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Michigan Zoom Court Hearing While Diving Lands Him in Jail

Michigan judge is left speechless when suspended driver logs into Zoom court hearing from his car

May 30, 2024

A Michigan court hearing went viral after defendant Corey Harris, facing charges of driving with a suspended license, logged into the Zoom call while visibly behind the wheel of a car.

District Judge Cedric Simpson of Ann Arbor expressed disbelief in the video as Harris joined the call, his seatbelt and a moving vehicle clearly visible. Judge Simpson directly addressed Harris, asking, "Mr. Harris, are you driving?"

Harris attempted to explain, stating, "Actually, I'm pulling into my doctor's office. So just give me one second... I'm parking right now."

Courtroom footage shows the legal teams stunned, while others struggled to contain laughter. The judge, clearly flustered, pressed Harris to confirm if he was stationary, receiving another request for a brief delay.

In Michigan, a first offense for driving on a suspended license carries a potential fine of $500 and up to 93 days in jail. Second offenses can result in a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Michigan Zoom Court Hearing While Diving Lands Him in Jail

Harris's public defender attempted to mitigate potential penalties by requesting a four-week adjournment. However, Judge Simpson, visibly astonished, pointed out the contradictory nature of the situation. "This is a driving while license suspended case, and he was just driving, and didn't have a license," he stated.

Michigan Zoom Court Hearing While Diving Lands Him in Jail

The public defender conceded defeat, confirming the judge's observation. With a sigh, Judge Simpson remarked, "I don't even know why he would do that."

The judge's verdict was swift: Harris's bond was revoked, and he was ordered to turn himself in at the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 pm that day. The video concludes with Harris expressing shock at the swift decision.