Corey Harris, the man whose suspended license case went viral, is rejoicing after finally taking the first step to legalize his driving by getting his learner’s permit.
RELATED: Man With Suspended License Joins Court Zoom Call While Driving — Judge Orders Him To Turn Himself In
As we previously shared last month, a district judge in Ann Arbor, Michigan was shocked when Corey Harris, a man who was charged with a suspended driver’s license, participated in a court Zoom call while behind the wheel of his car. Court footage has since gone super viral showing Judge Cedric Simpson‘s stunned reaction as the defendant, Corey Harris, joined the May 15 court hearing while driving his car.
In the viral video, Simpson asked the defendant, “Mr Harris, are you driving?” Harris replied, “Actually, I’m pulling into my doctor’s office.” Harris’ public defender proceeded to request a postponement for “potentially up to four weeks” with the court’s approval.
Simpson, still shocked, added, “Okay, so maybe I don’t understand something. This is a driving while license suspended [case], and he was just driving, and he didn’t have a license.” The public defender confirmed, “That is correct, your honor.” The judge then moved to revoke Harris’ bond and instructed him to surrender himself to the local county jail by that evening.
RELATED: Man In Viral Suspended License Case Exposed: Never Had A Driver’s License
After his suspended license case went viral, Judge Cedric Simpson confirmed that Harris never even had a valid driver’s license in Michigan to begin with. Harris had a child support case in 2007 that resulted in his license getting “suspended,” despite never having one. Note: According to state law, a person can have suspensions on their driving record and not have a valid driver’s license. However, if the person were to obtain their driver’s license, they would not be permitted until their suspended license status is cleared.
Harris further blamed things on the Saginaw County Friend of the Court, a local government agency that assists clients with modifying custody, parenting time, and child support orders and provides enforcement services for child support orders. He claimed the agency was responsible for never removing the suspension, despite a judge issuing a lift in January 2022. However, it was learned last week that Harris never paid his fees to the clerk’s office, so clearance was never sent to the Secretary of State. However, Judge Cedric Simpson said Harris was the only person responsible for his actions.
RELATED: Man Who Went Viral Over Drivers License Drama Was Arrested Again Over An Outstanding Warrant
The police officer who issued Harris’ citation in October 2022 appeared for the hearing and confirmed that he knew the defendant didn’t have a valid driver’s license, as he confessed during the traffic stop. Judge Cedric Simpson ended up ordering a bench warrant for Harris’ arrest after he further noted a 2015 case of driving with a suspended license in Allen Park. Reacting, Harris’ wife said they already paid the fees for that case and were surprised when he was arrested again.
Since all of the viral suspended license case drama, Corey Harris is now rejoicing after finally getting his learner’s permit. On Friday (June 7), Harris took the first steps to legalize his driving and is seen in a new viral video dancing and smiling outside of the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. His defense attorney, Dionne Webster-Cox told PEOPLE, “It’s a step in the right direction.”
Corey Harris’ lawyer added, “One day he has absolutely nothing, and today he has his learner’s permit. One day does not make the rest of your life, it can change in a day.” Harris will be able to return to the Secretary of State’s office on July 7 for a road test and the chance to obtain a valid driver’s license. He’s also scheduled back in court on August 7 at 9 a.m., where his misdemeanor charge may be downgraded to a civil infraction once he obtains a valid driver’s license.
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
