Judge shocked when suspended driver logs onto Zoom hearing from car

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A district judge in Michigan was stunned when a defendant charged with driving with a suspended licence showed up for a virtual court hearing while behind the wheel.

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The assistant public defender introduced herself to Judge Cedric Simpson in the Ann Arbor court as Corey Harris dialed into the Zoom hearing — and the judge couldn’t believe his eyes.

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

“Actually, I’m pulling into my doctor’s office actually,” Harris replied. “Just give me one second. I’m parking right now.”

Footage from the call shows the legal teams standing in shock, while others in the courtroom tried to contain their laughter.

An incredulous Simpson could be seen waiting for Harris to bring his vehicle to a stop.

Once the proceeding begins, Harris’ attorney requested an adjournment for “possibly up to four weeks, if the court would allow.”

Simpson, however, was still baffled by what he just witnessed Harris do.

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“OK, so maybe I don’t understand something,” he told the public defender.

“This is a driving while licence suspended (case). And he was just driving, and he doesn’t have a licence.”

The public defender admitted, “That is correct, your honour,” as Harris is left speechless.

“I don’t even know why he would do that,” Simpson continued before declaring, “Defendant’s bond is revoked in this matter.”

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He ordered Harris to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that day.

“Oh my God,” a shocked Harris can be heard whispering in disbelief.

For a first offence in Michigan, driving with a suspended licence can lead to a $500 fine and up to 93 days in jail.

A second offence could mean one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.

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