Reply #18: UPDATE

[Nevernose]

According to my sources, she was only "sort of" suspended for a month, as they're including this summer's two week vacation as part of it, so it's really only a two week suspension. The phrases being used in and around the judge's chambers are apparently "slap on the wrist" and "when the media dies down."

They tried to FIRE the public defender for not speaking up on the kid's behalf, but the DA's office apparently mentioned the fact that only someone willing to commit professional suicide would speak up in Beller's court -- she'd rule against his next 20 defendants just out of spite. He got a one-month suspension, too, but w/o taking his vacation into consideration.

She also has judicial immunity for her actions, which is pretty much what it sounds like -- she and the county can't be sued.

Norm, the bailiff involved and the only one who spoke out, is 6'8", 250 lbs., eats nails for breakfast, and can be one of the nicest people around. I have seen him and several other bailiffs there, on multiple occasions, remind hearing masters of what they can and can't do. Bill Henderson, currently a hearing master running for justice of the peace, is the worst of the bunch, appointed primarily because his girlfriend, Judge Cheryl Moss, was the Family Court's head judge, a yearly rotating position.

It's assholes like these who give the judicial system such a bad rap -- MOST of the cops and lawyers and judges and file clerks and probation officers and social workers are decent, upstanding individuals out trying every day to make a difference in the lives of their communities and their clients.