This program is made possible by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you. Thank you, >> M. Mr. Mr. Mrick. Uh, explain council. >> Okay. >> I'll just have him acknowledge on on the record and then u I'll let you take it from there. >> We got Mr. by Rick coming back closer to >> I get the impression that he may be filing a special appearance on behalf of a sovereign student citizen. Thank you and welcome to facts or frauds. Hey, we've got Mr. Mrick back. This is 2500183. People of the city of Berkeley versus Kamage Daku my ripp I'm just gonna acknowledge uh my presence for the record Patrick Gagnik I'm here as appointed counsel on behalf of the arraignment docket this morning um I did speak to uh Mr. Mrick uh in private I did uh explain to him he does have the right to counsel um I explained uh to him um obviously that right uh he's indicated to me unequivocally that he does not want counsel Mr. Mrick, is that a fair statement? >> That is a fair statement. >> So, with that said, I'm I'm here and present. But, um, with that, I believe Mr. Merrick will will address the court on his own behalf. >> Mrick, you have the right to decline counsel. You also have the right to change your mind. If you do, just notify the court. >> Yes, sir. >> You've been charged in this citation. that was issued on the 22nd day of January at about 5:58 in the morning with driving in the city of Berkeley on Henley near Franklin Street while your license to do so was suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a crime for which you could be incarcerated up to 93 days and/or fined $500. You have a right to a trial. Trial can be before a judge or a jury. You can act as your own attorney or you can be represented by councel. If you cannot afford to retain your own attorney, an attorney can be appointed for you. You'd have the right to confront and cross-examine the witnesses against you. You'd have the right to testify yourself or not to testify. In the event that you choose not to testify, your silence cannot be used against you. You have the right to be presumed innocent until you're proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court's going to enter a plea of not guilty on your behalf. >> No, sir. I I I don't I don't even understand the um the charges here. >> The charge is driving a car on the streets of the city of Berkeley while you're not licensed. You're suspended. That's the allegation. Well, I I I totally understand and I I I would um I would love to plead your honor, but before I have some I have some questions on the record um before moving forward and concerning the um the um subject matter of of of the jurisdiction and the nature and cause of the action that's brought against me. The nature of the cause brought against you is a criminal charge. >> Okay. >> Alleging that you were operating motor vehicle on the streets of the city of Berkeley while your driver's license was suspend suspended by the Michigan Secretary of State. That is the nature of the charges brought against you. Uh >> thank you honor. For the record, um are you saying that um these are criminal charges? >> Yeah. Okay. Y um uh further um that that brings um a little little bit more confusion for me. Um because uh under uh the constitution um there there there two criminal um jurisdictions. One is under the common law and the other one is um under admir and um that's a uh military tri tribunal venue. Um and art under article one section 8 uh clause 17 uh which which one of these criminal jurisdictions am I being brought up brought on charges under? >> Mr. Mike, your perception as to the nature of the constitution and its implications is grossly distorted. You're not dealing with reality. >> Objection, honor. >> You can object all day long, but the bottom line is that what you are alleged with doing is a crime and you can face criminal you are facing criminal prosecution here with a potential jail sentence of 93 days. Now, this isn't complicated. If you want to come up with words that don't make sense, keep talking. But the bottom line is that there's no correlation with what's going on here. and adm law whatsoever. And the common law is a civil concept. We have statutes in the state of Michigan as do all 50 of the states. The federal courts have statutes and common law is a civil thing. There's no common law crimes. >> Exactly. So So you you've ruled out the common law, your honor. So um the the other criminal jurisdiction that that um I can be brought under in charges under is under admiral and that is a military tribunal. >> There is no basis in law or fact for the conclusion that you stated sir >> your honor you I'm under a a a criminal this is a criminal charge correct? >> Yeah. So which of the two criminal criminal jurisdoes that you have spoken to? >> Wow. >> You are misreading the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Michigan and the statutes that are brought against you here. There's nothing to do with Admiral T. You weren't in a boat. >> Well, your honor, um you you you um h you two have a um a sworn oath of office. Correct. >> I am sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and the statutes related there, too. And that means that I'm not going to >> So you do have a a sixth amendment obligation to inform me of what jurisdiction >> I have done that I have told you that the people of the city of Berkeley have brought charges against you. >> Well, your your honor, the the people is is not a person. If if I'm being brought up under criminal charges, there needs to be a corporate delecti, which there isn't. So, I'm asking you, >> do you know any other legal words? Why don't you just mix and match them here? >> Well, this this >> maybe you could get a Department of Labor form and read a couple docu couple lines of that into this record, too. Or maybe you'd like to deal with the probate code. But the reality, sir, is that you've been charged with a city ordinance violation. It's clear what the ordinance says. It's clear what you've been charged with. You have a right to be presumed innocent and you have a right to a trial. We're going to set this for a pre-trial before the trial. You'll be notified by mail. Do you still live on Menota? >> I do, but I I I have not have not issued a plea, your honor. >> I have entered a plea of not guilty on your behalf. >> I object. I did not enter a plea. I do not I have not I just did. Your your honor, >> what is your phone number? >> There there is no plea that you can put enter in because I didn't I didn't voluntarily enter in the plea. Your honor, I'm asking you, your honor, >> you want me to enter under the two jurisdictions that I >> There's not two jurisdictions only. >> Mr. My Rick, that's what your conclusion that there's only two jurisdictions here is absolutely without merit in your >> honor. You said that this is a criminal charge. I'm asking you, your honor, >> I'm asking you what your phone number is. Let's get down to basics here. You're making this very hard on yourself. >> Your honor, I am I am I assert my my right, your honor. And >> what is your phone number? Your honor, >> what is your phone number? >> My phone number, your honor, is >> Yes, I'd like to know it. Your >> your honor, we haven't even established what jurisdiction we're in. >> We have I I have established that. I told you it's the people of the city of Berkeley have brought the charges against you. Your honor, you said that three times. >> You stated you stated on the record that these were criminal charges, your honor. I need to have an understanding. Uh by the constitution, your honor, there are only two criminal charges. Does the constitution say you have to have an understanding? >> Say again, your honor. >> Where does the constitution say you have to have an understanding? >> By the sixth amendment, your honor, the >> amendment says you have to understand the sixth amendment can't make you understand if you're being unreasonable. >> Your honor, I have the right to understand what jurisdiction I'm being brought under. And you have an obligation to inform me of that jurisdiction, >> which I have done 17 constitution under article 1, section 8, clause 17, your honor. >> Mr. Mrick, your bond is $1,000 cash or shity. It must be paid within 48 hours or there'll be a warrant issued for your arrest. >> Your honor, >> that's done. We're through. Good luck. Get your own lawyer. >> Your honor, you have not given me a jurisdiction, your honor. given you a jurisdiction four times. I'm not going to waste any time. I I think you um there was some a disconnection or something. >> No, I disconnected you. If you want to continue, come to the courthouse, sir. >> Your your honor. >> Come to the courthouse if you want to continue the conversation. I would like to move for dismissal. >> I would like it's not going to be re >> I would like to move. >> You're gone. >> Okay. Uh so is that Mr. Mrick? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, Mr. uh Mrick, uh good morning. It's uh I've got this set for a pre-trial. Um now, I have a note here that said that uh you were not interested in court appointing counsel, which is fine. Um uh so basically at this point in time it's a pre-trial. So I would set you up with a breakout room with the prosecutor to see you know what their if they have any offers or what their story is. I just want to make sure you know when you go in there like you don't have an attorney with you and they're the attorney on the other side. They may give you an offer that you like, then that's fine. But I just want to make sure that you know that at any point in time, if you don't, you know, if you don't um, you know, like the way the conversation is heading, if you uh if you change your mind and you do want to come back and ask for an attorney, just come back and let me know. Okay. >> Okay. Um before I before I get into the breakout um your honor I I do want to address we are in in the pre-trial stage and um in the arraignment stage um I was entered a plea um involuntarily. So um I would I would love to um have an ample amount of time to draw a meaningful defense if anything. Um there was there was some questionable things that um the last judge um mentioned that I have I haven't found at all as far as a statutory jurisdiction. Um but I would like to have time to draw draw a meaningful defense as well. >> Okay. So do you not want to meet with the prosecutor then? Uh well, I I I I don't I I don't think it's it's is completely prudent right now simply because we haven't um technically um went past the the arraignment um stage of of of this process. Um I I I feel as if my my due process um has been violated um fifth and 14th amendment. I I didn't I didn't I didn't enter a plea and here we are in pre-trial. So, I would like to um kind of digress a little bit and have a have at least a enough time for to to develop a meaningful defense. >> Okay. I guess I'm a So, I'm a little confused. So, you had a an arraignment date. Um and at that arraignment date, um did you refuse to to to enter did you refuse to enter a plea? Because that's the time where where a plea of some sort has to be entered. So at that point in time, did you of your own valition say I'm not saying anything at all? >> Well, it that wasn't totally the case, but I didn't have understanding of um what court I was in and I didn't understand if it was a criminal jurisdiction, civil jurisdiction, and um based on the um the at least the federal laws for sure. Um it it we didn't get we didn't come up to an understanding. So um >> Okay. So, were you in So, so just so I understand, were you in custody at the time you were arraigned? Were you uh in custody? >> No. >> No, sir. >> Okay. So, how did you know how to even zoom in and get here? >> Say that again. >> How did you How did you know like for the arraignment like if So, often times when there's an arraignment that that happens when someone's been arrested and they're sitting in custody. Okay. Or uh if they've received a ticket or some sort of notification. Um, so you just you just said to me that you you didn't even know what court you were in. So I just wanted to know like how did you know how to how to get here? How did you know how to zoom in? Cuz the information contains all of our all of our like what court it is, what magist like all that's contained in there. So I just um How did you know otherwise? >> No, I I I did I did receive a ticket and um and I and I got I got notice. Um, but the what what my what my issue was was appearing here on special appearance today and and and and I wanted to I needed to get understanding of what jurisdiction I was in. >> Okay. All right. So I because I definitely want to make sure that people know where they're supposed to be. So I'm So I think I'm looking at the same ticket that you had. So it says it says on the ticket >> 44th District Court Royal Oak. Um, and then the court address is on there and then you said that you received notice. So, the notice that went out, it would have had the Zoom instructions. Again, I'm I Mr. Byer, as you can imagine, we are, you know, I'm always very concerned of making sure people have the proper notification and all that. So, it does appear that I mean, you're here a second time. The only thing that I was the only thing that I was, you know, now looking at the file here, um, you were ordered to post a bond and you and you didn't. Now, um, that was I'm I'm reading the notes here. It says, uh, there was a a bond of a,000 cash, not no 10%. So, $1,000 bond was expected to be paid within 48 hours. Now, Mr. Meyer, um, we're here today. You showed up on time. So one of the reasons that a bond is is is is ordered is one for the you know safety of the community and two to a secure appearance. Well you've here you come here a second time and so I am very comfortable that you are going to continue to show up. So I at the very least for you Mr. from my today. As long as you, you know, continue to, uh, abide by the expectation that you'll show up and you have twice now, uh, I'm going to actually amend that bond. So, the even though you were supposed to do it within 40 hours and you didn't, okay, the fact that you showed up here again, at least to me, is enough evidence to um to suggest that uh I can count on your appearance going forward. So, yeah, that's right. >> I'm going to amend the bond. to a personal bond. Okay, that remember that's not a cash bond. It's just your personal promise that you'll continue to show up for court dates as you have so far. So, um >> I amend this to a 1,00 personal due to defendants multiple ontime appearances. And and what I'm ultimately um asking your honor is is that um if if I can have more time to um I I I don't have any discovery. I I don't I don't have any I I don't have what I need to to um to assess to move forward. So if if I can have more time um >> I have no problem I have no problem during the pre-trial so that you could do some more uh information gathering. Um just to let you know Mr. Mrick, again, um, like our court, uh, as you can imagine with 69675 Woodward, you know, we have a lot of traffic misdemeanor that come through this court and one of the our signature programs that we've been doing for the last 8 years is, you know, trying to really help people um because I I I would imagine that you you you you pay attention to, you know, the the challenges of the Metro Detroit area and and public transportation issues and people's ability to get around and how many people over time have, you know, got themselves in this cycle of, you know, uh, they have to drive, but they, you know, they and they pick up a ticket and they can't pay that ticket, so the license gets suspended and they get stuck in this cycle forever and ever and ever. Okay. Well, in our in our operation drive program, what we've done over the last now we're in last 8 to 10 years, we keeping stats since March of 2016. So, in the last nine years, we're over 1,700 licenses restored. So, like that's something that we try to do is make sure that we inform, educate, get people um the information that they need, which Mr. Mrick, you could probably imagine um for years and years the court system hasn't been great about letting people know even where to start, how to get their license. So, in the meantime, while you're doing your investigation, I at least want to let you know um >> bear with me. I just have to I'm just looking at what's on on your record so that you can >> um >> at least let at least know because some people don't even know like where to start, how to go, what to do. >> And the law and the law has changed in a significant way. Used to be that every single little ticket that you get would suspend your license. Now it's only a couple tickets here and there that do that. So, um Okay. So, >> I'm very honored, your honor, um to be in your courtroom. I think you're the you're the one that I've heard so much good news about um goodwill and good-hearted um judge. Um that that that assists the public to oppose to um the opposite. So, I I I truly appreciate your efforts here. Thank you very much. Well, >> you're welcome. So, all right. So, um, so just to give you a heads up, I mean, you I would imagine that over the time because I mean, to be fair, it's it's it's been a while since you since you had a license, um, that that um um that that there might be, you know, like this this idea that there's a lot of there's a ton of tickets that are holding you up to there's actually only there's actually only two tickets only two tickets that are actually suspending your license. Um there's one and one no proof insurance from like 2005. Um and one from 20 and that one's in Detroit. Okay. Now you might have a number of tickets in Detroit, but basically now you can be surgical in your approach instead of having to pay the whole boat. You could pick the one that is uh suspending your license. Uh now you'll ultimately pay them all, but as you know, Mr. market. It's a lot easier to pay off tickets if you have a job that you can get to reliably without having to pay for Uber, Lift, all that kind of stuff. >> And so, or looking over your shoulder all the time, rolling the dice. >> And so, you know, what we try to do is is let's get in there, make a surgical approach, take care of the tickets that are actually suspending you. >> Yes, sir. >> And then and then you can get about the business of taking care of the other ones, you know, once you get your your feet underneath, you know. >> Yes, sir. So, so it's there's a 2005 no proof insurance out of Detroit and a 2009 out of Allen Park. Now, >> um if those two are taken care of, all that's left, all that's left is a 125 reinstatement fee with the Secretary of State. >> Um and so you've got those those two. All right. The NO the the um the 125 reinstatement Secretary of State. Now, since you haven't had a license in a while, I'm not going to sugar coat it. you're going to have to take the written and road test again. Um, but again, after all this time, after all this, you know, energy and and frustration with the the process to have to sit down and take a a written test and Mr. Mrick, obviously you aware of your rights and you know how to study and do the work. You pass a written test, no problem. And then the road test would you could take that right away. So, literally, Mr. Mrick, um, you know, again, I'm going to give you whatever time you need, but, um, you're actually probably closer than you've been in 20 years to getting a license. If, again, you decide if that's a priority for you, but again, I I >> It is, your honor. It is, and it has been daunting. Has been daunting. See, I get the and I get the sense too that so much of the so the the the the frustration with the processes uh is is is in so many ways justified. Um because that I mean Mr. Mrick, that's what I was seeing for years. People were coming in and the the the basically the the the system turned um individuals who are otherwise law-abiding, hardworking people just couldn't pay a ticket and then made them feel like criminals and just and they they weren't. And so what we've been doing, and it's so funny, Michelle's here. She's one of my Operation Drive attorneys. I mean, like that's what we do. We we we get people back to work. We get people back to, you know, not walking around in a virtual prison. So >> thank you, L. >> So, all right. So, um, uh, let me see. One, one piece of advice that I can give you, too, is you can actually look up. There's not like there's not like some secret, uh, um, judge website. You can actually look up and see how much the ticket is. Can you if I let me let me do this real quick. I'm gonna chat. I'm gonna send you a chat right now. Just let me tell me if this pops up on your end. Okay. >> Okay. >> It just say chat. Is that Did that come up on your end? >> I did. I I do see a notification when I click it right now. >> Perfect. No, I mean Yeah. I just want to make sure you could see it. Okay. So, >> yes, sir. If uh let's see here. So if you so the 36 district court the only challenge I will say though is that um because his Mr. Chappelle because his tickets are from is his is no proof insurance is from 2005. Are those going to be harder to look up um because they're >> outside? >> I the criminal matters are the sevenyear. I can probably still find the 2005. >> Okay. cuz I just want to make sure I'm going to look this up cuz I want to see if we can figure out how much that ticket actually is so that before he leaves today you even you know what the >> Do you mind if I grab a pen your honor so I can um take record as you >> Yeah, go ahead. >> Yeah, go ahead. >> I don't want to fight get into in the way of Mr. Chapel's excellent work today. >> Okay, so Mr. Mrick, I I'm gonna share my I'm gonna share my screen. Okay, real quick. So you can see. All right. Okay. So, can you see this? Um, it should be like it says court case inquiry. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. All right. So, I'm just going to go back real quick. So, I I literally just Googled 36 district court case lookup. So, again, anybody can do this. All right. And then it got to this uh screen that says look up case balance and I clicked on accept view case balance and then it gives me a register of actions. Okay. So, Uh, I'm going to I'm going to try and I and and I I'm I'm hopeful that we still will be able to pull up at least find out what the balance is on this ticket. See that's these are you know these are just to give you an idea Mr. All right, this is some of the issues that we run into is because people try to track down things and because of some age of the matters, things like that, it might not be immediately easy to um to discover. But let's I'm going to take a look just real quick at some of these outstanding tickets just to make sure. Yeah. So, it only has anything. It only has It looks like to me it doesn't have his old stuff easy to access. Um was there a different spelling of your name ever, sir? >> No, sir. >> Okay. All right. So, I'm going to Here's what I want. I'm going to give you Okay. Remember when I sent you this chat? I'm going to send you the actual ticket number. All right. >> Yes, sir. >> My only frustration is I can't give you the dollar amount, but traditionally on a no proof insurance, Mr. Chip probably down at the 36. They usually been a max like 288, right? >> It it'll either be 288 or 336. >> Okay. So, there is Did you get that chat from me right now? It should have come through. >> All right. I missed a notification. Can I >> No problem. I'll do it again. >> Okay. >> Gotcha. >> Okay. All right. So, um, and then I'm going to c I'm also going to send you the Alen Park ticket number. Okay. And I don't know. Does Alen Park have a lookup, Mr. Pell at all? >> Yeah, we do. I can try to look it up for him. So, so your honor, are these two ticket numbers that you gave that you sent me in the chat? >> The first one, no. So, the first one I gave you, I just I did it on repeat. Okay. That's the That's the 2005 no proof insurance out of Detroit. So, if you contact Detroit, give them that ticket number and say or if you even want to show up there, just go and walk in there and say, "I'm here to pay this ticket. How much is it?" >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. And then once you pay that ticket, then they send a clearance to the Secretary of State. Then that's one down. We got one to go. And now I'm going to send you the Oak Park or sorry the the Allen Park ticket. Um and Miss Chappelle, you'll be able to see this once I send this. Um I'll just send this in the general chat. If you're at Okay. Do you see that? Um Mr. Mrick. >> Yes. Yes, sir. I do see it. I'm recording it right now. >> And and this is the 2009, right? Exactly. 2009 out of Allen Park. >> And there is a lookup judge, but I'm not finding that ticket. >> Okay. So, um yeah. So, that's So, so and it looks like that's the only ticket out of Allen Park. So, you should be able to call up there, say, "Here's my ticket number. I'd like to pay this ticket." Okay. Um now, uh from my familiarity, just so you know as well, um like the uh uh the Berkeley prosecutor, uh if if someone is going to get engaged with our operation program, usually there's a a reduction um to a um a non-traffic misdemeanor, so it doesn't go on your record, doesn't extend it. Um, and so in addition to you looking into your own um um defenses and things like that, all the things you're doing will also put yourself in a better position um to have a good resolution from the Berkeley prosecutor on this one. Even if you decide, okay, well, I don't really have the defenses to this, but I I definitely don't want to extend my suspension. I don't want any any points to go on my record to push this out further. Okay. >> All right. But once those two tickets are done, >> then um >> I think I just found it, judge. >> Did you? >> I think so. I um the 2009. Is that what we're dealing with from >> 2009? Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Sorry, the system's kind of slow today. >> That's all right. >> All right. So there is a drove by licenses and this is um the spelling of the name's accurate. It was an order of analyst regarding a drove a license suspended but they still have a $45 fee showing. And then going back there's three separate tickets. And then going back to the second ticket um is judge you're thinking it's an NOI. >> Yeah, it should be an NPOI. >> All right. Because All of which are showing 45s. >> Really? >> Yeah. So, let me look at the second one. Sorry it's taking so long. >> That's right. That'd be great news because that would be just $45. >> No proof of insurance. This one was a default judgment. It is showing $45. Um, but it is showing a bond um that you posted, sir, back in 2009 of 398. I think they took that. So perhaps they applied it to that fee and they just want the 45. That may be the answer on that one. >> So So okay. So best case best case scenario they'll let you just pay the 45. Okay. Worst case scenario they'll want the $45 on each of the old tickets. So 135. So best case scenario 45. Worst case scenario 135. But that's Alen Park. >> Wow. That's right. >> And that's 24th district court. Sir, if you're looking it up, >> 24th district, >> and it's interesting because these are very old cases, but the close date on the third ticket is 2017. And now I'm getting error readings. So, but there's just three. Looks like you had your bond taken on the no proof because perhaps you didn't go back and that may satisfy that. >> All right. So, Mr. Mrick, so here's what we're going to do. I'm going to bump this out a couple weeks. you get to work chopping away at that kind of stuff. But I will say this, um, I only want to bump it out a couple weeks because if you get those things done, all right, I want you to come back and see me, I'll we'll be able to run a new driving record. We'll see if by doing that, all right, that they follow through and let the Secretary of State know because if they take your money and they don't let the Secretary of State know, then the suspensions remain. And then we can we can even contact the Secretary of State and just make sure that they know like, oh, by the way, he paid those. Um, and then, uh, when you come back here, um, you know, you can give me an update. And, but just know if you've paid those two tickets, you should be able to go to the Secretary of State and, um, uh, uh, pay the reinstatement fee and go from there. So, what do you think? A couple weeks. >> Um, safely to say, I would say 30 days or >> No problem. No problem. >> Thank you, honor. I appreciate you dearly, too. Thank you very much. You're >> welcome. All right. So, we'll adjourn this four weeks um and we'll send notice again and then um just do me a favor, Mr. Mrick. If you run into issues, um I'm going to send I'm going to send you our direct line here at the court. >> Thank you very much. And um for example um if you do decide if you're running into issues we I certainly can connect with uh Mr. Angot, Mr. Mr. Chapell there. Um Mr. Angot's our MIDC coordinator. Uh I know that you initially we're not inclined to go with assigned counsel. But what Mr. Chappelle is doing today is exactly what would be done. So, um, if you just reach out to us, let us know. Like if you're running into brick walls and you say like, "I would like an attorney attached to this case," >> then call us and we'll get it done. Um, so here's the number directly. >> Yes, sir. >> I just send it to you. Um, >> I can just give it to you. It's 248246. >> No, I'm in I'm in the chat, your honor. I see it. 248 >> 246 3651. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, um I look forward to seeing what you can get done, Mr. Mrick. Again, I I could I could tell you are a person of conviction and uh that you are are willing to do uh what it takes, but um certainly have been very frustrated by the the way in which the process has worked for the last 20 years. So, let's see if we can uh change the narrative here. Okay. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I really appreciate that. That that that makes my heart sing. All right. Good luck to you, sir. We'll send you a note. See you in four weeks. Thank you. >> Take care. Okay. 2500183 people versus Mrick. >> Your honor, Elizabeth Chappelle on behalf of Kamosh Mrick. Sir, if you could state your full name for the record. >> Uh Kimash Mrick for the record. >> Sorry about that, sir. Uh your honor, date and time set for a pre-trial in this matter. Um I have spoken to uh Mr. Mrick regarding the charge, the penalty as well as his rights. He understands those. He also understands the plea offer which he would like to avail himself and that is to plead down to one count of allowing an unlicensed person to drive. We have already identified the ticket that is causing the suspension. Once again, your court staff is amazing and Miss Bonet reached out to the court and um they have allowed him to pay just the one that is suspending him. >> And also on top of that, judge there is a price reduction and amnesty. So, he's getting a big break in the in the fine as well. So, as soon as we get off this Zoom, he's going to go ahead and pay that ticket, but he'll still need to need to take the written in road. So, I'd like you to take him into operation drive with us. >> No problem. I'm I listen from the very first time I met Mr. Eric, there was, you know, you know, there was just, you know, that that real frustration that so many uh uh people that we we work with um have because they've experienced just brick wall after brick wall after brick wall and you know, not information and encouragement, but just like you know, prejudgment and and um you know, making the determination that okay, well, because of this, they they just don't want a license or they they don't deserve a license. and and and the court system has has for many years, Mr. B, we've seen it a lot of times um with the laws that were in place and the way the court treated this. We turned people who are not criminals and and made them, you know, feel like criminals and and so I was so grateful when Mr. Meyer and I started talking that he could at least see that this court was a a different place. We we operate differently. Um I think by doing so, we've been wildly successful. um and and really helping people turn their lives around and and reminding people that they're they're people and and um that our goal is to meet them where they're at and and try to figure out how to push forward. And so um it's been for me uh a really um rewarding process and I just hope for Mr. from myri that together the two of us um you know and obviously now bringing M chapel in as well the three of us like you know we're we're we're changing you know one person at a time um how the reality is for so many people who find themselves in the court system and the more we do this the more we keep showing that there's a better way a really great way to handle these things you know other courts are starting to take notice we finally you know we our program what we They're now they get it. They got it going in Troy. There's one in Rochester that's getting started up. We're we're we're spreading because when something this good happens like we didn't know each other before this started, right, Mr. Mrick? >> Right. Correct. Yeah. >> And we both had we we both had to take a leap of faith. You had to trust that I was different than any other court that you had dealt with, you know, and I had to I had to I had to see that that I didn't have a bad guy in front of me at all. >> So, This is exciting news. I'm so happy about this Allen Park situation. This is this this is a sooner rather than later thing for Mr. uh Mrick. This is he's going to get his license, you know, and it's just it's not a it's not a an if anymore. It's a when. >> Absolutely. >> So, and the good thing is is that this is >> I like to fully explain this. This charge that you're pleading to now, just remember this isn't like a uh some sort of bait and switch or anything like this. This charge does not go on your driving record. There won't be any extension of any suspension. It's a it's a non-abstractable offense. If you if you actually look at the the charge itself allowing a licensed person to drive, there's no driving portion of it. So, they can't use it against you. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Mr. Merrick, please raise your right hand. All right. You swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, be God. >> So, help me God. >> All right. Please put your hand down, sir. All right. Can you um read, write, and understand the English language? Yes, sir. >> Can you hear and understand me? >> Yes, sir. >> Have you had a full chance to discuss this with Miss Chapelli? >> Yes, sir. >> And are you satisfied with her advice? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Uh, you're pleading guilty to allowing a licensed person to drive. The driving while I suspend it is dismissed. Allowing a licensed person to drive is a misdemeanor carrying with it. And these are maximums. Once you get your license, I don't go anywhere near this. U maximum possible fine of $500 plus cost and up to 93 days in jail. all at this court's discretion. Before you enter a plea, you should understand you have the right to represent yourself or be represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you at public expense. We have the right to a trial either by me or by a jury. At that trial, you'd have the right to confront, cross-examine, question all witnesses brought against you. You'd have the right to have the court subpoena witnesses on your behalf. You'd have the right to testify if you wanted to, remain silent if you wanted to, and no one could say anything about you remaining silent. As you appear before this court, you're presumed innocent of this charge, and your guilt has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Sir, do you understand that once you enter a plea, you give up all those rights that I just said that you'd have at a trial? >> Yes, sir. >> Once you plead guilty, there'll be no trial. You understand that? >> Yes, sir. >> Anybody promise you or threaten you in any way other than the reduction in charge? >> No, sir. >> Um, it's your own choice to do this? >> Say yes, sir. >> Sure. It's it's your own choice. Your own free choice to do this. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. It's real simple. January 22nd of this year, 2025, were you in the city of Berkeley? >> Yes, sir. >> And did you allow an unlicensed person to drive your vehicle? That person being you? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Satisfied, Mr. Belly. >> Yes, your honor. Thank you. >> Uh I too am satisfied. The plea is knowing, voluntary, and accurate. I will accept the same. All right. So, just so I know, so I can set the next review date. So, um he'll do the written and road, but uh he he did have a license before. So, they won't make him wait. They won't make him wait the 30 days. No, he's going to start that process of looking into that next week. He wants to get this done. He's a realer judge and he needs it's spring and all the houses are going up for sale. Absolutely. >> We don't want him to get behind in the, you know, making money for that. So, he's motivated to get this done. I >> actually think Mr. Mike, you'd be very obviously I uh I didn't know your profession, but but I I feel like that that you would be very good at that. Um, do you enjoy that profession? >> I do. I do, your honor. I'm I'm I'm uh just getting ramping up and um and I just love to work with people and and uh of course real estate is a is a um big big choice and big big goal and uh so I it's it's a big honor for me to help people reach their goals. >> Well, you get it then. You get what it's like to to see somebody have, you know, a goal and a dream and and and be a part of their uh opportunity to realize that. This is I'm I'm really excited about this, Mr. Chappelle, on a number of levels. I'm so grateful for you for for for sticking with Mr. Mrick and getting him all the information he needs and for Mr. Mrick, you know, sort of believing in what this court had to offer. Um because it's going to happen. So, I'll bump this out. Um what 45 days, Mr. Bell? You think you'll have it by? >> Yeah. And abs, you know, Mr. Mrick, nothing will nothing pending here is going to prevent you from doing what you want to do. So, even though he puts it out 45 days, you'll probably come in with a valid license next time we see you. >> Yeah, that that's that that is absolutely the goal. >> Yeah, let's do it. Let's do it. All right. >> It's great to see you, Mr. Mrick. Uh, I've enjoyed all of our conversations and I'm looking forward to our last one where we talk about you having a license. Okay. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I really appreciate you, honor. You're you're the you're the greatest. You're absolutely the greatest and um I can't say enough about you. I I don't even want to be in tears right now, but >> I really appreciate you. >> Well, you're welcome, Mr. Mrick. Um, and just, you know, there'll be other, you know, I I I tell people all the time, if you ever hear family members or friends or people who are struggling, you know, just just remind them we got all these there's all these clinics that are out there now, you know, that the days of being hopeless and lost. We've done a lot of work in changing the laws. We've been trying to change the the the court system as best as we can. You know, there are people who are still hopeless and we just spread the word like, hey, it happened for me. It can happen for you, too. >> The world needs more of you for sure. >> That's for sure. >> All right. Take care, sir. Thank you. Have a great day. I'll see you soon. Okay. >> Thank you. >> 2500183. >> Ready your honor. John, appearing on behalf of Mr. Merrick. How you doing, Mr. Merrick? >> I didn't do it. >> Good. Good. I'm just pulling up the note here, judge. One moment. No. Uh, >> and Mr. Mrick, for some reason the just so you know, the um the um our connection is not super great. So, I'm going to just stop your video temporarily. I know it's you. I recognize your voice. And just let the audio come through so that there's no break in the action. Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. See, that's that's better. You sound better. Like, I can hear you better. Okay. And I know he's worked with M Chappelle before, so we got a real team going with Mr. Mrick. We want to make sure uh I'm very invested and very interested in making sure that Mr. Mrick is able to to reach the finish line. Um Mr. Angot, how are things going? Where do we stand? >> One more bump in the road. Just a no proof in Allen Park. Once that's paid, then it's a written and road test back to the uh the golden ticket in his pocket. >> All right. So, and we've talked about this before with the what's what's what's the story with Alen Park? >> I paid I paid a ticket. Um, I I paid a ticket. I believe that's the ticket that was holding me up, right, Y? >> Yes, that's Yes. Yes. When did you pay that? >> Yeah, I paid that ticket. >> When did you do that? >> Uh, I paid it. Exact, but I knew. But I did take a screenshot the confirmation of me paying that ticket. I just don't have my laptop with me. I'm on a job right now. >> No problem. So So >> I'm going to look, judge. >> Let's We're going to look it up. We're going to look it up. >> If I could just add that Miss Bonet helped >> the cheapest I found >> um reduced um >> Right. It was amnesty. Yeah. >> Yep. It had gotten late. So, so they allowed him to pay the 190, right, Mr. Merrick? >> Yes. And then it came out to like it came out to like 235, >> right? >> And uh >> that was um >> it was paid. >> Did you pay by April 20th? >> What they're showing me? >> Right. I paid it like u maybe two or three days before. >> There's still the 45. Unfortunately, the $45 reinstate or clearance fee is still outstanding. >> What? >> That's what they're showing. Okay, hang on, Miss Miss Bonet. I'm gonna I'm gonna I'm I'm I don't understand >> that that the the the 45 was included. That's what took 2 235. It was 190 plus the 35. What took took it 235 is what I >> one ticket, three charges. All three charges are still showing each one is showing 45 bucks owed. >> Was that the one where the $45 was paid ahead of time? It was >> and they were waiting. So I don't know. Did his bank account get charged that extra 45? >> No. >> So do they have to deny the payment? >> I don't know who you're asking that to. >> So Mr. So So Tam Tammy can relay what went down. Um I don't remember all of it specifically, but uh Tammy, do you remember how that worked out? And uh because we got to figure Go ahead. I thought he paid $45 first. >> He did. >> And then they were running an amnesty program and I made a phone call and he had to pay the additional 185 or >> 190. >> I don't have the paperwork for and but it there was a time limit because the 45 would have to be rejected because he paid that online several days before he paid the other amount. It wasn't one payment. And it was two separate payments, correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, did they receipt both payments from you or did they just receipt the larger 190 payment? >> They they receeded the $45 payment to me and and I just I just paid the whole um full sum of 235, but it came out to like 235. >> I I can email um the uh screenshot of the of the uh confirmation of the payment for sure. before days end. >> Okay. So, so M Mr. Mrick, just just so I understand, >> um like he tried to pay the 45, they they wouldn't accept that. And so then you you you paid 190 or you paid 235. >> Well, um the the day that you were checking for me, your honor, >> um I paid I end up paying that 45. Um they rejected it. They sent it back to me. >> Okay. >> And and the next time I saw you >> Yeah. Um we we we got back on the case and um there was I I was informed that amnesty they were given amnesty um at between a a period of time >> and um I paid it a few days before amnesty was up and and >> again I I have a confirmation of that. >> I'm with you all the way Mr. Everything you said makes sense to me. The the main issue that I have is they rejected that first 45. So, all I need to know, all I all I need to know is what was the amount that was paid before that April 20th amnesty date? Was it 190 or was it 235? >> It was 235. >> Yeah. So, then we got to So, so um and can you Mr. Mr. Mrick, I know you're on the job right now. Is there any way you can get us that so that we can then go back to Alen Park and say, "What's the story here?" Can because that that that's that will help us. >> Yes. Yes. un unfortun I I actually thought that was done and and um and I was in the clear and I'm just working on getting taking the test but uh I can before days end. I I don't have my laptop in front of me on my laptop. >> Don't worry about that. We're we're we're um um it's more along the lines of we definitely want to get this done for you as quickly as possible. Um sir, >> so um so I'm so so the there are three tickets that have $45 on them, but only one of them are is is suspendable, which is which is the one that still has the no proof of insurance, I'm sure, that still has the note that has the 45 on it. >> So worst case scenario, um you know, then we know that there's $45 more to clear it. But I don't want you to spend another $45 if you've already spent everything you're supposed to. Uh, and the only way to to really get the answer to that is for Tammy to give them a call. Um, and so if you can verify that you paid the 235, well then that's the 190 which we were told to pay plus the $45 >> that they're still showing that they shouldn't be showing. >> So do you see like this this whole story? This is what we're working on right now for Mr. Mrick. This is why people for years who tried to get their license just gave up because they would try to do what appeared to be the right thing and then somewhere along the line um something would get missed and they wouldn't have anybody advocating for them or fighting for them. Um I mean think about it there's not a lot of courts where the court administrator is going to call another court administrator. The judge is going to get involved like yeah >> I'm glad you found your way to us Mr. Mrick. Um, >> yeah, me too. >> It does it doesn't make it any less frustrating. So, um, can I um uh I have Mr. Mrick's um email. He sent that to us before. So, Tammy, I'm going to get you his email address. Uh, and then you can send him a test email and then um see here. And then he'll send you back the information. And then if you wouldn't mind checking with Alen Park about this and then we can use his email and you can correspond with him and >> because once this once this is done then Mr. Mrick can go to the Secretary of State the next day um and take his written test. There's this is the only thing this is it Mr. Mrick the only thing holding you up. And so, um, I want this done. >> I have to take a driver's test cuz that's what I was I actually would have took the written test before now. Um, I thought I was thought I was, um, really putting money to the side to take the driver's test. I found thus far, I was uh, 225. >> Is that is that Mr. Angot, is that about what it costs to take a a road test? I think it varies, but I imagine that's right in the kind of the ballpark of it. >> Okay. All right. So, Mr. Mrick, um, so what you'll So, this these are the steps that need to be taken and then, yeah, obviously Tammy's been in touch with you before. Um, she, you know, she'll she'll follow up with this Alen Park thing ASAP. You will have to make an appointment with the Secretary of State and then you have to go and take a written test. Um, and once you take the written test, because you had a license before, they'll allow you to go immediately for a road test. And then it's just going to be about, yeah, I saving up the money to do that. Um, >> yes, >> so that's why because I know you're trying to save up the money that because you're trying to save up the money for the road test. >> That's why I don't want you just to spend an extra $45 just cuz I don't want that because that $45 could go towards the road test. >> Yes, sir. So, Tammy, >> would you be able to follow up with them and help him out on this? >> Yes. I'm actually trying to look things up while we're talking about him now. >> Okay. All right. So, um >> he's the best. There's only one Tammy. Um >> he's the guru. Yeah. >> Well, and to be fair, I should I I I do want to make a general announcement. So, so Tammy cares so much about helping people with their license. She she she came left our court for a day and spent a whole day in Pontiac working with people at a secretary of state clinic just to make sure that um they had help from the court side. Um and that's just what a special person we have. Like this is a real dynamic group. Um we've had we have to help people through some incredible barriers and it takes some incredible people and with Mr. Chapelli, Mr. Angot and absolutely Miss Bonet. Um you know were able to get some some really great things done. So Mr. Mrick um I'm going to have Tammy reach out to you again. Um and um >> she'll shoot you an email if you can email that back to her when you get off work >> and absolutely >> let's bump this over just a couple weeks. Um because I want to stay on top of this. Okay. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> All right. Um yeah, Mr. Mr. I'm I'm very much invested in Mr. Mrick. we've had some some really important and I think positive um conversations together and and and I I I am I am determined to see this to the end um >> because um because >> it's it's deserved. Mr. Mrick cares deeply and wants to do right. Uh and I want to be part of that. So um let's let's bump this out a couple weeks and >> this is really you're you're an amazing person. You're amazing. You just amazing smile and and um that's that's that's crazy. And and and I don't even know why why you're not you should be doing so much more. I mean, you're you're amazing. I I'll vote for you for president. >> Well, I I I definitely appreciate that. But as you can see by the screen here, we got we got lots of people that we can work with. And I feel like I have a chance to do some real good where I'm at because every every single screen here is a life that uh can fundamentally be changed by being able to get back on the road the right way. Uh and so I I I I know that there might be some other but problems and things that I could be managing, but I I think I could do a lot of good right here. And we're doing it, I think, pretty darn well. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> Plus, Mr. Merrick, if I was if if I wasn't around here, we could we would have never had a chance to meet. And this has been a great connection. >> Yes, sir. Absolutely. I loved it. >> All right. So, um here so uh I'm going to bump this out just in case. I'm going bump it out four weeks, but um um in the meantime, I expect him to be talking to you, Mr. Angot, talking with Tammy, getting his written test, road test all together, and then and then hopefully by the end of June, beginning of July, we got this. He drives safely all summer. I can't I can't wait. I can't wait to can't wait. >> I'm marking this this day in my calendar as the day that the honorable Derek Wine launched his campaign for president. >> Oh boy. >> Here we go. >> All right. You be well, Mr. Merrick. Take care of yourself. All right. >> See you soon. >> Yes, sir. You too, Judge. Thank you, sir. Byebye. >> All right. See you soon. >> Mrick 2500183. Your honor, Elizabeth Chappelle on behalf of Mr. Mrick. Mr. Mrick's with us. You just need to unmute. Perfect. So, he's made big progress this week. Um, you know, we've had Miss Bonet helping us behind the scenes with Alan Park and um he took care of it. He took care of that this week. So, that's a huge hurdle. Big >> big jump forward in his case. Um, thrilled for you, Mr. Mrick. And next step is, you know, setting up the the um the written. >> All right. So, what's So, Mr. Meyer, I know your phone is dying, so we'll make this quick. What's What's your game plan for when you want to take the written test? >> Um, I'll be setting up the written test. Well, today's Thursday. Um, I have a couple meetings um going into going into tomorrow, but Monday is my is my day that I'm etched out to um find out how what I need to go through to take the written test and I should be uh on the way to that in this week. So, I I I'll have more updates and progress um this week for sure. >> Great. So, I'm going to bump this out three weeks because I believe Mr. from next week he'll get the written test done. The week after that I'll have the road test done. I think he'll have his license in three weeks. So we uh I better be ready for him. That's all I know. I better be ready for Mr. Byrick. Um because because I think the biggest hurdle was Alan Park. I don't I think he'll be ready for the written test. I think he'll be fine on the road test. We've already we've already gotten over our biggest hurdle. You know that. >> Yeah. >> So three weeks sound good to you? >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Absolutely. >> All right. Well, we got our review done before his phone died. Get on out of here, Mr. Mrick. I'll see you in three weeks. All right. >> Thank you, honor. >> All right. 2500183. >> Your honor. Elizabeth Chappelle on behalf of Kimosh Mrick. Big day. Look at him smiling. It's big day. I I think this is only third review judge. >> I just I'm beyond happy for him. I mean, I appreciate you so much, Miss Chappelle, for um for the help that you gave him and and some of the direction and >> you know, and Miss Bonet uh who did a great job and making sure that with some of these other courts where Mr. Merrick was running into brick walls, she did a good job tearing those down. Uh and uh we all get to celebrate, but um most importantly, we get to see Mr. Myri, you know, who's had to go through some frustrations and probably some real disappointments with the court system and and um and come out on the other side stronger, more positive, and hopefully with some sense that there are, you know, some some um some people really working in in the system to look out for people. And uh and Mr. Mrick, I I I hope that uh I hope that this this whole experience was rewarding for you and and in the end you have a license now and no looking over your shoulder and uh it's just it's such a game changer. What are your thoughts? >> What did I lose him? >> I think he just froze. >> Yes. Very very exciting. Ronnie, u I just wanted to thank you and and and Elizabeth. Um you guys are awesome. um you restored so much faith um in me and with people uh that there are great people out here in the in the world that uh just don't want to see people down. Um I I just feel hopeful. Um of course my my license is is is back restore gives me um a lot more u peace of mind on the road and and and increases my opportunity uh to earn uh overall. So um I am I am over excited. I just I just want to thank you. I'm in support of you guys, whatever it is you guys do um moving forward in your careers. And um I just I just want to be an advocate um for for your your your courtroom, your district. Um anything that you got going on, I would love to know about it and uh and and tap into it. So I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you so much and uh I'm excited to to what what has everything moving forward. I'm misited >> and and you should be because like you said and this is something we see so often is >> um even the basic earning potential like the the jobs that now become available the promotions the opportunities um just the freedom that comes with you know what I feel like doing I feel like going for a drive today you know like that type of of of just a sense of of of what it's like to to exist as a as a as a person with their full set of rights and everything that goes with it and and it's just it's it's so incredible to me from when I started this um and and and then you know and obviously with the incredible work by John and Elizabeth with Tammy um we've got a great great team here and we all have the same vision that that most people um that have these traffic misdemeanors these challenges and they fall behind because there was a period of time in the history of this state whether it was driving responsibility fees or everything suspended you under the sun or this law that we had that set people behind Um and we got rid of a lot of those but people fell behind didn't weren't aware that those changes took place and they just were kept living in darkness there and that virtual prison because you can you don't have to be behind bars to be in a prison and um that was the reality for so many people and it just took just a little bit of time and a little bit of encouragement and all of these assumptions that that that we've been trying to educate other judges other lawyers about like hey whatever assumptions you have um why don't you just have a conversation and find out what's really going on? Why don't you give somebody the information they need to do something about it? And you've seen Mr. Mark what happens in our program. You saw it. You've been here today. Now you're our fifth license of the day, you know, and and that will make a difference, I think, long term. And guess what? Other courts are paying attention. We got a pilot program in Rochester now, one in Troy. You know, there are other courts that are asking about it. Great. We need that to be the approach across the state. Um because you know it took a leap of faith from you, a leap of faith from me >> and together it is awesome that you are providing already. >> So yeah. Um the only thing I would ask you, Mr. Mark, if you find yourself in Royal Oak, you know, grabbing a bite to eat or something like that and it's during normal court time, I'm here. I'm around. U pop in tell security. Uh, I'm I'm here to see my friend Judge Miniki and and uh I would love to see and shake your hand. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I would love to do that as well. What's your favorite food, your honor? >> Don't worry about I appreciate that, Mr. Merrick. Don't worry about all that, but just But in all seriousness, I would I would love just a handshake and then just that that knowing um experience that we did something really great together, you know. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Appreciate it. I'm happy to tell you my favorite food. >> All right. So, All right. So, um this is a this is a Berkeley case, right? So, so I'm unable to knock down any of the fines and costs on this. Uh let's see here. Was he Well, wait a second here. Did he ever Did they just write you a ticket on this? They didn't arrest you on this, right, Mr. Mrick? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Good. Okay. So, you're going to get a certificate from us and a cool little keychain so you don't forget about us. Um, and on the charge of allowing a licensed person to drive, um, the, uh, maximum possible fine is $500. I'm waving that. The maximum cost possible court costs are $500. I'm waving that. So all that's left of the state of Michigan cost that I can't wave that is 125 and uh 60 days 90 days to pay. Is that enough time? >> Yes. Yes. E either either or I'll be able to do that. >> I'll go I'll go 90 days just in case. So um >> uh but do me a favor. If you ever hear of anybody out there that has an open ticket with us or an open bench warrant or something like that. >> Yes, sir. >> Ju just tell them about the experience here. All they need to do is call. We'll set up a court date. We'll we'll we'll figure this out and we will help them get their license just like we did for you. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. I've I've already been an advocate. I've been telling everyone about you in your courtroom and absolutely anyone that I know that I can pass the word on to, I absolutely will. Thank you so much. Now, this is one of my favorite this is one of my favorite uh stories that we had a chance to do with. So, I'm I'm going to finish this the right way, which is Mr. Mrick, congratulations. Well done. Well done. Way to get that license. Way to get it done. All right. And now you're part of our community. We're all moving in the right direction. All right. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> All right. Take care, sir. Be well. >> Be well. Thank you. Thanks a little bit. >> Byebye. But more hope. Yeah. Much more than this. I did it. My Anybody out there from Wala, Washington? My Anybody out there got a birthday tonight? Well, there were times. I've had a few when I more than I could chew. But through it all and there was no hotel. I ate it up and spread it out. >> I don't remember how the rest of it goes. >> And thanks for hanging out with us on Fraction Frauds. Make sure you hit the thumbs up button, you're subscribed, and ring that bell. Also, leave a comment in the comment section. Tell me what you think. And a huge thank you to all of our Facts or Frauds channel members. And if you're still hanging out, thank you. I appreciate you all. Make sure you hit the thumbs up button, subscribe, and ring that bell. Also, leave a comment in the comment section telling me what you think. Till next time, I'll see you soon.