Choices

Vincent came into town this afternoon to meet Stephanie and me and two different lawyers (Stephanie and Vincent pictured above waiting for the first lawyer). First off was Mr. M., the most recent lawyer who I talked on the phone with (one of three lawyers recommended by another church lawyer friend who called Monday). He was no-nonsense and quickly got us talking about the sequence of events behind the incident that got Vincent suspended and to be charged. He did a good job of engaging Vincent and – like the lawyer we’ve got an appointment with Friday but whose appointment we may now cancel – seemed pretty well versed/ experienced in criminal law and some in juvenile. He had tried to get us to see his legal partner too, who he said was even more familiar with juvenile issues, but this other lawyer must have been busy. It was a beautiful day and a nice walk down Main Street to the law firm office, next to the Louisville Bar Association. Mr. M. – who’d been more direct and being willing to talk with us for free one on one – also copied some paperwork related to the case and seemed prepared to take it on. The price tag, however ($1,500), is not at all small.

We then drove two blocks down the street, got out next to the Hall of Justice where we were 2 1/2 weeks ago to get Vincent’s mental health inquest warrant and where all three of us will be again this coming Monday for Vincent’s arraignment. We walked through the square and then took an elevator up to the 14th floor, where – after a while – another church lawyer friend greeted us and introduced us to one of her partners. We met with Mr. L. in a beautiful conference room with windows looking out on the south end of downtown and beyond. He was obviously exhausted from preparing a civil trial that had started and ended earlier in the day – and so he had ended up having to wait for us – where McDonald’s (?!) was his client. Mr. L. was obviously smart and creative, but less well versed in criminal and especially juvenile law. Having just come from the other guy, we were pretty up front about being shopping, which may have set a different tone. He was fine to talk with, but talked more with us than Vincent, doing less to engage Vincent. He had looked up some interesting case law connected with the case. He and our friend had obviously talked about a more favorable financial arrangement for us – flat fee or hourly rate, which ever ends up being lower. A smart, nice guy, but maybe not the perfect fit for Vincent and this charge. Vincent had already left the first office saying he wanted that guy (though he acknowledged that our second friend had helped us out). The third guy I picked off the Internet. He talked a lot with me on the phone and clearly knows a lot about juvenile and criminal court – even the exact charge Vincent will get (and he charges half as much as the first guy).

Afterwards, we walked to Fourth Street Live (pictured far below) and had -after listening briefly to a man play a bagpipe - a St. Patrick’s Day dinner at J. Gumbo’s, the Cajun chain. It felt like Derby week, with lots of people out in the 70 degree weather. Later Vincent stopped at his girlfriend’s and Stephanie and I returned the rental car and picked up the Camry and Vincent and I began sniping a little at each other.

As I’ve mentioned before, all of the lawyers have stressed the importance of Stephanie having put Vincent in Wellstone and him following up on behavioral health treatment. Some of them also stressed that Vincent’s demeanor in court will be key. Will he be able to smile politely and look respectful as judges and prosecutors lecture him? We’ll see. Mr. M. joined us in urging Vincent not to hang around near school – since, ultimately, the school may have to sign off on any plea deal whoever Vincent’s lawyer is tries to arrange, and if he’s irritated them by not staying far away from school, that could doom him. The lawyers talked about Vincent trying to avoid even a third degree misdemeanor charge, and this taking up probably three court appearances (plus later efforts to expunge the records). Apparently because Vincent is almost 18 any plea deal may involve Vincent essentially being on probation for a year, during which he must continue with treatment, etc. (and probably school) and not get into trouble in any other way. I hate disappointing people and hate having to make choices, but we’ll probably go with Mr. M., high price tag and all.

Up next: key dental work for me Wednesday, a Toastmasters meeting, a dentist visit for Vincent, parent-teacher conferences for Stephanie Thursday, and probably some calls back to these lawyers from me.

-- Perry