don’t drink and drive, kids!
