ANN ARBOR, MI — A Michigan district court judge lost his patience during a dramatic courtroom confrontation, shouting at a defense attorney to step away from the podium after endless arguments regarding missing paperwork and delay after delay in getting an incarcerated defendant a substance abuse assessment.
The intense exchange between Judge Simpson and defense attorney Nicole Sadi highlighted the court’s strict refusal to compromise on public safety conditions, even when faced with defense claims regarding job loss and technical email glitches.
Technical Glitches and a Missing Order
The hearing centered around 30-year-old defendant Nicole Henderson, who was being held in custody on multiple serious charges, including an alcohol-related offense where her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was allegedly measured at a dangerous .235.
At the start of the proceeding, attorney Sadi informed the court that she had filed an emergency motion for a bond reduction. Sadi explained that Henderson needed an immediate substance abuse assessment to qualify for a specialized treatment program through her employer, General Motors.
However, the jail required a formal written court order to permit an independent evaluator, a Mr. Statman, to conduct a remote assessment via Zoom.
When Judge Simpson asked where the proposed order was, Sadi claimed she had emailed it to the court the day prior, but speculated that a recent email hack on her account prevented the message from reaching the court clerk.
“My emails were sent, they were not received,” Sadi admitted. “I did have a hack event last week through one of my email accounts… a party invitation that was not a real party invitation I never should have clicked on.”
With no written order on his desk, Judge Simpson expressed frustration that he could not grant the jail access, leaving the proceedings stuck in limbo.
Job Security vs. Public Safety
As the argument dragged on, Sadi pressed the judge to release Henderson or lower her bond immediately, arguing that Henderson was on the verge of losing her job at General Motors, which provided her sole source of income and healthcare for her young daughter. Sadi noted that Henderson’s approved leave ended on July 6, making the situation an emergency.
However, both Judge Simpson and the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Cook, voiced severe concerns about public safety and Henderson’s well-being if released without a formal assessment and safety plan.
Court records revealed that Henderson had multiple pending cases in other jurisdictions and had allegedly made alarming, suicidal comments during her arrest regarding what she would do to herself. Furthermore, Judge Simpson recalled seeing Henderson’s young daughter in court during a previous hearing, expressing deep concern for the child’s safety.
“The bottom line reality to it is that little girl that was here the other day, her daughter—I can’t in good conscience let this defendant out where she may be traveling with that child,” Judge Simpson stated.
The Exploding Point: “Get Me an Order!”
Despite Judge Simpson repeatedly stating that he agreed Henderson needed an assessment and simply required a physical order to sign, Sadi continued to debate the merits of the case, demanding a written order denying her motion.
The relentless back-and-forth pushed Judge Simpson over the edge.
“You know what? I’m done arguing about it!” Judge Simpson shouted, raising his voice as Sadi tried to interject. “I asked that something be done so that I could fashion something or be assured to let her out with as least risk as possible… Get me an order! Somebody, I don’t care if it’s handwritten, get me an order!”
When Sadi attempted to explain her email issues once more, Judge Simpson cut her off completely:
“I hear you! Get me an order! Get a piece of paper, write an order so I can get her assessed! Right now! I’m done! Step away from my podium!”
Judge Simpson abruptly declared a court recess to force counsel to produce the physical document.
Resolution and Adjournment
The impasse was finally broken during the recess when a probation officer spoke directly with evaluator Mr. Statman, who confirmed he had already received a copy of the required paperwork and could perform the assessment remotely at 10:00 a.m. the following day.
Upon reconvening the court, Sadi produced the order, which Judge Simpson immediately signed.
To expedite Henderson’s potential release, Judge Simpson set a follow-up hearing for the very next afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to review Mr. Statman’s completed substance abuse report and determine if an appropriate, safe bond structure could be established.
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHBPfICXHnI