PD pays $300 to appeal $25 fine for vibrating cellphone
An assistant public defender in Griffin, Georgia, says some people may have thought she was ridiculous to pay $300 to appeal a judge’s $25 fine for a vibrating phone.
But Lauren Sprayberry says she’s been vindicated after the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled Nov. 16 the judge didn’t give Sprayberry a meaningful opportunity to be heard before imposing the fine, according to the Daily Report (sub. req.).
“It’s the principle of it,” Sprayberry told the publication.
Judge Tommy Hankinson had fined Sprayberry because her phone buzzed during a criminal calendar call on Feb. 26. When Sprayberry protested that her phone had been set to vibrate and didn’t ring, Hankinson said he would fine her half the customary $50 fine.
Hankinson said a $50 fine for lawyers with ringing cellphones had been discussed earlier that morning in drug court. Sprayberry maintained there had been no such discussion and said the fine is “ridiculous,” according to a transcript cited by the Daily Report.
“She may be like me,” Hankinson responded. “Her mama or her daddy might have spoiled her.” Later he told Sprayberry he didn’t want to discuss the matter further.
Sprayberry told the Daily Report she thought the comment about being spoiled was inappropriate, as was an earlier comment by the judge right after her cellphone buzzed.
“I’m sure that was the Obama White House calling,” Hankinson said. “They need a position in the Federal Public Defender’s Office paying a hundred and fifty thousand a year.”
