Chapter 119 Hearing of The Case
Judge Hilar’s POV
“Who is representing the defendant?” Judge Lisa asked as she took her seat. Just then, the courtroom door barged open, and Attorney Victor Langford stepped in.
Every attorney in the city knew who Langford was. He was an opportunist attorney, the kind who seized cases others wouldn’t touch. No one hired him because they believed he was too young and inexperienced to handle or win any case. So, he made himself available for any defendant who had no legal representation.
If he won, he would demand his payment later. But unfortunately, he was a lawyer who kept proving the public right. He had never won a case since he was called to the bar.
My heart froze the moment I saw him enter the courtroom. If by “defendant” attorney, it meant he was the one who would represent me too, then Micah and I were doomed. My pulse quickened at the thought.
“My name is Victor Langford, representing the defendant.” I watched as Langford rose to his feet and bowed to the judge, introducing himself.
“I am David Cooper, prosecuting the defendant.” Attorney David also bowed to Judge Lisa.
“You may proceed, Attorney Cooper,” Judge Lisa instructed, shifting her attention toward him.
A smirk curled Attorney David’s lips as he turned to face me.
“Your Honor, I understand that a father and son share an unbreakable bond. But should that bond persist even if the son reveals himself to be a criminal? Or worse, a rpist?!”
A sharp chill ran down my spine. His words weren’t just a statement; they were an accusation laced with the certainty of a man who knew the truth. He had uncovered the reason I had chosen to give Micah community service instead of a prison sentence. He knew Micah was my son.
But how? How did he find out? If he truly knew, then my fate was sealed. Not only would I lose my position as a judge, but I would also face the most severe sentencing possible. A Supreme Court judge allowing emotions to taint his ruling? That was an unforgivable crime in the eyes of the law.
Attorney David continued, turning toward the court.
“Your Honor, in recent events, this man right here—” he pointed at Micah, “—attempted to rpe a young lady in her employer’s home. The audacity! The sheer horror of it is beyond belief.”
He took a step forward, making sure every word landed with weight.
“Your Honor, he planned this despicable act in advance, waiting for the madam of the house to leave for work. Once alone with his victim, he snuck into the kitchen and forcibly yanked off her panties, ignoring her desperate protests. In ancient times, a man like him would have been sent into exile, a fitting punishment for someone who poses a threat to the safety of our women, our daughters, and our society.”
Attorney David’s voice rose with righteous fury.
“But it doesn’t end there. In our last hearing, I presented multiple victims of this man’s past crimes. They all stood before this court and testified to how he had forced himself on them, robbing them of their dignity. And yet, he has the audacity to blame his heinous acts on a so-called condition—sadomasochism.”
He turned toward the jury, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
“Your Honor, do we not understand what sadomasochism truly is?”
He let the question hang for a moment before continuing.
“In our last session, we heard from a qualified doctor who explained in detail that sadomasochism is merely a sexual preference practiced with mutual consent. But what this man has done? That was no preference. That was pure, calculated rpe!”
“Objection!” Attorney Langford sprang to his feet.
At that moment, I turned to Micah. His eyes were red, his face drained of color. He looked terrified, knowing the judgment he was about to face.
And I was the reason he was in this position. I should never have let emotions cloud my judgment. If I had sentenced him properly, I could have at least placed strict conditions that would have ensured his punishment without Attorney David taking this to the Supreme Court. But now, Micah was at the mercy of a much harsher fate.
“Objection sustained!” Judge Lisa ruled, her tone composed but firm.
“What do you have to say, Attorney Langford?” she asked.
Attorney Langford took a deep breath, straightening his stance.
“Your Honor, it is both barbaric and dehumanizing to refer to my client as an ‘offender’ while he stands in this courtroom seeking justice. Regardless of the allegations, he is still a human being and deserves respect!” he declared boldly.
Judge Lisa arched a brow.
“Attorney Langford, are you here to fight for your client’s respect or his innocence?” she asked, skepticism lacing her words.
“Your Honor, I was still making my case,” Langford interjected.
Judge Lisa sighed, shaking her head slightly.
“Very well. Proceed,” she said.
Langford adjusted his suit and cleared his throat.
“As I said before, Your Honor, when I first read about Mr. Micah’s case, even I believed he should face the full weight of the law. But let us analyze the facts carefully. Did he actually commit the crime?”
He turned to the jury.
“From the term ‘attempted,’ we know that he did not succeed. He was either caught before he could act or he chose to stop. In either case, the crime was never carried out. By legal standards, an uncommitted crime cannot warrant the punishment of a completed one. The worst he should receive is the original community service sentence imposed by the previous judge.”
Langford began pacing slowly.
“Furthermore, we must question the credibility of these so-called victims from his past. Were their reports officially filed? Or are they merely bitter individuals seeking revenge? We all know that false accusations happen, and this could very well be one of those cases.”
He turned back to Judge Lisa, his voice unwavering.
“Your Honor, I move that we overrule this case. There is no solid ground for a retrial, and my client should be allowed to walk free!”
“Objection, My Lord!” Attorney David shouted, rising to his feet.
“Objection overruled,” Judge Lisa responded promptly.
She turned to Langford, her expression serious.
“Attorney Langford, do you have any evidence to support your claims?” she asked, her voice carrying the weight of the courtroom.
And with that, the tension in the air thickened, as all eyes turned to Langford, waiting for his next move.