State Courts

Common Law: Trying to straighten out his life

By Ron Sylvester

When Dominique Willis came to court last fall, he was prepared to start college and seemed to be leaving the life behind that had him convicted of a felony robbery. But he didn?t go to school, he couldn?t find a job, didn?t keep up with his community service and tested positive for smoking marijuana. When he returned to court, after two months in the county jail and facing about five years in prison, he gave an emotion plea for a second chance.

Postscript: After the hearing, Willis? uncle asked where he could find the video. ?I want to play it for him, if he starts messing up again, to remind him of what he said today.? For him and others who are interested, I?ve also posted Willis? full statement.

Full post as published by What the Judge Ate for Breakfast on July 13, 2010 (boomark / email).