An accidental clerical error seems to have vindicated a Michigan man who gained notoriety after a judge noticed him driving with a “suspended license” while attending a virtual Zoom court hearing. The man’s case went viral on social media, but it appears that the suspension was actually lifted prior to the hearing due to the mistake.
During the virtual hearing held on May 15, 44-year-old Corey Harris faced charges linked to a traffic stop that occurred in Pittsfield Township, Michigan in October. Recently, a clip from the hearing went viral on the internet, leaving many stunned at the fact that Harris had driven with a suspended license right in front of Judge Cedric Simpson.
Simpson caught wind of Harris’ actions and immediately revoked his bond. He instructed Harris to surrender himself at the Washtenaw County Jail before 6 p.m. that same day. However, what the judge and everyone else present in the courtroom didn’t realize was that another judge had already lifted Harris’ license suspension in January 2022. This information came to light after USA TODAY obtained court records from Saginaw County on Monday.
This is the information that we currently have.
Why didn’t court know Harris’ license had been reinstated?
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According to court records, Harris had his license suspended due to an unresolved child support case with the Saginaw County Friend of the Court. However, the suspension was lifted after the case was settled.
According to WXYZ-TV, the Saginaw County Friend of the Court failed to provide a clearance to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, which resulted in Simpson and everyone in the courtroom being unaware of the reinstatement. This clerical error in court records was uncovered by WXYZ-TV.
According to the Detroit-based TV station, Harris’ license lift never officially went into effect due to lack of clearance.
When USA TODAY attempted to reach out to both the Michigan Secretary of State’s office and Simpson’s chambers for comment, no response was received. The Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office, which is representing Harris in the case, was closed at the time of USA TODAY’s call.
‘I don’t even know why he would do that’
According to WXYZ-TV, Harris was driving his wife to the doctor as her medical condition was worsening when Simpson made the ruling.
Harris explained to the TV station that his only concern at the time was getting medical assistance for his wife. He admitted that he wasn’t considering the fact that his license had been suspended and stated that it wasn’t a priority for him in that moment.
‘It’s very embarrassing’
After the hearing, Harris found himself spending two days in jail as per Simpson’s order and complied with it by surrendering himself. Despite serving the time, Harris revealed to WXYZ-TV that his license suspension was “meant to have been lifted two years ago, but it wasn’t.”
Harris expressed his embarrassment regarding the entire situation, stating “it’s very embarrassing.”
According to Khyla Craine, the deputy legal director for the Michigan Secretary of State, obtaining the reinstatement of a driver’s license can be a complicated process.
Craine explained that on occasion, the Secretary of State’s office encounters minor issues that may arise from a lack of clearance from the court. Despite having completed all necessary requirements, unforeseen complications in the system may occur which require communication with the court to rectify the situation and ensure a smooth process for the resident.