Court Story Example-unpublished

ROSEVILLE – A Fraser man pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of a narcotic on Feb. 27 at the 39th District Court of the State of Michigan.
Matthew Gordon was pulled over by Roseville police on Dec. 15, 2007 and allegedly had Oxycodone on his person without a prescription. He was charged with illegal possession of a narcotic and faces a felony conviction.
Judge Catherine B. Steenland asked Gordon if he had anything to say. Gordon proceeded to apologize and was stopped by Judge Steenland.
“You don’t want to do that Mr. Gordon,” said Judge Steenland. “Do you have the money to post bond; at least $1,000?”
Judge Steenland noticed a baby in the courtroom.
“Is that your baby?” asked Judge Steenland.
Gordon nodded.
“Ok, can you post $500?“ asked Judge Steenland. “I am being extremely generous here.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” said Gordon. “Thank you judge.”
Gordon is expected to appear in court on March 5 for a preliminary examination.
Another Fraser man pleaded guilty to his second Operating While Under the Influence offense. In order to plead guilty Kenneth Bender had to corroborate the charges.
On Dec. 2,2007 Bender was pulled over by Roseville Police and according to his attorney Bender had a blood alcohol content of 0.18.
“I went out around 9 p.m. and had my share of three pitchers of beer,” said Bender. “I left the bar at around 12:30 a.m. and that’s when I was pulled over.”
Judge Steenland dropped Bender’s other charge of failure to change the address on an operator’s license.
“I will dismiss this charge since you are pleading guilty today,” said Judge Steenland.
Bender was convicted of his first OWI offense on June 24, 2003.
Bender was released on a $750 bond and will be sentenced on March 26.
A Chesterfield man also pleaded guilty to his second OWI offense. Roseville Police pulled over Edward Lavender on Feb. 12.
“I had four Long Island Iced Teas your honor,” said Lavender. Lavender was given two breathalyzers and subsequently had a BAC of 0.22 and 0.21.
“That’s a lot of liquor Mr. Lavender,” said Judge Steenland.
Lavender was convicted of his first OWI offense in Nov. 2007. He was released on a $250 bond. His sentencing will be on March 26.
Taminia Miller of Ypsilanti appeared for sentencing. The court did not state her offense.
Miller’s attorney argued she was in a tight financial situation and could not afford to pay large fines.
“She has three teenagers,” said Miller’s attorney. “Her paychecks are already being garnished because she previously filled for bankruptcy.”
Steenland sentenced Miller to 12 months probation. Miller is also ordered to attend an alcohol education program and a victim education panel. She must maintain employment and under no circumstances is permitted to use non-prescription drugs or drink alcohol.
Miller will be subject to random drug and alcohol screens. She must pay her $900 court fees within 180 days.
“I don’t expect to see you back here,” said Steenland. “I have been extremely generous and if I see you back that means you broke probation.”