Story Archive

Presumptions

“I’m one of the good ones,” said the suspect, asking Trooper Debora Hawkins to take him home instead of to jail. “I am a good person.” In one respect, Derreck Quarles was right: he’s an assistant public defender in Orange County, Fla. But police reports say he’s also a drunk driver who blew .213 percent on a Breathalyzer. Hawkins arrested him. But at least for now, public defender Robert Wesley said Quarles, 37, will continue to do his job. Wesley cited the presumption of innocence, and noted “My entire career I have sided with the notion that people can improve themselves, overcome bad choices and stupid acts, and still have a seat at my table.” (AC/South Florida Sun-Sentinel) ...“Innocent until proven guilty” is important, but this sounds like you’d treat him as innocent afterward, too.