Man with revoked driver’s license surprises judge by attending Zoom court hearing while driving

A district judge in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was astonished when a man whose driver’s license had been revoked participated in a Zoom conference with the court while driving.

Court footage shows Judge Cedric Simpson’s stunned reaction as defendant Corey Harris dials into the court hearing from the driver’s seat.

“Mr. Harris, are you driving?” Simpson asks the defendant.

“Actually, I’m just driving to my doctor’s office,” says Harris.

A public defender representing Harris is asking the judge for a postponement “possibly for up to four weeks, if the court allows.”

“OK, maybe I’m not understanding something. This is a case of driving without a license, and he was just driving and didn’t have a license,” a confused Simpson replies.

“That is correct, Your Honor,” the public defender replies.

The judge revoked Harris’ bail and ordered him to surrender at the local county jail that same evening.

“I don’t even know why he would do that,” Simpson says. Photo credit: Honorable Judge Cedric Simpson via Storyful

Video transcript

Or, conduct the case against Corey Harris through Assistant Pittsfield Township Public Defender Natalie Tate for Mr. Harris, who was scheduled to be present at the zoo.

Mr. Car.

Drive you?

Um, actually, I’m on my way to my doctor’s office right now.

So, let me just give myself a second.

I’m just parking.

Eight.

You are stationary.

I’m driving in right now this second.

Yes, I am.

In order.

What do we do?

Uh, Your Honor.

We respectfully request an adjournment in this matter for possibly 3 to 4 weeks, which the court would grant.

OK.

So maybe I don’t understand something.

This is a revocation of the driving license.

That is correct, Your Honor.

Um, and he was just driving and he didn’t have a license, um, that’s what the charge is, Your Honor.

Yes.

No, I’m looking at his file.

He doesn’t have a driver’s license, his driving privileges have been revoked, and yet he still drives.

That’s right.

Your Honor.

OK. Oh, OK. Hello, one minute, Mr. Harris.

In order.

Thank you very much.

OK.

I don’t even know why he would do that.

Therefore, the bail of the accused is revoked in this matter.

The defendant must appear in the Washington County Jail by 6:00 p.m. today.

If he does not turn himself in, he will be sentenced to probation without having to post bail.

Thank you, Your Honor, Mr. Harris.

I’ll call you, ok?

K calls.

Case People versus Maya still occupies my mind.

Assistant Public Defender Natalie Pay for Miss Isom.