Bryson win 1 and Brownfield win 1 and Judge Feeney adding humor to a packed day

Another day in Courtroom 1 where all the heavy hitters were present as far as private attorneys go locally. Patrik Griego, Russ Clanton, Mark Harris, Ben McLaughlin. On those days, I wish I had the time to report on all cases.

Lately with the Warren case, the Wortman case in Courtroom 1, and aftera  case in which Mr. Griego, Mr. Clanton and Mr. Harris were all appearing and then it was a case with the Clanton vs Griego showdown, Judge Feeney remarked, that there were a lot of "unusual circumstances" lately in his Courtroom. This has been leading to some rescheduling and continuances. He said, "Maybe I am a magnet" for such cases.

In an afternoon where the courtroom was packed with family members and defendants waiting to hear their fate, Judge Feeney did manage to lighten the mood for a bit.

I will use 2 cases today in which the defendant was represented by Kathleen Bryson to show why private attorneys make the big bucks but also a little kudos to Kathleen. I got to know Kathleen because I worked on her campaign in 2010 and at her office (I later supported Allison Jackson who I have known for a long time).  I consider Kathleen a friend.

It's not just about making the big bucks, (while other attorneys, private  or public defenders also care about their clients), Kathleen has a unique ability to see the humanness and reality in which many people find themselves in a pinch. She will advocate 200% for her clients. I have seen some people change their lives around because Kathleen represented them and believed in them.

In 1 case for Sherlette Colegrove, sentencing was continued because of when Ms. Bryson received  the Probation report and needed time to prepare a formal written statement to advocate for her client. Judge Feeney granted Ms. Bryson's request for continuance for sentencing because the Court also just received the report on Monday and Judge Feeney said he was not surprised with the request for continuance.

Mr. Brownfield did object. Sentencing is now on April 3 at 2 p.m.

In another case, Tristan Crossland, there were 3 cases, one of which was a felony probation case. In all 3 cases, petition to revoke bail was filed. Ms. Bryson entered denials on behalf of her client. Probation had recommended that Crossland be remanded into custody and had given reasons. There was also another case in Courtroom 2.

Ms. Bryson presented an argument why her client had not been able to meet the condition of Probation for a program, that he had a job and had retained her because he wants to stay out of jail.

Because of a fresh complaint and the charges against him, Mr. Brownfield said that he should be remanded. Judge Feeney agreed with Probabtion and the People citing concerns for public safety. Crossland was cuffed in open court and taken into custody.  Ms. Bryson still argued a couple of times after Judge Feeney's decision as to why her client should not be in jail. Even after a bail revocation hearing was scheduled. Finally the Judge agreed to an OR bail hearing tomorrow at 2 p.m.

I have not been following either case so I do not have details and while this may not seem exciting to some, it shows the human side of the criminal justice system.