Enticed
I will never forget this case, not just because it was my first jury trial as a licensed attorney (I did go to trial once or twice in Alachua County as an intern with the Public Defender’s Office), but also because of the colorful cast of characters who made up the witness list. I literally tried this case one week after I started working at the Broward County Public Defender’s Office.
Jacob B was accused of violating an injunction by contacting his estranged girlfriend. The witnesses against him were his ex-wife and the alleged victim (his former girlfriend). Apparently Jacob had relations with the now ex-girlfriend causing the demise of his relationship with his now ex-wife. I know, it confused me too. The witnesses brought a taped recorded voice message left by Jacob on the estranged girlfriend’s voicemail. The trial was filled with all sort of odd behavior by the complainants and Jacob, who came to trial in a tight fitting striped shirt and red lipstick. I can’t make this stuff up.
At the end of the day, I was able to show that the supposed victims had called Jacob and enticed him into returning their call and when he did, complained to the authorities that he violated the injunction. Needless to say, the jury found Jacob Not Guilty, and I caught the trial bug and have never been cured since.
