by Bernie King

Created on: March 24, 2009

The most embarrassing thing that has happened to me without a doubt, was testifying in Federal court. A Drug enforcement agent had been sued by a boyfriend and girlfriend couple for allegedly violating their civil rights. The case was involving drugs I was one of two police officers that accompanied the agent to the condo where this couple resided. We went through the procedures and the things we had to do. Subsequently because of legal ramifications, the couple was not charged with a crime. They sued the agent. The other officer that was with us and I were named as witnesses. You have to understand that this is a "no nonsense" type of thing. We were subjected to depositions at the state attorney general's office prior to it being heard in federal court.

On the day of the hearing I was staying at a friend's house that was nearer to the federal court than where I lived. I was more nervous about testifying in federal court than I had ever been. I had been a police officer for 29 years and had never been involved in a federal case much less having to testify in one. I made sure my shirt was ironed and wrinkle free. I checked my tie to make sure there were no food or drink stains on it left over from the last time I wore it. I made sure my pants had the military look of a sharp crease down the front legs and also didn't have any stains on them. I made sure my belt matched my socks. One I finished that I then checked my personal appearance. I made sure I had shaved really close and that my hair wasn't sticking out all over the place ad combed nicely.

While driving to the court building I was getting more nervous by the minute. My stomach was feeling a little like getting on the school bus on the first day of school. I knew I had to go but didn't really want to. I was hoping the prosecutor would call me and tell me the case had been taken care of and I wouldn't be needed. But no such luck. I did not receive any phone call even up to the time I was parking in the parking garage.

I went into the federal court building and was greeted by members of the Federal Marshall Service of which I knew a few of them personally. I went into the court room and was told that all witnesses had been sequestered. That meant I couldn't be in the court room while others were testifying. I went outside and was getting more nervous because I knew it was only a matter of time before I would have to testify. Then the dreaded time came and I was led into the court room and directed to the witness stand. I was given the oath to tell the truth and I just knew my voice was probably a little shaky. My underarms of my shirt were already wet from sweating from nervousness and I could feel the sweat running down my back. The court room has microphones for the judge, prosecutor, defendant or plaintiff's attorney and the witnesses in the witness box also has microphones for amplification. While I was testifying the cell phone in my pocket started ringing it's hideous ring tone and it was set to its highest volume level. I scrambled to retrieve it to shut it off but couldn't really remember which pocket I had put it in. I finally found it and turned it off promptly. I could feel my face getting hot and I know I perspired more then I hd leading up to this point. I apologized to the judge and the court. The judge stated something to the affect of " that won't happen again." I flatly stated that it would not. I finished my testimony and couldn't leave the court room fast enough.

That taught me a valuable lesson that if I have to testify in any court, not to take my cell phone in with me just in case of instances like this.

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