Good first day for Natural Resources court

[candy]

Folks:
Friday was the first day of the pilot program in Anne Arundel District Court that placed all the natural resources cases on the same docket to be handled by an assistant state's attorney briefed on the law.
There were 60 cases on the docket, ranging from fish and oyster poaching to illegal hunting to reckless boating.
Some of those summoned to appear just paid their fines rather than go before Judge Megan Johnson, a former prosecutor.
She was incredibly efficient and didn't cut offenders any slack. My favorite line was when she told a guy looking for yet another continuance on a 2008 violation: "Your request for postponement is uninspiring. We'll be back with you. Sit down."
The prosecutor, Colin Kelly, did a really good job moving through the cases.
There are a couple of small issues that will have to be fixed. There's plenty of time before the busy season starts to do that.
The officers seemed happy. The violators did not.
All in all, a pretty good showing. If it works, the attorney general and the chief judge say they're willing to expand the program.

[SteveL]

Thanks for the update Candy, it is very interesting.

I sure would not want to be standing in front of that judge.

[Lone Ranger]

Folks:
Friday was the first day of the pilot program in Anne Arundel District Court that placed all the natural resources cases on the same docket to be handled by an assistant state's attorney briefed on the law.
There were 60 cases on the docket, ranging from fish and oyster poaching to illegal hunting to reckless boating.
Some of those summoned to appear just paid their fines rather than go before Judge Megan Johnson, a former prosecutor.
She was incredibly efficient and didn't cut offenders any slack. My favorite line was when she told a guy looking for yet another continuance on a 2008 violation: "Your request for postponement is uninspiring. We'll be back with you. Sit down."
The prosecutor, Colin Kelly, did a really good job moving through the cases.
There are a couple of small issues that will have to be fixed. There's plenty of time before the busy season starts to do that.
The officers seemed happy. The violators did not.
All in all, a pretty good showing. If it works, the attorney general and the chief judge say they're willing to expand the program.

Thats one Judge you Do NOT want to be in front of!! She is tough as nails!!!

[goinsfishin]

This is great news.....a prosecutor who understands the natural resources laws and their intent, and a judge who doesn't brook any BS......I hope they can institute the same program statewide as soon as possible.

[27 sailfish]

Great to hear.
Let's hope the days of 20 , 30 or even more slap on the wrist are gone.
Cut the guy a little slack the first time - after that - hit him hard.

[Gerald]

Thanks for reporting Candy. Its a start in the judicial system and one of the most important things is getting this type of proceedings publicized and out in the open to the public. The NRP should have a section like a police report in every paper in every county or town in its jurisdiction.

[crabby and son]

GREAT NEWS! It is NO use having laws that aren't enforced... Punishment that fits the crime:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:.................. .Gary

[lfreed]

Thanks for the update, Candy!

[Stonewall]

It's about time these assholes got a smack down. Glad to see it.

[carjunkie]

Refreshing to hear that potentially, laws are being enforced and the days for umteen second chances may be a thing of the past.
:thumbup:

[philk999]

Thanks for the update Candy