"The fact that you're bringing up another case, for which the good Judge hasn't been briefed is utterly unorthodox.
The fact that the previous charges were dismissed means that, thanks to Double Jeopardy, several parts of the new case cannot be pursued, such as association with the SCRA, an organisation with which Mister Katz, a civilian with dual citizenship has had contact with in the past.
That leaves only incitement of riots and, of course, treason... which there is no evidence of since our client has never acted against Liberty, at least not in any way in which his legal rights do not allow.
The incitement of riots, well, we've all seen the evidence, and we can all agree that, ahem, 'Internal Security' and their murderous snipers caused that. Firing shots at a hockey game? Come on. Ending the match at half-time would be enough to cause bloody riots!"
Leon sighed, turned to the Judge, and some convenient cameras, speaking further,
"The fact that we can make a capable defence against these charges without preparation shows how weak they are, your honour.
There is a lack of evidence of actual crimes, the prosecution attempting to silence legitimate political dissent by using the law as a weapon against the people it is supposed to protect."
At that exact moment, a man in a well-tailored business suit burst through the doors.
"What the hell is this?" he demanded, looking at the prosecuting bench. "Bailiff, arrest this man."
Everyone stared on in shock, though the defense attorney had a calculating look in his eyes. "And just who might you be?" Keeping his cards close and preparing to pounce on whatever turn of events came about.
"James Cohrs, District Attorney. I'm the person that should be standing behind that table." A gasp went around the courtroom. "This man is an impostor, sent her by... I won't say my suspicions, to preserve the court from any speculation. Bailiff?"
At that moment the 'prosecuting attorney' made a break for the door, but a police officer stepped in his way and wrestled him up against the wall, slapping him in cuffs.
"I wasn't informed of these proceedings. Matter of fact, the communique I got said they were tomorrow. Now..." he said, looking about the room. "This farce has gone on long enough. I ask the Judge to declare a mistrial. I think we can all agree that this is a most unorthodox occasion, and it warrants it. The charges will be considered in due time, but for now, will someone tell me what the hell just happened?"
OOC: Amazing what you can come up with when you step away from the computer for awhile. Good night everyone.
Mr. Katz other Lawyer smoothly rose from her seat.
"Objection your honour," she said evenly and without temper.
"You cannot file for a mistrial at an arraignment, as you well know. Right now we are in pre-trial motions. And the motion for the immediate dismissal of all charges WITH prejudice has only been further prooven by this three ringed circus act that the Prosecution is levelling."
"I could go on to file further charges of court room disruption, gross contempt for the legal process and have the prosecuting District Attorney dis-barred. But I think one matter at a time, your honour."
"As reference to the Writ of H-C, as it is outlined, the Prosecution were requited to appear in this court room and present their evidence on the charges that they arrested my client on. Leagl warrent or not, my client still spent 48 hours in a prison cell after voluntarilly doing his duty as a citizen and surrendering."
"We insist on a Summary Judgement issued on the original charges, as is our right under the law. It is not my clients fault that the Prosecution is unable to get its act together, nor is it this court who, in their wisdom, afforded the correct 48 hours for the Prosecution to get prepared."
"no, this latest ploy is just another ruse to buy time for the LPI to do police work it was supposed to have done BEFORE the arrest. Strike these charges, dismiss this case, and let them refile charges at a later point, bering in mind that now they must deal with Double Jepordy for their gross incompetance!"
"The since the prosecution has already stated several times that it will not contest the dismissal of the original charges, I move for them to be dismissed with prejudice. Let us finish this mess here and now."
"Ruse by the LPI?" Cohr said, indignantly. "My good man, this smacks of a conspiracy to not only throw the court into disorder, but to allow for the defendant to attain freedom, and double jeopardy, with no contest! The only disturbance to this courtroom, your Honor, has been that of the hooligan who was masquerading as a prosecutor. The 'gross contempt' accusation you levy on me is in response to my attempt to uphold the very foundation of the law.
"Having two defense attorneys on each side of this courtroom would be as bad as having two prosecutors, or even martial law. Just having one without the other, a defense attorney without a prosecuting, or vice versa, is tantamount to anarchy.
"If the judge sees fit, I will provide the paperwork which clearly shows that the court date I received was set for tomorrow. I am very fortunate that I was visiting my offices here for some paperwork I had left, and noticed that the trial was underway. Something is going on here, someone is trying to grind the cogs and gears of justice to a halt, and that someone is most definitely not me or the LPI; your accusations are baseless. Let us see your evidence to support such claims.
"And exactly how many times have I stated I will not contest the dismissal of the charges? I do not recall the words ever crossing my lips. Perhaps it is the defense that must get its act underway? If you don't see fit at this point to declare a mistrial, your Honor, at least postpone the trial until this whole mess can be sorted."
Both sides wait with bated breath for the judge to rule.
The Judge called a recess to deliberate, retreating to his chambers, a stoic look on his face that couldn't bode well.
Back in the chamber the doors opened as a troop of LPI riot police moved into the chamber, taking up strategic positions in places where they could suppress the crowd should the ruling not go their way.
A piece of paper was slid across to Katz by his Lawyer, 'the LPI have declared Martial Law.'
He eyed the paper, looking up at Mendel who was reading it as well. The two men exchanging a look.
Katz turned in his chair, looking back over the crowd. Noting the LRF mixed in with his own Electoral security. Normal citizens, fresh off of one riot and sore from the abuses they were taking, looking restless.
The whole situation was spoiling for a second round.
A second round that would end in utter disaster. Not just for the LPI and for Katz, but for the people that were depending on this resolving peacefully.
The situation was going to become ugly, and fast.
The death grip that Liberty was exerting on Ontario would choke the life out of it, destroy peoples lives and livlihoods if it spiralled out of control.
There just wasn't enough people to put up that kind of fight, and if the verdict came in and it was unfavourable... everything he'd worked so hard for would come crashing down.
"It's time..." Katz said pushing himself to his feet. "For a new plan."
He walked across to the prosecutors table, past the cameras.
The Prosecutor looking genuinely surprised at his approach, the sweat on his brow evident under the heat of the camera lights.
"We need to talk," Katz said, gesturing towards the door to a side room in the court house used for keeping Jury's sequestered.
The Prosecutor rose and led the way as Katz and his two Lawyers made their way out of the spot light and into a private place.
"What are you offering as a plea?" Katz said, broaching the subject first.
Katz set his hands down on the table, flat, staring into the eyes of the Attorney.
"He's going to come back in our favour and you know it. You're Martial Law declaration may rattle him, it may intimidate him. But I know the law, as do you. And we slaughtered you in the court room."
Katz set eyes, locking them on the Attorney.
"This is what we want." he slid a piece of paper across the table.
A full Pardon for anyone involved in the events in Toronto, for any crimes they might have, or might not have caused.
Safe passage for any citizenry who choose to leave Ontario on our transports.
Full and heavily equipped Navy and LPI patrols regularly flying through Ontario with the promise of safety and security for the people.
The Attorney made a move to immediately object...
"In exchange I pull out of this election, no contest. There will be no further violence here. And you will win what you want to win. Which is keeping Ontario."
"However..." Katz raise a finger. "If there is not a significant reduction in Slavery and Cardamine passing through this system... if I see no reports that it's citizenry are safe and protected. Then I will return, and have a clear, unmolested, run at the Governership."
The District Attorney blinked a couple of times. "You read my mind? I was about to offer you a deal to walk if you'd leave and end this madness. I believe the LPI has stepped up patrols in Ontario already, and we never deny people the right to move where they see fit.
"Right. In return for exoneration on all charges, you put an end to this farce. You can take anyone that wants to be 'free' to Freeport 14 in Yukon or something. Have them join the Zoners. I don't know, I don't rightly care."
James Cohr read the plea deal to check to see if he was being tricked, as well as for loopholes, and, satisfied, signed his name at the bottom.