(Told by our client, “C.S.”)

I had never been in trouble before. Not even a traffic ticket. So when I was arrested and told I had to go to court for an arraignment, I was terrified. I did not even know what the word “arraignment” meant. I could not sleep. I kept imagining the judge yelling at me, or being taken away in handcuffs.

The day before court, I met with Elizabeth Payette and Kara Manosh. They were so welcoming.  They explained everything that would happen step by step. They told me what the judge would say, what I would need to do, and what to expect afterward. They were normal and human. They answered all of my questions.  I had walked in feeling a mix of fear and shame, but I walked out feeling like I had two new friends who would fight for me.

The next day in court, Elizabeth was right there beside me. The courtroom was packed. People were being called up in no clear order. Some people were taken away in handcuffs. The judge was speaking so fast and using words I had never heard before. I would have felt so lost if I had tried to do that all alone.

Elizabeth leaned over and reminded me that everything was going exactly as she and Kara had explained the day before. When my name was called, she stood up with me. I was never alone, not even for a second.

Just as they promised, it all went smoothly. The judge gave me a personal recognizance bail, which meant no money up front. Elizabeth explained it in plain words. She also made sure I understood the no contact order. I had not realized that even a text message would count as contact. That could have gotten me in even more trouble. She even asked for permission so I could still go on a family vacation, which had been keeping me up at night.

When it was over, we walked out together. Elizabeth went over it all again, because I was still in a daze. I felt like she was protecting me every step of the way.

I walked into court with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I walked out knowing I had a team ready to fight for me. 

The arraignment could have been overwhelming because so much happens in the short minute or two that my case was called.  Having a lawyer that already knew me and what I was most nervous about (my vacation, having to pay money, and making sure I didn't screw anything up and get in more trouble!) made everything so much better.