United States v. Samuel Warden (April 1, 1900) (Arraignment)

[Lawliet]

Judge: Ashley R. Pauncefote
Prosecutor: Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Carnell
Defendant: Samuel Warden
Defense: TBD
Charges:
USCA 1.3b CORRUPTION OF PUBLIC OFFICE
USCA 1.7a/7.2a CONSPIRACY TO PRISON BREAK
USCA 3.1a/7.2a CONSPIRACY TO MURDER
USCA 3.1a MURDER
USCA 1.7b PRISON BREAK (NECESSITY)

Full Transcript

Spoiler

Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): Court is in session for the re-arraignment of Samuel Warden. I would ask the People and Mr. Warden to be at their best, as we've a new judge in the gallery observing these proceedings. Mr. Carnell, would you please read the charges?
Francis Carnell says: Your honor, if it would please the court. Your honor, the People of the United States charge Mister Samuel Warden with the following charges in line with the Federal Crime Act 1888. First, corruption of public office contrary to Article. 1.3b whereby Mr. Warden has used the colors of his office to exchange gifts or money in order to exchange for actions within the Office of Mayor in Saint Denis. Such exchanges occured between Fiorenzo D'Arco, Evelyn D'Arco and others whom were involved in an unlawful collective whereby such exchanges were offered either explicitly or impliedly....
Francis Carnell says: Second, conspiracy to prison break contrary to Article 1.7a whereby Mr. Warden visited one Evangeline Vallon in Sisika Prison in March. Upon such an approach he offered her tools to escape the prison and attempted to encourage her evasion from lawful custody. 
Francis Carnell says: Third, contrary to Article 3.1a Conspiracy to Murder whereby, Mr. Warden partook in meetings with, what the People name, a secret society where he plotted, encouraged and offered assistance to murder Malina Salazar.   
Francis Carnell says: Fourthly, contrary to the same article, murder. Mr. Warden murdered two individuals on the 8th February whereby with malice aforethought he vengfully chased two individuals down from a boxing event in the Bowery. After chasing these individuals down, without lawful excuse, discharged his firearm resulting in their untimely death. 
Francis Carnell says: Finally, the People charge Mr. Warden with prison break contrary to Article I, 7b whereby whilst held in lawful custody in Saint Denis, Mr. Warden was found in the possession of a key in his cell which enabled him to gain access to the doors. He took this said key, moved about the Police Station and set himself at liberty contrary to the orders of the law and indeed this court. 
Samuel Warden says: Your Honor, on the last charge, sidebar, please?
Samuel Warden says: I would like to confer with the Court and the prosecution, if possible.
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): Mr. Warden, I'd recommend you schedule a conference with the trial judge as I will not be seeing this matter past arraignment. If afterward you wish to speak to Mr. Carnell, that can be arranged. But anything you wish to argue about a charge of the group can be held until the judge who would rule appropriately is seated
Samuel Warden says: So be it, Your Honor. Forgive me for asking.
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): It's fine. To continue, however. As an attorney, I presume you are aware of the consequences and responsibilities associated with each methodology of pleading?
Samuel Warden says: I am, Your Honor. May I plead to each count, individually?
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): You may, Mr. Warden. Proceed.
Samuel Warden says: I plead *not guilty* on the charges of Corruption, Conspiracy to Murder, Murder and Conspiracy to jail break. I plead *not guilty by reason of necessity* on the charge of Jail Break, Your Honor.
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): That is... Certainly peculiar, Mr. Warden. But the pleadings are so noted. Are you in need of assistance in finding counsel? Or is Ms. Belmont still representing you?
Samuel Warden says: Counsel Belmont is otherwise occupied. I would like to ask the court assistance in finding counsel.
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): Very well. Mr. Carnell, People on bail?
Francis Carnell says: Categorically a no from the People. Mr. Warden has already shown this courts intent as to him running around as he pleases whilst /IN/ custody, let alone out of it on bail. There is considerable risk of his evasion from custody, destruction of evidence and danger to witnesses. I believe in light of the circumstances of which the court is aware this is clear for obvious reasons...
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): Mr. Warden, your response as to bail?
Samuel Warden says: Yes, Your Honor...I would like the Court to consider I was held in the holding cells of the Saint Denis Police Department for enough time to constitute a violation of my Sixth Amendment rights, and that my only desire is to face these charges head on. Despite what the prosecution may claim, those cells are not a safe place for a defendant either. Two men were killed in front of the Station yesterday, and I would like not to be next. I thus ask the Court to please consider the earlier stipulation of house arrest that was discussed at the previous arraignment, with the presence of an US Marshal to ensure my conduct as a defendant is and remains unblemished, and that I may work on my case until other counsel is found.
Ashley R. Pauncefote says (British Accent): The court is aware of the holding, and the circumstances leading to your rearraignment ((Minding the administration decision, in turn)). However, that doesn't 'necessitate' walking out of a cell with a contraband key, nor inspire the confidence of this court that you're able to abide by conditions of bail. As such, the court is denying bail and ordering you to be housed at Sisika Penitentiary until such time as trial can be scheduled. I will permit supervised visits to Saint Denis, and /only/ Saint Denis, in the presence of a federal marshal at all times; should the service have someone available to escort you whence you wish to make a visit. All telegrams are to be approved by the marshal service should you mail any whilst in the city. With that, I order this court adjourned.