They were herding us into the courtroom like cattle. This scene was starting to become all too familiar to me. Forty men, shackled and chained to each other at the waist. B&E artists, stick up kids, rapists, arsonists, crackheads and hustlers, pimps with their hoes waiting in the audience; all these people and more, hooked in bondage, and all praying for the same thing. To be set free! Out of the forty inmates on our chain, thirty- eight of them were black. My punk ass parole officer was the first person I noticed as we were ushered into the courtroom. We were herded in and sat down, as the judge waited patiently to seal our fate. His face was red and his hair was white. The courtroom seats were packed wall to wall with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, baby mamas, bffs, and plenty of nosey ass people who simply had nothing else better to do, then to get up outta their beds like they were headed to work, and haul ass to the courthouse just to see who was locked up and for what. One at a time, inmates were taken off the chain and taken up in front of judge red face. And one at a time, they got slaughtered. No probation! No bond reductions! Revoke probation! Revoke parole! And then it was my turn. Looking up at Colonol Sanders, I knew I was doomed. My case number was called, and my P.O. was up to the table quicker than greased lightening! “Your honor, how are you today sir?” He asked kissing the judge’s ass right off top.
“Fine. Now where is your case? We have a long day ahead.”
“Yes sir. Sorry sir. Your honor, I have here one Theodore Banks, who is in direct violation of his parole. The District Attorney and I have agreed that his parole should be revoked for the obvious reasons. One, Mr. Banks has recently been charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A state and federal offense. Furthermore, the above said weapon that Mr. Banks has been charged with possessing, was found at the scene of a gruesome homicide two nights ago.” This punk motherfucker! He was trying to get me hung! This much was obvious!
“Mr. Greene?”
“Yes, your honor.” My P.O. jumped to attention like a hopeful student.
“Were you aware that the above said firearm was obtained during an illegal search and seizure? In fact, does anyone here possess any paperwork, verifying that Mr. Banks owns this home? From what I can see, this is a rent to own property, that’s not even registered under this man’s name. Mr. Greene, do not bring half cases into my courtroom. I have neither the time nor patience. Although I have dedicated my life to removing criminals from the streets, there are ethics, and codes that have to be followed, if this system is to remain functioning correctly.” The judge scolded Mr. ass kissing Greene. “Therefore, I’m dismissing the gun charge and terminating his parole.”
“Your honor!” The District attorney shot to his feet!
“My decision is final counsel. Next case.”
“But…”
“Counsel!!! I SAID my decision is final!” The judge barked out as the D.A. sat down with defeat written across his face. My mouth dropped open almost as wide as my P.O.’s! “Mr. Banks?” The judge spoke directly to me for the first time.
“Yes sir.” I stood and spoke calmly.
“Today is your lucky day. I suggest you take this as a learning experience and don’t ever come back in front of me again. If Mr. Banks is not being held for any other offenses, he is free to go. Next case.”
Oh shit! They’re really letting me go! I was happy and excited just for a brief moment. Until the naggin realization of Monique no longer being alive, pulled me right back down into sorrow. How? Why? I kept asking myself the same questions. I had been violated in the worst way, and the crazy thing is, I never thought it could happen to me.