$3,000. That’s how much it’ll cost you to flip the bird during an oral argument in Michigan. Oh, and the matter may be referred for possible discipline. At least that’s what happened to lawyer James Heos of East Lansing, Michigan.
According to reports, Heos was logged into a virtual argument at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Though he was not participating in the argument, he had represented the plaintiff in the trial and wanted to watch. And during the defendant’s argument that’s when he let his middle finger fly.
When confronted with this behavior by the panel during the oral argument, Heos said he was merely pointing at his broken computer. And that excuse did NOT fly with the judges:
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“Mr. Heos exhibited shameful disrespect to the court and to opposing counsel in his offensive gesture and his dishonest replies to the court’s inquiries,” Judge Thomas Cameron wrote in a May 20 order.
Heos told the Detroit Free Press that he was frustrated with his computer and the blank screen, but that he understands how it looked:
“I would imagine it appeared to them that I was flipping off the court and my opponent, which I would never do,” he said.
“I’ve been a lawyer 46 years,” said Heos, 74. “I’ve never been accused of inappropriate, unruly or rude conduct in the courtroom.”
I guess that moment of technological frustration just happened to come at the wrong time. In any event, Heos says he’s already mailed the check paying his fine.
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Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).