Zoom and Doom: Judge Revokes Bond After Defendant’s Virtual Driving Gaffe

Judge J. Cedric Simpson of Washtenaw County canceled Harris’ bond and gave him until six o’clock that evening to turn himself in at the jail. CBS News stated that a bench warrant without bond would be issued for noncompliance. There has since been internet distribution of a court hearing video.

Judge Simpson asks, at the start of the film, “Mr. Harris, are you driving?”

I am actually pulling into my doctor’s office. Just give me a moment, Harris says. “I’m parking right now.”

Judge Simpson then inquires as to whether Harris has parked, to which Harris responds positively.

The footage shows Harris’ lawyer asking for a four-week adjournment. Judge Simpson says, “Maybe I’m not understanding anything. This is a case of driving with a suspended license.”

“That is right, your honor,” Harris’s lawyer says.

Then the judge says, “…and he was just driving and he didn’t have a license.”

Harris looks at his error and alters his expression.

“I don’t even know why he would do that, therefore the defendant’s bond is revoked in this matter,” Judge Simpson says. A bench warrant with no bond will follow failure to turn himself in.”

Rolling his head back, Harris yells, “Oh my god,” clearly frustrated.

Two days later Harris was let out of jail. June 5th is when the next court hearing is set, said CBS News.