Judge Jeffrey Middleton Handles OWI Arraignment, Assault Charges & Multiple FailuretoAppear Warrants

In this year-end district court session, Jeffrey Middleton presides over a light but complex docket involving arraignments, appointment of counsel, unpaid court fines, and multiple failures to appear resulting in bench warrants.

The hearing opens with an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) arraignment, where the judge explains the charge, maximum penalties, license consequences, and advises the defendant to plead not guilty and consult with appointed counsel. The court also addresses outstanding unpaid fines from prior retail fraud and traffic matters, directing the defendant to set up a payment plan with the clerk.

The court then handles an assault and battery charge, advising the defendant of potential jail exposure, noting the existence of video evidence, and appointing counsel. Judge Middleton stresses that unpaid fines and prior noncompliance can increase the likelihood of jail at sentencing.

Additional matters include:

No valid operator’s license cases, with detailed discussion on how defendants can work with the Secretary of State to resolve out-of-state suspensions and regain driving privileges

Judicial guidance on avoiding convictions that would further damage a defendant’s driving record

Multiple defendants who failed to appear, some repeatedly, leading the court to issue bench warrants, set cash or surety bonds, and order 48-hour holds

Commentary on chronic nonappearance, forfeited bonds, and repeated arrests for the same individuals

Judge Middleton closes the session by issuing final warrants, coordinating with court officers, and formally recessing court for the end of the business year, wishing all participants a safe New Year.

⚖️ This video is presented for educational and documentary purposes only.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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