Judge Sends Court Reporter To Jail
A judge has ordered a Detroit court reporter to serve a 30-day contempt sentence in the Wayne County jail for repeatedly missing deadlines to produce a transcript.
Circuit Judge Timothy Kenny says it isn't the first time Paulette Martin has stalled cases.
The Detroit Free Press says Thursday Martin's court-appointed lawyer Mack Carpenter wasn't available for comment.
Court rules say a transcript is due 28 days after a defendant is bound over for trial in circuit court. The record is important for assessing witnesses and evidence and helping determine trial strategy or plea negotiations.
Kenny says he's referring the matter to the state board of review that certifies court reporters.
He tells the Free Press he'll ``let that committee sort it out.''
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