The courtroom can be a highly emotional place, as demonstrated by this video filmed in a Michigan criminal court. Admittedly, criminal cases involve all sorts of facts, some of which can illicit extreme emotional responses from those involved. This includes judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, private criminal defense attorneys and defendants. Understanding this fact, and understanding that emotions in a courtroom can have an impact on justice and on people’s lives, it is critical that if you have a criminal case you are protected from infringements on your freedom due to one party being overly emotional.
For example, I have represented many clients whose case is being handled by a district attorney who seems to have an emotional reaction to the type of crime being accused. Recently I handled an animal cruelty case which was being prosecuted by an assistant district attorney who seemed very emotionally reactive to the case. After working with this district attorney, it quickly became apparent that she was a true animal lover, and consequently this caused her to despise my client and want to impose a punishment that, in my view, was far too harsh under the circumstances.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer is so valuable to you when you are facing criminal charges, as they can identify people and circumstances that seem to trigger extreme emotional response, and make sure that these do not impede your ability to be dealt with justly.