A Lesson to Learn: Make the prosecution prove its case

WORDS I NOW REGRET



A gut feeling was the only basis the
Officer could cite as a reason for
Pulling me over that night
And when I denied him
Consent to search my car that
Served only to raise the issue of
Probable cause and
Finger of suspicion and
You have the right to an attorney and
You have the right to remain silent and
Anything you say can and will be
Used against you
And the judge asking me
How do you plead?

Soon I learned about infractions and
Misdemeanors and felonies and
Man-endangering acts of
Burglary, Arson, Robbery, Rape
Mayhem and Sex Offenses
Following my right to a jury trial came
Trial by my peers and a
Public defender
Peremptory challenges and
Challenges for cause and a
Challenge to the array

Next came the legal standards of
Preponderance of evidence and
Clear and convincing and
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Then it wasn’t long before I heard about
Credit for time served and
Local time versus state penitentiary
Reversible error and appeal
And now I’m contemplating
Serving consecutive sentences and
Life without right of parole

Just think:
All this could have been avoided
If I had volunteered nothing
When the judge asked me
How do you plead?
Instead of answering with
Words I now regret:
Guilty, Your Honor.

Richard Lee Orey
Copyright 2015