BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, MI — A Michigan arraignment descended into absolute chaos after a defiant defendant repeatedly shouted at the bench, dropped expletives, and threatened to take his case to the Supreme Court—prompting the judge to skyrocket his bond from $750 to $40,000.
The explosive hearing before Judge McNally in 33rd District Court provided a vivid example of how courtroom disrespect and defiance can instantly transform a minor misdemeanor bond into tens of thousands of dollars in bail.
Failing to Show Up and Claiming “Selective Hearing”
The defendant, Robert Williamson, appeared in court via video link facing charges of operating a vehicle in the presence of drugs and resisting/obstructing an officer.
Williamson was in custody because he failed to appear for two previously scheduled court dates in April and May. When Judge McNally pressed him on his absence, Williamson blamed his apartment complex’s mail system, claiming he never received the court notices.
As the judge began reviewing his criminal history—which included a 1998 home invasion and prior impaired driving convictions—Williamson repeatedly interrupted, arguing that the court was legally prohibited from considering any offenses older than 10 years.
“You can’t hold none of that against me because that was over 12 years ago!” Williamson shouted, interrupting both the judge and his own court-appointed attorney. “You can’t hold none of that against me!”
When Judge McNally warned him to drop his attitude, Williamson claimed he couldn’t hear, insisting he was “half deaf.” However, seconds later, he had no trouble hearing and responding when arguing his legal points.
Exploding at the Judge: “Stop Switching Me the F* Around!”
The situation rapidly escalated when Judge McNally noted that Williamson’s defiance, refusal to follow instructions, and history of skipping court dates made him a significant flight risk.
When the judge announced he was setting bond at $40,000 (10%), Williamson lost control:
“My bond is $40,000 10%?! It can’t be because I have two misdemeanor charges, bud!” Williamson screamed. “We’re going to trial then, bro! We went from $750 to $40,000 over nothing! I’m f*ing this whole state up then, man! We’re going all the way to the Supreme Court on this!”
Judge McNally immediately called out the expletive and disrespect, emphasizing that shouting at the bench only proved his unsuitability for a low bond.
“You just used the f-bomb. You’re disrespectful, and I think you’re a flight risk,” Judge McNally stated. “If you give me one more bit of guff, I’m setting this case for next October, and I’m setting a bond of $100,000 cash! You want to keep going, tough guy?”
A Desperate Plea for Mercy: “I Take It All Back!”
Realizing the severe corner he had backed himself into, Williamson’s aggressive bravado instantly collapsed into desperate begging.
“I want a PR bond! I want to go home! Please no! No, please! I take it all back!” Williamson pleaded, suddenly changing his tune. “I didn’t mean to yell at you… Can we start over, please? My mom’s dying right now, could you please let me go home?”
Unmoved by the sudden shift from aggression to pleading, Judge McNally noted that Williamson’s hearing miraculously improved as soon as he needed to beg for leniency.
“I’m convinced you can hear a lot better than you think,” Judge McNally remarked. “I’m not letting, listening to tough guys. You want to play tough guy, get in the WWE or something.”
Judge McNally maintained the $40,000 (10%) bond, ordering Williamson to remain in custody without alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances until his next court date. The judge warned him that any further outbursts would result in an even higher cash-only bond before ordering the clerk to cut his microphone feed.
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFXm3B3OmKU