Video: Judge baffled by man with revoked license taking part in Zoom court hearing while driving

A man with a revoked driver’s license participated in a Zoom conference with the court while driving, surprising the judge and his legal team.

The trial, which took place on May 15 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, involved a man named Corey Harris and a case involving his driving without a license.

After introducing herself, the assistant public defender stated that “Mr. Harris should be present via Zoom,” and almost on cue, Harris joined the conference call.

District Judge J. Cedric Simpson immediately noticed that Harris was wearing a seatbelt and that the vehicle he was in was clearly moving.

Judge Simpson – who was visibly astonished – then asked Harris if he had been driving.

“Actually, I’m driving to my doctor’s office right now,” Harris said. “So just give me a second… I’m parking.”

As the judge processed the proceedings, the Zoom cameras focused on the public defenders, who appeared as disappointed and confused as the judge; others sitting at the back of the courtroom tried to hide their laughter.

Finally, the confused judge threw his pen on the table, put a hand to his face and asked Harris if he would be quiet.

He was not.

After the parking, Harris’ legal team requested an adjournment of the case for four weeks, but Judge Simpson was not convinced.

“Okay, maybe I’m not understanding something,” the judge said. “This is a case of driving without a license, and he was just driving… and he didn’t have a license.”

As the assistant public defender confirmed his testimony, Judge Simpson reviewed Harris’s papers and briefly considered what would likely be the easiest decision he would make that day.

Harris’ bail was revoked and he was ordered to surrender at the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that evening.

The full video of Harris’ trial can be viewed in the video player below.