We’ve received several questions about what happens to people getting probation. As we’ve explained before, it’s not a free walk. While people don’t stay locked up, their life is restricted. Most of the people we’ve seen receive probation get standard terms they must follow. Judge David Kaufman went through those limitations in the recent sentencing of a bar bouncer. It took Kaufman 18 minutes to fully explain the terms of probation. We’ve condensed it to 2 minutes. (Watch video after the jump)
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Public defender Lacy Gilmour compares her case to that of the prosecution in a recent theft trial before Judge Kaufman, and how it won an acquittal for her client.
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Beverly Mitchell went to trial this week accused of stealing an expensive piece of equipment from his former employer. But when the prosecutor asked the company’s human resources director why Mitchell no longer worked there, public defender Lacy Gilmour objected. Judge David Kaufman excused the jury, as happens frequently during trials for legal arguments. The judge had to decide if the jury needed to hear the answer.
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Dominique Willis, 18, got into an argument over $10. Willis punched another young man and took the money. He was charged with aggravated robbery and faced four years in prison, unless a judge departed from sentencing laws to grant probation.
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Ryan Benson was in jail awaiting his day in court in Sedgwick County. But because of crowding in the local jail, he was being held in Ottawa County. After trying unsuccessfully to get a hold of his public defender, Lacy Gilmour, Benson filed a motion to fire her as his lawyer. Gilmour explains the difficulties of contacting clients long distance.
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Lacy Gilmour drew a murder case this week and explained what she looks for in defending a crime of violence. Her client: Frederick Fritz, accused of a shooting spree inside a west Wichita apartment last month, killing one and wounding two others. According to one witness, the shooting didn’t stop Fritz from trying to flirt with her.
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People often look at plea bargains as a deal given to the defendant. But it also helps those harmed by crimes. Prosecutor Marc Bennett said that’s an ultimate goal in cases such as the sex abuse and attempted murder plea of Chris Newberry.
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After listening to people argue all day, judges enjoy the opportunity to hear people say, “I do.” Most judges in Sedgwick County perform marriages outside of regular court business for a $40-$50 honorarium. Jerry Chebultz, 64, of Wichita and Nadiya Hryhorenko, 42, of Ukraine were among those deciding on a courthouse wedding.
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Every day, deputies in the Judicial Division escort defendants between jail and court, often under stressful and emotional circumstances. Once in the courtroom, defendants may get a rare chance to see their families. Deputies such as David Rank have to make decisions on how much to let loved ones interact with those in custody while maintaining safety and security in the courtroom.
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