(Sorry for the slow buildup. It's about to get interesting, I promise!)
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'd like to apologize for wasting your time today," the defense attorney began. He had a commanding stature, despite his apparent age. The few wisps of grey hair still on his head suggested a man who'd tried many cases and probably knew his stuff. He continued with his opening statement:
"The defendant, Lucien Hall, has had ample opportunity to take responsibility for his crimes. To confess, and accept the punishment he deserves. Instead, he has stood blatantly defiant of our storied justice system, despite the overwhelming evidence against him."
Sam looked over at the unassuming gentleman at the defendant's table. Grand Theft Auto were the charges read, but the scrawny guy looked like he'd barely hold his own in a fight let alone stealing a car. Hall, wearing jeans and a hoodie, seemed to be holding back a wry grin as the prosecutor addressed the court.
"This man was seen, in broad daylight walking into a Ferrari dealership, swiping a set of keys from a secure locker, and driving a brand new, $250,000 sports car off the lot. He was recorded in the act by several high-definition security cameras, and was arrested just an hour later in the same stolen vehicle. And yet not only has this man chosen to plead Not Guilty, but has chosen to represent himself, as though this is merely all some sort of spectacle.
"But rest assured, ladies and gentlemen, that the evidence points overwhelmingly to Mr. Hall committing this crime. Once it's presented to you, hopefully we can have this whole thing wrapped up by lunchtime."
The prosecutor, finished with his speech, nodded to the judge and returned to his seat.
"Mr. Hall," the Judge began, "Now it's your turn to make an opening statement."
The man smirked, then leaned back and kicked his feet up on the table. "Nah, I'm good Judge."
An awkward silence filled the room, and the Judge gave a bewildered stare, then sighed. "Very well then. The prosecution will call its first witness."
