Isn't a judge suppose to hear BOTH sides before deciding a verdict?

Question

I had to go to Truiency Court with one of my children, the judge told me she didn't care what I had to say and infact she didn't want to hear what I had to say. When I was asked a question, if she didn't like the answer she told me that if I didn't stop talking she was going to have me put in jail. She didn't let me tell my side or tell anything, I have medical problems and on medication (I wont get into what she said about that, except she thinks I'm on illegal drugs) I have to take Pain medication for my feet and back, and have panic attacks when in crowds, she doesnt know any of this and she has sentenced me to go to school with my child.

NO I WASN'T GOING TO JUST MAKE EXCUSES AS TO WHY MY KID WASN'T IN SCHOOL, MY CHILD HAD A REACION TO THE MEDICATION THE DR. PUT HER ON AND HE KEPT SAYING SHE'D ADJUST. WELL SHE DID, WHEN I TOOK HER OFF. MY MEDICAL PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH THE VERDICT. BECAUSE OF BACK PROBLEMS I CANT SIT IN A CLASSROOM CHAIR ALL DAY. HELL I CANT EVEN DO IT FOR 10 MINUTES WITHOUT SEVERE PAIN, AND DIDYOU NOT SEE THE PANIC ATTACKS WHEN IN CROWDS? SOME OF YOU ARE PURE IDIOTS!!!!!!!

Actually, no, I was giving a lagitamit answer that wasnt going along with her deadbeat drug addict image she had. I dod not one time say "I can't" Infact I have found out since that the people feom the school lied in court to her, which made them look good and me bad. I am not a bad, or deadbeat mom, this judge was way out of line had the wrong idea of me and when my answers didnt fit her opinion she threatened to put me in jail.

Answer 1

Sounds like you were treated unfairly. My sympathies. Perhaps you can check with your local city council about what options are available to you to get some justice out of this.

Answer 2

That is why you have to get a lawyer. I worked for the court system for a few years and learned a very valuable lesson...if you don't know enough to have a representative present, they don't care what you have to say.
YES, you have a right to speak, however, you need an attorney to make sure it happens. For the most part, all of those folks (attorneys, judges, law clerks) work together, that makes them co-workers, just like in any other office. They have office parties together, they go out drinking together, they even get tattoos together.
Generally, a judge has already read the paperwork and decided what they will do about a situation before you even step into the court room. She already made up her mind that you are a lazy parent and doesn't care if you are taking meds. While the truth may be that you are unable to go to school with your child because of your condition, the way the judge sees it is this, you must be a lazy, uncaring parent because your child is having trouble in school or is not attending school. The fact is, most of the time, parents that truly do not care, do not even show up for truancy court. They let their kid do it alone.
My advise is to seek an advocate in your area. Contact the school or even try legal aid in your county/city, district. You are entitled to assistance in legal matters, no matter your ability to pay, unless you choose to go pro-se (alone). If that is the case (pro-se) then you must let it be known IN ADVANCE that you are representing yourself and you up your chances of being heard without an attorney or representative present.
Good luck to you. It is hard to go up against the law when you don't have help. There is free help available in every city, though. You just have to look for it.

Answer 3

What does your medical conditions have to do with your childs truancy? I didn't see anything about why the child missed school, just about you. Sounds like the judge was just tired of the "I can't" line of excuses you kept offering. Whether or not you're on medication or drugs or whatever, you are responsible for your child going to school.

Answer 4

Were you just trying to make excuses for your kid? Many parents think that their kids are perfect and can't be impartial to their behaviour, or don't take responsibility to ensure that their kids are acting correctly such as going to school everyday. It could be that she was just sick of hearing you try to make excuses.

Should she have to listen to your side? To a point, as long as it's not long and rambling and a complete waste of time and taxpayers dollars, sure. But in general she's the boss and can do whatever she thinks best. She must have thought you were wasting time with bad excuses.

So make sure your kid goes to school.

Answer 5

Your side would be filled with excuses for your child to be truant from school. The judge already knows that. BUT, NO EXCUSES are acceptable. As a parent, it is YOUR responsibility to see to it that your child is in school as dictated by law.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Unfortunately no, the only way you are going to be heard is if you put up a lot money to an attorney. justice isn't free.

Answer 7

i thought they're supposed to hear both sides....might wanna have it appealed or looked at by another judge.