Courthouse

The courthouse was quiet at 9:00 this morning, but there was some activity on the eighth floor, where the final pretrial hearing was being held for Garcia, who is being accused of trafficking cocaine.  Judge Judith Fabricant was presiding.

The courtroom was empty except for the lawyers, defendant, jury, judge, and

The jury talked among themselves while the defendant stood with his hands clasped in front of him, head down.  His lawyer stood next to him.  The prosecution approached the bench, giving evidence why the case should proceed to trial. 

At the end of the conference, Fabricant decided to schedule a trial for June 15.  The lawyers were told to gather their witnesses.  Then the entire courtroom was asked to stand for Fabricant’s exit, since the court was in recess.  After the judge left, everyone followed suit quickly.