Dale Robert Busbee

Dale Busbee

This client was on felony probation when he was caught shoplifting twice within the span of two weeks. The case was unique in that the client had an ongoing civil matter that he was more concerned about. He was prepared to stipulate to the shoplifting, but he absolutely could not miss the hearing scheduled in his civil case. I negotiated a deal with the prosecutor, wherein she would not object to allowing the client to attend his civil hearing. The sentence itself was not very severe, but there was a legal question we could have raised in a contested hearing if the client so chose. I presented the deal to the client with the options to a) reject it and challenge the legal question or b) accept it with the agreement regarding his civil hearing. As with all of my clients, HE MADE THE FINAL DECISION TO ACCEPT THE DEAL. Afterward, he had some "buyer's remorse." On our end, we did everything we could to meet this client's stated needs, including contacting the civil firm representing him in his other case to ensure they knew what was going on and where he was. I cannot speak to his remaining allegations, as his hearing took place over a year ago. We may have asked for bond post-sentencing to allow him to get his affairs in order before re-reporting to the jail. Delayed reporting is not uncommon. Finally, not that it matters, we only have three Superior Court judges in our circuit and a handful of prosecutors and defense attorneys. We all know each other. So, I am not sure what he means by them not "[knowing] my name" or how he would even "discover" that. We all know each other's names and when in court, refer to each other formally, using last name; including the judge in this case who would have addressed me as "Mr. Busbee" at the hearing. I would note he was as critical, if not more so, of the Public Defender's office, whom he now wishes to have used. I hate that this client was unhappy with the deal to which he agreed, but I am glad that I was able to restore his faith in our valiant public defenders. They are overworked, underpaid, and, above all else, underappreciated. They are the heroes of our judicial system. DRB