NationStates Jolt Archive

The Cottland City Courthouse was flooded with media from all over the country and globe as the biggest trial in modern-day Maraquean history is just minutes away from taking place.

Serial murderer Korey Haslinger is being charged with the murder of 12 women, including two children. He faces 12 counts of rape, 12 counts of 1st degree murder, 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of attempted rape, two counts of attempted robbery, two counts of attempted sexual assault.

The 16 randomly chosen jurors consists of eight females and eight males. They were escorted inside the courthouse through a backdoor to avoid questions from the media. Korey Haslinger was escorted inside the courthouse by several police along with his lawyer and the lone surviver of one of his attacks.

Inside the judge waited inside the courtroom for the trial to begin. In Maraque the law system was quite different than most; the jury is allowed to ask questions as well as the lawyers.

The jurors entered the courtroom first, took their designated seats, and waited several minutes before Korey Haslinger was escorted inside the courtroom with his lawyer, followed directly behind by the lone surviver of his last attack and her lawyer. The trial may now begin.

Judge Arlen Lobach stood. "The trial of Korey Haslinger vs. Nelia Eichelmann is now in session," he said as he sat down. "The prosecution may have the opening word," and those words opened the trial of the worst murder trial in modern-day Maraquean history.

Bump.

Sean Leary was a man in his thirties and ambitious. He was waiting for a trial to put him in the spotlight, this was it. His morals were just as strong as his ambition and sincerecly cared about this case. He and the other prosecutor were seated in the courtroom. In his mind the prosecution had a sound case against Haslinger. The table had piles of folders, papers, files, photos, tons of evidence. He stood to give the opening. He cleared his throat
"Thank you, your honor" he replied and moved to the front and towards the jury "Mr.Haslinger stands accused of the most brutal killing spree in all of Maraquean history. His rain of terror spred over the years. Stealing the lives of 12 innocent people. People whom never did Mr.Haslinger any harm. They never threatened him, they never provoked any actions. Their only crime was living. A crime he eagerly past sentenced on. Not before defiling each and every one of them. He is a disease, a plague on society. A thing that only brings suffering to all he crosses path with. This vile criminal has finally been caught. Now, he stands here. Away from the streets, away from the people. And it is your job to make sure it stays that way. We are persuing the death sentence. He was the judge, jury, and executioner of each of those poor victims. But now he will play the victim to you, and try to win your sympathy, your mercy. But do not be fooled, he is a dangerous animal. Do the right thing. Deny him the right to walk on our streets, denie him our children, denie him our people. For if he walks, we shall all fall pray to his lust for death, thank you"

Sean paused for a moment and then went back to his seat.

Gaston Luangxay was one of the jurors in the trial. The opening words of the prosecution were impressive to him and he certainly agreed for the most part, but ultimately would hear both sides before making a decision. He waited the words of the defense next.

Leary took his seat and jotted down a few notes 'You could've made the opening better' he thought. But, Leary was still confident of the opening. All his life he wanted to work with the law. He graduated the university with a degree in criminal justice and with high hopes. Now, it's taken over ten years for him to get the trial he was looking for. He would not let this evil murderer walk, no matter what it took.

OCC: Who is the defense attorney?

OOC: I telegrammed everyone who chose a character. I forgot who as the name slipped my mind at the moment, but I telegrammed him so he should post sooner or later. Lets keep all OOC posts in the other thread.

OOC: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=481325&page=2

Leary took off his glasses and polished them. The courtroom was packed with family of the victims, spectators, observers, the DA, the media. It was a truly historical case. Leary had a wife and two young children, this strengthened his resolved to find Hanslinger guilty.
'Just keep your cool, don't buckle, take it slowly' he thought. He was very nervous, this was a big case.

Franklin White stood to his feet and walked slowly around the room. He paused for a second and then began to walk around again. His nerves were on edge, but it was more important for the jurors to be. He tapped his watch with his right hand and breathed deeply. He let it out slowly and stared down the jury pool.

"Ladies and gentleman of the jury, I am here to ask you a question today." He strode away from them with his hands behind his back, glancing at his client as he moved. "I am here to ask you a question of great signifigance."

He whipped around and stared down his loing thin nose at the jury. His hands rose above his head. "I aks you to carefully consider the answer, as the life of an innocent man hangs in the balance. Yes... I said innocent." He slithered through his lips the last words and turned to the judge.

"We plead not guilty to the charges."

Frank turned back slowly to the 16 men and women on the bench. "The question is: can you find beyond a shadow of a doubt that my client is guilty of this crime. I doubt you can. I'm sure you can't. Because he is not guilty.

Ladies and gentlemen, the attorney there," he pointed towards the prosecutor, "and the rest of the prosecuting team will try to convince you otherwise. But for what? For pay? I can tell you now that I am as sure that my client is innocent as I am sure that we dwell on this earth. But of course, I and my colleagues must convince you. I ask you this:

Look at the information presented without favor. This man is innocent until proven guilty, keep that in mind. No matter how emotional a so-called "victim" may get, it could all be an act. Do not allow emotions to dictate your decisions. Make it based on fact.

And the facts, ladies and gentlemen, prove that my client is innocent, and I shall methodically show you this truth.

Thank you."

The voice of the defense attorney fluctuated back and forth from high to low and then back to high and ending low throughout the speech. The man finally took his seat and waited for the trial to proceed.

Leary sneered at Franklin 'Is he serious?!' he thought. The edidence was overwhelming, the defense didn't have a chance. The case was theirs. he now waited for the trial to continue. It would be a pitched battle.

The hit of the gabel sounded the beginning of the trial. It was Leary who had to call a witness. He stood up and spoke "The people call Dr.Benson to the stand". The door to the courtroom opened and in came Dr.Benson, a man in his forties and worked for the crime lab. he was sworn in and went to the witness stand.
"Please state your name and what you do" Leary said as he walked up to him
"Dr.John Benson, I work at the crime lab as a forensics technician." he replied. Several boards were brought to the front of the room, each had photos of the victims and their injuries, the sight was horrible. The doctor had a laser pen to point our the wounds.
"Dr.Benson, could you please tell em waht these wounds are?" Leary pointed to one of the photos.
"Those are stab wounds, made by a hunting knife" he replied
"I see. How many in all?"
"10 stab wounds"
"What are these on her wrists and feet?" Leary pointed to another photo
"Those are ligeture marks, from nylon rope"
"So, the victims were bounded?"
"Yes, most of them were bounded"
"Including the children?"
"Yes" Dr.Benson replied in a serious tone
"Were the children stabbed as well, while being tied up?"
"Yes they were"
"Were there fingerprints found on the victims, the rope, or the knife?"
"There were fingerprints on several pieces of rope, the knife and a few of the victims"
"Whom do those fingerprints belong to?"
"The defendant"
"May the court recognize that Dr.Benson is pointing to Mr.Haslinger. I have no more questions for the witness at this time" Leary replied and took his seat and gave a sigh or relief.

Gaston was horrified by the photos presented. At the moment there was no shadow of doubt that Mr. Haslinger was guilty. He so far was convinced that Mr. Haslinger had to have done these horrible crimes.

Leary sat at the table and he and the co=prosecutor whispered back and forth. He took some notes and had a sip of water. The trial was going off to a great start. The defense didn't have a chance. he knew the jury wouldn't believe anything the defense had to say.

James Franklin stood up.

"Fact this is a trial of the countries worst serial murder. Fact, Korey Haslinger, is the one being accused of this. Fact, if convicted he will face death. My mission, and my partners mission is, to prove that this is not the man you are looking for, and if anything, that this a show trial. The police, are using this to save their reputation from a killer they may not catch.

Dr. Benson you say the finger prints belong to the defendent. But how can you know this, seeing as my client has no prior record? Therefore his prints could not show up on file."

Emma Wilent, a 32 year old dark haired attorney, was getting nervous. The Defense had pointed out a major factor. This was her first criminal case, she had usually handled Civil Cases.

Dr.Benson straightened up in his chair. "Well, each person is fingerprinted as a baby. And when he was arrested they took his fingerprints and they matched up to those on the weapon, a few of the bodies and the rope" he replied.

"Hmm I see, yet if I am not mistaking, the prints we're orginally too wet, to be removed, so your team had to dry them, right?"

Sean leaned over and whispered to Emma "Don't worry about it. I understand you're nervous. But the defense has nothing" he paid close attention to the cross examination.

"On the bodies yes, but the knife and rope were just fine" Dr.Benson replied.

"So by which victem or victems did you finally get a good print?"

"Of the victims, I'd have to say seven of them" Dr.Benson replied, becoming a bit nervous.

"Good prints from seven victems? If I recall Doctor, in another case you didn't lift a good print untill the last victem."

"Objection, relavence."

"Withdrawn. No further questions."

ooc: Ready to testify

Kathleen Johns sat nervously in the stands. She was a survivor of a night of terror, and she wanted to put the scum bag that hurt her the way he did away.

Leary stood up and walked over to the doctor. He cleared his throat and folded his arms "So, the knife has fingerprints on it of the defenant?"
"Yes" Dr.Benson replied
"Is cut marks on all the victims match up to the knife?"
"Yes, the knife is a perfect match for all but one of the victims"
"What happened to her?"
"She was duct taped and choked on her own vomit"
"Thank you, I have no further questions" Leary said and returned to his seat, waiting for the judge.

Emma turned to Kathleen. "You going to be okay for this?" She was given a nod, and waited. "You'll do fine, when it's your turn.

Jacob Smith approached the witness stand.
"Dr.Benson, you say you found cuts on the victems matching hunting knife with Mr. Haslinger's fingerprints, correct?"
"yes." he replied.
"Now, many people in Maraque hunt. I believe you yourself do, correct?"
"Yes. Occasionly"
"And arn't these knifes mass-produced, making it possible for ANYONE to get a knife that made matching marks with Mr. Heslinger's?"

Sean stood up "Objection your honor-" Sean tried to say
"No, I'd like to answer that. The blade used in the murders had several knicks on it which matched up to Mr.Haslinger's" Dr.Benson replied.

"So you are saying that there is absolutly no doubt in your mind that the knife that cut the victems was the one found with Mr. Heslingers prints on it?"

Sean stood up "Objection your honor! It's already been stated that the knife is a match. The defense needs to move on"

"Please move on, Mr. Smith."

OCC: Bump

"So it is possible to match the marks on a knife to the cuts made on the decaying and rotted flesh of the victems? Isn't there a chance the marks could have been ditorted or changed?" Said Smith as he circled the courtroom, making his way twoards the jurors.

Frank stepped to his feet. "May I take the witness now Smith? After this question of course... I have a few questions to ask him myself."

"Yes. Of course. Dr. Benson, could you please answer the question?"

"Yes, it is possible. Most of the victims were not in the stages of decay, but a few were" Dr.Benson replied. Sean sat at the table, payinf close attention.

"OK. Take her away Frank." (What's your guys last name?)

The chair creeked as Sean sat back into it. The doctor was holding out just fine and he hoped it stayed that wat. Sean noticed Emma was nervous, everyone was nervous. But Sean was good at hiding his fears, the fear of losing this case swirled around his brain. The clock ticked away the minutes. The trial could take weeks. A worst case scenario is several months. But he knew it wouldn't take that long.

Frank White once again stood and walked around the table he had sat before. He walked up to the bench of jurors and stared each of them down with a moment of eye contact.

This case will be long... but we've got it in the bag easy...

"Thank you Mr. Smith."

Frank walked shuffled his feet towards the witness and glared him down for about ten seconds. The courtroom was so quiet that anyone could have heard a pindrop. Everyone was on edge. Except Franklin White. He smiled knowlingly without showing his teeth.

"Thank you for coming Dr. Benson, It's nice to meet a real doctor. Speaking of doctors, Mr. Benson, what exactly is your area of expertise, what are your degrees and certifications, and what is your current profession and employ?"

Dr.Benson cleared his throat "I work as a forensic pathologist which is my main field at the crime lab. I have a doctorates in forensic analogy and several certificates" he replied

OCC: I am not an expert on the types of degrees. Bare with me

Gaston was very impressed with both sides of the trial this far. He knew as a Maraquean citizen that it his duty to his country to be on the jury dispite the hassle it was and the inconvenience it had on his personal life, but as the trial went on slowly, he began to resign to the fact that he had to be here, he had to decide this mans fate.

The trial was going great for the prosecution in Leary's mind. He anxiously awaited for the defense to continue their questioning, he was ready to pounce on any mistake they would make.

OCC: Bump

Franklin continued to stare at the witness in silence as he spoke his answer, then hummed a quiet tune as he came to a close. He leaned in towards the man and said to a hushed tone so almost he was the only one that could hear, "Thank you."

He back away and his voice raised an a octave and level. "Now, Dr. Benson. Please tell me exactly what your salary is each year, and any benefits you recieve. Also, please tell me if you are self-employed or employed by the government. Please answer all parts of the question with detail."

Sean stood to his feet adn said "Objection, relevence" He had enough of these questions which didn't seem to make sense in his mind.

Franklin White's face turned red and he whipped around to face the objecting lawyer. "Objection eh?"

He turned to the judge. "The question is asked on the grounds that we must know everything we can about witness before us. How can we believe someone who we do not yet know is credible? I am in fact establishing Mr. Benson's credibility by asking these questions, and every question he does not answer will destroy his credibility."

White turned back to the prosecutor with a grin. Either way, either sustained or overruled or withdrawn, this would work to his advantage.

"Your honor, Dr.Benson isn't on trial here. His credibility is established. He's worked for the police crime lab for years. This has nothing to do with the case" Sean said as he rose out of the chair. 'He's up to something' he thought.

"Exactly how is it established Sean?" White said staring the man down in a somewhat tensious moment. "I want to know important information. I want to know if Mr. Benson works for himself or someone else. I want to know if his employer pays him a bonus or gives him special benefits depending on the information he turns up.

It's a good thing you're not on the stand, because if you were you would have to answer that you are paid both bonuses and benefits for every case you win!"

"Your honor, Mr.White is completely out of order! This line of questioning is irrelevent" Sean said, he was getting tired of White's line of questioning. His hands were flat on the table.

White smiled and turned towards the judge, "It is in actuality completely in order. I'm the not the one standing and yelling before my objection has been ruled upon..."

OOC: lol... this is great...

maybe our characters could really be good friends out of the courtroom, but very competetive and always trying to beat each other?

'I'm not the one making smart comments about opposing counsel here" Sean replied. Sean awaited the response of the judge.

OCC: That makes it more interesting. I shouldn't be making this OCC post so let's keep them to a minimum. We should have them along with the IC posts.

"Mr. Benson may answer the questions," said the judge.

OCC: I don't actually know they pay he would get. Let's just assume he gave it and replied that he works for the state or something and doesn't recieve any bonuses based on the info he gives.

OOC: He works for the government, at $60,000/year, no bonuses.

Sean couldn't belive the judge's ruling but he could not argue it and sat back down into his chair. he jotted down some more notes and sifted through some papers as the questioning continued.

Jacob was enloying the little 'show' that frank and sean were putting on. He sat quietly, enjoying himself, as he took notes on the trial.

"This is insane." Mark Evans of the Jury said. He was taking notes, but it seemed the prosocution had a strong case.

(May I go ahead and ask some questions? if no then I will delete it)

"Dr. Benson is it true when big crimes like these are solved humble civil servants such as your self, get major bonusus? Say an extra 10 grand?"

Dr.Benson cleared his throat and responded "No, that is not true. I don't get paid any extra amount of money"

'Uh-hu, okay. (He moved on forgeting the possibility economic duress, or cash pay offs, and picked up a hat and gloves.) Do you recognize these articles?"

"Yes, I recognize those items" Dr.Benson replied. Sean sat up in his chair, waiting to see what would happen.

"Now your lab tested these about 4 times. Now out of the 4, two we're inconclusive, the rest didn't identify my client as the one who was wearing, this hat, and gloves. No blood splatters, DNA, prints, etc. "

''But DNA and fingerprints on some of the victims, other clothing, and the weapon were found and linked to the defendant" Dr.Benson responded.

"Now let's say I'm a murder, if I wanted to kill someone at so close of range, like you allege my client, I would want to wear some from of protection to prevent prints, me getting caught. The police belive he wore these clothes on the nights he attacked, but they we're clean. "

"There were traces of a cleaning solution of some kind used on the shirt" Dr.Benson replied "This was found on part of the sleeves. He may have had something else on over that and got blood on it when he was changing"

"Now when the tests we're ultimatley inconclusive either way, what did you do with the items afterword?"

"We performed various other tests on them" Dr.Benson replied "Afterwards, the evidence was stored with all the other evidence from this case at the crime lab"

OCC; Bump

Sean leaned back in his chair and took a sip of water. He still couldn't belive the judge allowed that questionining to continue.

"nothing further."

"We have no further questions for Dr.Benson as well" Sean replied as he stood to his feet.

"I'd like to call a witness."

OOC: Go ahead, and BUMP.

Franklin stood before the prosecution could call another witness.

"Two or three further questions from myself."

He walked slowly to Dr. Benson side.

"Dr.... isn't it true that you have never met the defendant personally? Please tell the jury the full phrase, instead of just yes or no."

Kathleen was growing impationet. Every moment she spent in the room felt like it was drawing close to the end when he would finally get her. She protested. "You've questiond him several times." She whispered to Emma, "and you have more than enough."

"don't worry Kathleene, you will get your turn. I know your anxious, especially going against the man who nearly killed you once." She finally got Kathleene to calm down more.

Sean stood to his feet in protest "Objection, relevence" he said with a commanding voice.

White turned once more to the upstart prosecutor. "What is your problem? How are the relations of the defendant irrelavant?"

Dr.Benson replied "I've never met the defendent before"

"Never? Are you sure? Look very carefully... you have never met this person before? You've never personally spoke to him or been close to him?"

OCC: I see where you're going and that seems over the top, but I must admit it's interesting.

OCC: I see where you're going and that seems over the top, but I must admit it's interesting.

OOC: mhm... you dug yourself a hole now.

"I have never met him before in my life" Dr.Benson replied.

Jacob leaned forward in his seat. This was getting interesting.

"Thank you Dr. Benson, I'm glad you are honest. Now I have a question for you that is quite important."

White smiled and turned back to the recorder. "Please read the opening statements of Dr. Benson and Sean. Specifically the last two lines."

The recorded read the lines:

Dr. Benson:"The defendant"
Sean: "May the court recognize that Dr.Benson is pointing to Mr.Haslinger. I have no more questions for the witness at this time"

Frank smiled and walked back to Dr. Benson. "Thank you ma'am. That will do." White turned to Sean and smirked.

"Dr. Benson," Franklin said turning back to continue questioning the witness, "you specifically pointed to the defendant. How could you have done this if you have never met the man? How could you associate him with the fingerprints if you have never met him? Sure, you could match up a picture with fingerprints, but that's highly inneficient... wouldn't it be better to fingerprint the man himself in order to make sure? Even if it was his fingerprints from birth, how could you yourself know for sure that the man sitting in that defendants box's fingerprints are any more the murderer's fingerprints than mine are for instance?" Frank's hands rose to the air and he showed Benson the hands. "You have specifically seen my hands, and you cannot match me to teh crime... but yet you can match my client's hands to the crime without ever examining them yourself."

Frank turned back to the jury. "How is this possible? Appearently you, Dr. Benson, have either been scripted ahead of time on what you are supposed to say, or you are flat out lying! You swore an oath Dr. Benson, but whatever you say it seems that your credibility is not very valid."

Frank's voice had risen slowly through the speech and climaxed at the end.

"I know because the evidence proves it. Why don't you throw wild theories at the detectives who fingerprinted him personally. The fingerprints match Mr.Haslinger." Dr.Benson replied.

Sean sat there in disbelief 'Does he honestly believe the jury will buy that lying crap?' he thought to himself.

"Evidence proves it? You don't understand Dr. Benson, you supposed to provide the evidence. Not claim that it exists! You sit here and claim they belong to my client, yet you have never met my client, or personally reviewed his fingerprints... just reviewed some prints they gave you and a pricture of the man you have to prove they belong to."

White smiled in victory.

"You don't have any evidence, you only have words that you were told to say. You have no charts, no evidence, no data, just words and actions. And with your own actions you pointed to my client, yet with your own words you claim to have never met him.

Either one or the other must be false, unless you were informed beforehand exactly who you would claim the fingerprints belonged to."

"Would it put your mind at ease if I took the fingerprints here infront of the judge and jury?" Dr.Benson asked. "The evidence is fact"

Jacob was becoming uneasy in his seat. It would be highly unorthodox for a messy fingerprinting to take place in the courtroom. But he sat and waited for the judge to say something.

OOC: Haha, Maraque has one crazy law system!

"You may proceed with the fingerprinting," the judge said.

Jacob was amazed. This would never go over in a Deserted Territories courtroom. But he just leaned back and whistled while the balif went out to get the materials needed for the fingerprinting. Dr. Benson and the defendant were also preparing.

White stepped in front of Benson before he could leave his chair. "Who is asking the questions here? You have no right to take over the questioning... I am asking the questions, you will remain seated.

Your Honor, I protest against this as it is a violation of the rights of my client. Under statute 365 order 34 line 3 it says that, 'Any Maraque citizen who is called upon to present evidence within a court saying, or speak thereof shall not be made to speak under the pretense that he or she may incriminate himself. This will not be tolerated as every citizen has the right to a fair trial.'

Your Honor, just because this Doctor failed to do his job outside of the courtroom and before the trial began, this should mean that the man has the right to do so now... in the face of the law."

White cringed a little then proceeded.

"In fact, all I would like to know is why Dr. Benson's words and actions are contridictory..."

Jacob was amazed. This would never go over in a Deserted Territories courtroom. But he just leaned back and whistled while the balif went out to get the materials needed for the fingerprinting. Dr. Benson and the defendant were also preparing. Though Frank simply wlaked back to the tableand shuffled some papers around.

OOC: Please don't godmod other players characters.

OOC: All i made him do was walk over and shuffle papers. I didn't view it as a big deal. Sorry.

OOC: All i made him do was walk over and shuffle papers. I didn't view it as a big deal. Sorry.

Not too big a deal, but it might be later on. Don't worry about it, you're a new RPer so you get a lot more leeway than a guy like me.

"Times have changed, laws have been re-written. I have every bit of authority to grant the fingerprinting." The judge said sternly.

"May i ask what the re-written law states, please? In my home country the defendant would have every right to deny this test by right of the fifth amendment. So please, you honor, what does maraquen law actually say?" Jacob said as he stood up. After all, it was his client too.

The law states the following:

"Any Maraquean citizen who is called upon to present evidence within a court saying, or speak thereof shall be forced to speak under authority of a federal judge of the Secular Empire."

OOC: Yeah my law system is whack, but it makes it more interesting.

"So as you can see, if I see a reason to order the action, I shall do so under the law. No questions asked." The judge said.

Jacob sat back in his chair. And preceded to grumble and imagine horrible things happening to the maraquen law system...

White stepped in front of Benson before he could leave his chair. "Who is asking the questions here? You have no right to take over the questioning... I am asking the questions, you will remain seated.

Your Honor, I protest against this as it is a violation of the rights of my client. Under statute 365 order 34 line 3 it says that, 'Any Maraque citizen who is called upon to present evidence within a court saying, or speak thereof shall not be made to speak under the pretense that he or she may incriminate himself. This will not be tolerated as every citizen has the right to a fair trial.'

Your Honor, just because this Doctor failed to do his job outside of the courtroom and before the trial began, this should mean that the man has the right to do so now... in the face of the law."

White cringed a little then proceeded.

"In fact, all I would like to know is why Dr. Benson's words and actions are contridictory..."

Sean smiled "I don't see how it would violate his rights. If he is innocent then he has nothing to fear from the fingerprinting"

OCC: Bump

White grinned. "Very well... proceed. But as soon as this is finished I shall proceed with my questioning, as it has been rudlely interrupted. Additionally, I have further laws that could disprove the one recently stated, but that is not needed. My client shall prove his innocence of these fingerprints here and now."

Frank glared at the judge.

Slowly he walked over the desk and placed a hand on it. It was going to be a long day...

______________________________________________

OOC: Maraque, I don't want this RP to end here and now, and with such an operation being conducted in the courtroom, the chances of the procedure being messed up or muddled is pretty high. It's not taking place in a labratory after all. Therefore, I recommend you flip a coin, with one side being matching prints to the defendant, and the other being not matching. Then report the results. I trust you'll be fair in this...

OOC: The prints won't match. I just flipped a coin.

OOC: The prints won't match. I just flipped a coin.

OOC: Bingo... thanks.

OCC: The prints won't match because it wasn't done in a lab or because prints don't match at all?

OOC: Probably because it wasn't done properly. I mean it is a courtroom.

OCC: Okay, for a minute I thought they wouldn't match at all.

Sean was frustrated by the results. Of course, it was done in a courtroom and not a lab. He tried to figure out a solution.
"Your honor, the people request recess until tomorrow. And we also ask that the court meet at the crime lab tomorrow so that the fingerprints can be taken in an appropriate setting." he asked.

"Recess granted. The court will meet at the crime lab tomorow at 8:30am."

OOC: Just flipped another coin. They won't match at the crime lab either. :eek:

OCC: That's bull

Sean gathered up his papers and put them in the briefcase. It was an intense day and he was exhausted. He knew their case was sound. White's accusations were baseless. He sighed, discussed some things with Emma. They had to regroup. It wasn't going to be an easy case. Sean walked out of the courtroom to the crowds of reporters. He pushed his way through without answering any questions. The attention given to this case was dazzling. It was late and he didn't want to go home yet. He put the briefcase in his car and walked down the street to a restaurant. There, he sat at the bar, loosened his tie, and ordered a drink.
"Long day?" the bartender asked.
"You wouldn't believe" he replied with a sigh and begin drinking.

OCC: White could possibly enter the same place and he and Sean can talk

White was thrilled when the prints didn't match in the courtroom, of course, he didn't expect them too... but it was still fantastic relief. He quickly gathered up his papers and smiled as the media swarmed him. He pushed them away and hurried out of the courtroom. Frank was a little worried about the criminal lab the next morning, but he was sure that the prints wouldn't match there either. After all, his client was innocent.

He pulled his suite tighter and walked into his favorite bar and grill. He took a seat at the bar and ordered a Scotch. It just so happened that Sean sat there accross from him. "Sorry about all that in courtroom today Sean, but hey, you can't win 'em all. Interesting case to be sure..."

Sean didn't seen thrilled, at least, that's what it seemed like to Frank. He changed the subject.

"How's life going besides the case? Family? How are they?"

The waitress came up while Frank was speaking, and he paused to order a 12 oz. steak, medium rare.

OCC: White could possibly enter the same place and he and Sean can talk

OOC: lol... I read your mind!

Sean took a gulp before replying "The case is putting a strain on my family. Natalie's not thrilled about it. But, I think she understands its' importance. I guess my priorities have shifted recently. The kids are doing fine." he said. "How's it holding up on your end, Frank?"

Sean ordered another drink. It was a weakness of his. He was sober for over three years but began to drink again, the stress of the case was a major factor.

Frank slowly sipped his drink before replying. "I'm glad to hear your family is well... maybe we could all get together sometime this weekend, maybe at my vacation house at the lake? How does that sound?"

White used his left hand to swirl his glass as he stared off into space. "Jenna is doing ok. I think she's a little worried our love life will slow down because of this case..." Frank chuckled slowly. "But really, she could be better... wants more attention."

"So how about it Sean? This weekend?" White watched Sean gulp down the liquid. "Boy, you need to slow down, have a little moderation like me. It will be the worse for you family and the case if you drink that heavy. Just a recommendation..."

''I don't think this weekend will work out to well. I'm planning to have a night out with Natalie, she needs some attention. But, I'll take a rain check on it" Sean replied as he put his glass down. "Hopefully this case will end soon, though I doubt it" Sean looked at his glass, it was empty, he wanted to order another one but resisted. He couldn't afford to slip up now.

"Ok... we'll take a rain check then... you should spend time with Natalie anways."

Frank sliced open his steak which had just been brought, and bit deep into the partially red flesh. Delicious. He took another small sip of his Scotch and smiled at his friend, yet adversary. "That's good control not to order another."

"So don't you find it interesting that the government chose you as the prosecutor when they I heard I would be one of the defense attorneys? Shows they think your definitely a top gun in the business. It also shows they think we're on an even playing field."

"I've thought about it. I hope the District Attorney chose me based on skill and not as a test to see how I'd fair against a friend. You sure got brass for being Mr.Haslinger's attorney." Sean replied.

He took out a cigar and lighter "Now Frank. Your client is facing 12 counts of murder and various other counts. We can 100% tie him to seven of the murders. I'm willing to drop the death penalty and give him life in prison if he pleads guilty. What do you say to that?" he asked. Sean lit the cigar and the smoke billowed up into the air.

White chewed his steak thoughtfully. "Yes, they may have pitted you against me because of our friendship, it's possible."

He swallowed and felt the piece of food creep down his throat. He washed it down.

"I personally believe Haslinger is innocent. It's my job to prove that. I realize the evidence is overwhelming... but there is more to it than that. At this point my client will take nothing more than 30 years in prison. We are willing to drag this trial out, claim mistrials, and appeal to kingdom come before we give in to anything less than that."

Again he took a small sip, the cup was now drained. He ordered a root beer this time.

"We would only be willing to plead guilty with the conditions of 30 years in prison with a chance of parole. What do you say to that?"

"My offer is life without parole. I won't accept anything less. The families would never be able to rest knowing that Haslinger can get out of prison... I guess you're just the devil's advocate. Besides, I'd lose my job for making an outrageous deal like yours. I guess it will be to the death... I'm not concerned about appeals. I'll be there to oppose them every step of the way" Sean replied as he took a few more puffs of his cigar.

Kathleen walked into the bar. That was yet another day she couldn't testify. Every time she didn't, it ate her up, because the anxiety kept building, and building. She saw the prosocuter chatting. She was usually well mannerd and didn't interupt, but she had to.

"Mr. Leary. Good evening. You know me right, Kathleen Johnes, i'm a victem."

OCC: Let's just assume they know each other already. Because lawyers meet with all people involved with cases and such.

"Hello Kathleen, I'm sorry that you couldn't get a chance to testify today. Some trials take a long time. But just hang in there" Sean said as he showed her a seat. Sean felt bad for her and everything that's happened to her. Part of his case depended on her.

Brendan waited in solitary confinement. He was supposed to testify in the case of his old celly. He had hated the man. He stared at the wall and eventually drifted off into unconsiouceness.

"I'm sorry if I'm comming off as rude, but every day I fell like I'm just going to burst from anxiety. I just want to make sure this man goes away for the rest of his natural born life. That's all."

"Don't worry. He will be put away and possibly executed for his horrible crimes. You just have to stay strong, I know you can and you know you can" Sean replied.

OCC: Bump

Emma fumbled with the keys to her apartment. She wasn't much of a drinker. So she felt she would go home and crash for the night. Long day.

"Wilent." A gruff voice said from behind.

"Yes Satan? Oh I'm sorry sir, you sounded like someone else."

(Yeah I stole the line)

"Cut the wise cracks, Wilent. So tell me, is this guy going to fry or what?"

"Mr. Duopre, I'll tell you what I've told the 3,000 others, I can't discuss the depth of the trial, I am under gag order, and if I do, the judge could declare a mistrial."

"Everyone knows he's guilty, why bother."

"I think he's guilty too, but a person is innocent untill proven guilty. And that is what I intend to do. Good night."

Jacob Smith was about to step into a quiant bar and grill when his cell rang. he was needed back at the office. He got back into his car grumbling at his empty stomach.

OCC: Bump

Jacob went to the crime lad early that day to inspect the lab. He wanted to make sure everything was okay. He waited around for everyone else as he went over the main points of yesturdays session.

Either everyone else was late or he had come to the wrong place. Because no ne was here, not a single person had appered (or posted anything *ehhm*). He started to wander around looking for a gaurd that could tell him what was going on.

Gaston wondered around aimlessly wondering where everyone else was. He seemed to be the only one there, unless he didn't recognize anyone else.

"Gee, I'm just a juror and I'm on time. Where is everyone?" Gaston though, looking at his watch that read 9:15am.

...Jacob dived out of a window and free fell three storys before he back flipped into a perfect landing. He spun around and saw a guy with a gun shout at him, he pulled an uzi out of his jacket and fried the guy. He then sprinted down the hall, out the door, and jumped into a helicopter. He was taking off when a few more gaurds came out, he mowed them down with the chopper blades as he flew away.

Jacob jumped out of his dream with a start. Wow, that was cool he said as he walked down the halway trying to find the rest of the courtroom.

OOC: LOL! That was funny. I was thinking "What the hell is happening?" when I read it.

Frank was there bright and early. With his client. He leaned close to Hesslinger and whispered in his ear, "We got this, don't worry, the prints won't match here either. I believe you, and the jury will have too as well."

Frank snapped up when he saw a juror in the corner. He waved slightly then went back into his proffesional mood. "We got this."

He looked around, but didn't see Sean. Could be anywhere. Poor guy.

Jacob's wandering finally payed off. He found Frank with their client.
"How you doing? Have any idea where everyone is?"

BUMP! C'mon guys (and girls if there are any).

Jacob's wandering finally payed off. He found Frank with their client.
"How you doing? Have any idea where everyone is?"

Frank stared off past the man, his eyes glancing back and forth, searching for Sean or anybody else involved in the case.

"No, I haven't seen anyone else yet. But I'm sure they're coming. I think..."

He blinked twice.

"I'm doing pretty good..."

OOC: Thsi thread is dying at the hands of many lazy people who refuse to respond to anyhting!!! Gee-whiz.

OOC: so no one is going to post anything, eh?

IC:

The judge arrived bright and early. Everyone else was 3 hours late. The Judge was getting impatient.

Well I guess I'll go ahead and post my testimoney. I'll PM Aqua Anu, and tell about it.

here I am

Emma entered the Court room, terribly late. "Forgive my tardiness your honor. I do not know where my partner is, so I'm willing to start."

OOC; Actually we're outside the lab waiting to fingerprint Mr. Haslinger.

ooh

All right, this thread is dead, so I declare Mr. Haslinger GUILTY!

His punishment: death by lethal injection.