The Lincoln Lawyer
Based on: The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Season 4 – Episode 6
Episode title: 50/50
Original release date: February 5, 2026 (Netflix)
Plot: Maggie persuades Mickey to make her his second chair, despite the risk to her reputation. Berg reveals the charges against Mickey have been changed and asks his bail be revoked, but Judge Stone demands further evidence before ruling on the matter. Lorna meets Grace, and reveals she has been given Bamba’s case. Siegel arrives and gives Lorna advice on how to handle it. Cisco tracks the boat owner, and finds Gazarian at a hotel, informing Mickey, but is assaulted by two Armenian men. Izzy and Grace find a video of someone filming Mickey’s arrest, and track down the person, getting the video, which shows the arresting officer throwing something into his car before the arrest. In court, Berg has Drucker introduce a letter in which Mickey demanded Sam pay his legal fees, but Maggie casts doubt on his testimony. Lorna manages to get Bamba a reduced sentence. After Mickey and Maggie share a moment, Hayley arrives at court to see them in trial. Judge Stone decides to either revoke Mickey’s bail or delay the trial, letting Mickey choose which. Despite hearing about Siegel’s sudden death by heart attack, Mickey decides to return to jail and go to trial as scheduled.
* * *
Transcript
Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.
Maggie McPherson for the defense, Your Honor.
[tense music playing]
Ms. McPherson, this is highly unusual.
Everything about this case is highly unusual, Your Honor.
Am I to take it this change is permanent for the duration of the trial?
Yes.
Uh, Your Honor, can I have five minutes to discuss this with my cocounsel… with Ms. McPherson?
Mr. Haller…
I wouldn’t ask unless it was urgent. Please?
Very well.
[music fades]
What’s going on? Where’s Lorna?
She was drowning, Mickey. Between this case and keeping the firm afloat, it was too much.
No, she can handle it, Maggie.
Not all of it. She didn’t wanna let you down, but she was so scared of fucking up.
[sighs] No. No, no. This is a bad idea, Maggie. I…
[Maggie] Look around you. How many deputies do you usually see standing outside a courtroom for a bail hearing? How many reporters usually cover it? Berg is gunning for you, and the whole world is watching. If this hearing goes south, you could be in jail today. You need help. Mick, let me help you.
This could blow up your reputation, Maggie. Maybe your whole career. I can’t let you do this.
[laughs] I’m already doing it. Listen to me. Hayley can’t lose you.
[tense music playing]
You understand? And neither can I. Look at the upside. The first time you were arrested, you couldn’t get a word in before they put you in the cell. This time, we can. You have a shot here, Mickey.
More like… a Hail Mary. [sighs] [mutters softly] Thank you, Maggie.
It’s time. You ready?
[tense music builds]
[opening theme music playing]
Ms. Berg, I understand the People have obtained a superseding indictment?
That is correct, Your Honor.
The previous charges have been dismissed, and the grand jury has returned a new charge.
First-degree murder with the special circumstance of murder for financial gain.
[Stone] Does defense waive a formal reading of the indictment?
Yes, Your Honor.
And how does the defendant plead?
[Mickey clears throat]
Not guilty.
[Stone] Very well.
With a new charge, the issue of the 60-day speedy trial clock will have to be revisited.
We have a motion prepared to address that, Your Honor.
Uh, before we get to that, Your Honor, there’s the issue of the defendant’s bail.
Which the court already ruled on.
That was for a previous charge.
But a special circumstances allegation creates a no-bail offense.
As the court is aware, there is a presumption in the law…
Yes, the court is well aware of the law and its presumptions, Ms. Berg.
It does not look fondly on the People’s efforts to maneuver around its previous determination.
I assume the defense would like to be heard.
[Maggie] Yes, Your Honor.
The defense strongly contests the special circumstances allegation.
This is no more than a naked ploy by the People to deprive Mr. Haller of his ability to effectively prepare his defense.
The facts haven’t changed.
Mr. Haller isn’t suddenly a greater flight risk.
And frankly, the underlying allegation that Mr. Haller would somehow profit from the victim’s death isn’t just speculative, it’s completely unfounded without any evidence whatsoever to support it.
Your Honor, the grand jury’s indictment eliminates the need for any additional evidence or a preliminary hearing to bolster the charge.
The law is very clear on this.
The allegation of murder for financial gain requires that the defendant be denied bail and go into custody immediately.
[Maggie] Where he will face threats from other inmates and serious risk to his health.
Every minute behind bars endangers not only his case but his safety.
[Dana] So defense is suggesting that all pro se defendants in custody are impermissibly disadvantaged?
No, the defense is stating that this defendant will be impermissibly disadvantaged.
Ms. Berg is well aware that the sheriff’s department violated Mr. Haller’s rights by eavesdropping on his privileged communications, and he caught them in the act.
That means he not only has to fear for his safety from other prisoners, but he has every reason to fear retaliation from the guards if he’s sent back to prison.
The rules warrant an exception here to avoid a miscarriage of justice.
[Dana] I’m sorry, I thought the law applied to everyone.
Is Ms. McPherson suggesting that Mr. Haller is above it?
Ms. Berg?
The law is being manipulated to fit Ms. Berg’s agenda and unfairly impede Mr. Haller’s.
Counsel. The only one with an agenda here is you.
You are betraying everything you used to stand for.
I am not the one throwing around baseless charges to save face and prop up a sinking case.
[Stone] Enough, both of you.
You will only address the court, not each other.
Is that understood?
Yes, Your Honor.
[Stone] Ms. Berg, I understand very well the dictates of the law, but the law also provides this court the power of discretion to ensure that justice is administered fairly.
While you are technically correct that the People are under no obligation to provide additional evidence in support of the charge, I am telling you that, without it, I will be forced to exercise that discretion and make a ruling on bail in an evidentiary vacuum.
So, it’s your call.
A moment, please, Your Honor.
Good. Now she’s gonna put up or shut up.
[intriguing music playing]
[Dana sighs]
Your Honor, I can have Detective Kent Drucker here to testify in two hours.
You have one, Ms. Berg. Best tell him to hurry.
[music fades]
[Izzy] Lorna, did Mickey call? Any news?
Not yet. I am losing it here.
Oh!
Hello. Hi.
Is this Grace?
Grace, this is Lorna. L, this is Grace, my…
Uh, we actually haven’t had the whole official conversation yet.
[Izzy sighs softly]
It’s nice to meet you.
The pleasure is all mine.
And I would love to say that I have heard so much about you, but actually, I have not because, up until recently, I haven’t heard anything about you at all.
It’s been a whirlwind.
Grace took the day off to go through video from the night Mickey got arrested.
Digital forensics is literally my job.
Oh, I thought you couldn’t find any video from that block.
I widened out the search area.
A couple buildings down the street came through.
Not holding my breath. Too far away to see much.
What about you? You going to court to watch the hearing?
I wish I could, but Mickey asked me to handle Bamba’s case, and his arraignment is today.
I just got this file from the DA’s office, and I have no ideas.
Bamba is Mickey’s old driver. And his old cellmate.
[Izzy] He violated his probation?
Yes, his PO found a photo on Insta. He’s hanging with his old Crip crew.
Mmm, yeah, probation officers are scouring social media for that stuff.
Our caseload has tripled because of it. Well, I have to drill into this, so…
[door opens] [Legal] Hello?
Anyone here?
Oh, uh, Legal. Yeah, one second.
Not a word about Mickey’s hearing or that he might go back to jail.
Legal doesn’t know. I should probably hide, then.
I’m, like, a terrible liar.
I will go make some coffee.
I know you were wondering, but I approve.
[chuckles softly]
Legal? What are you doing here?
The assisted hellhole I’m in had a field trip to the Broad.
Oh, that’s nice.
[Legal] I’ve been there before.
I only came so I could jump in a cab so I could see Mickey.
Is he here?
Um…
He’s with Maggie.
Yeah, she’s in town.
Well, good for him, I guess.
I was hoping he’d get an early lunch with me at Langer’s.
Are you sure that a giant pastrami sandwich is good for you?
Don’t start with me.
Let me tell you. No matter what, you end up in the same place.
Might as well enjoy yourself along the way.
Mmm.
You know what? I will eat with you.
You will?
As long as you lay some of your wisdom on me.
I have a case I have no idea what to do with.
The unwinnable is my specialty.
But we’d better hurry.
A number 19 with Russian dressing waits for no one.
You naughty man.
They’re gonna put a Silver Alert out for you. Just hold on.
Gotta grab my stuff.
[bell rings]
[vibrant music playing]
[spray can rattles]
[spray can hisses]
[spray can hissing]
[Cisco] Excuse me.
Yes, sir.
Are you the new dock attendant?
Uh, yes, sir. Can I help you?
Unfortunately, the sailboat in berth D28, next to my Grady-White, has been tagged.
Probably by some punk kids.
Oh man. That’s not good.
[Cisco] That’s a real eyesore.
Nobody wants to be paying what they charge here to look at that.
And I guarantee some of my fellow members might not be as forgiving as me.
And I would hate for you to get into trouble.
Especially if somebody raised a stink with management and said you didn’t do anything to fix the situation.
Oh God. Uh, yeah. Uh…
If it was me, I’d call the owner.
Have them clean it up, but that’s just me. You do you.
Yes, sir. Right now. Yeah.
[music continues]
[music fades]
[intriguing music playing]
Grace, look at this.
This is from a warehouse two blocks over on another street. Watch.
What am I looking at?
Just keep watching.
Holy shit. Is that guy filming Mickey’s arrest?
And is he wearing a manga mask?
You’re into manga? Yeah, I mean, a little bit.
Why? Is that… that a deal breaker?
You’re a nerd after my own heart.
Okay. Okay. [Izzy sighs]
I need to get that video.
What are you doing?
I’m gonna post this all over socials. Maybe somebody can ID him.
[Grace chuckles softly]
Wow. What?
That’s exactly what I was about to do.
Great minds.
[chuckles softly]
[bell dings]
[Lorna] Here it comes.
[server] All right, here you go.
Oh my. Oh my. Thank you.
Look at this. Thank you.
Yum.
Okay.
So I should question the authenticity of the photo, make them prove it’s recent enough to matter, and then question the officer’s motivation for…
Are you gonna eat that whole thing?
You’ll be here till tomorrow.
What’s the rush? I got nobody waiting for me.
[Lorna] What about your kids?
Don’t they visit you?
[Legal] They don’t visit much.
Funny thing is, back when I was still practicing, and they were young, I was the one who was always busy with my cases.
Now I got nothing but time, and they’re the ones who don’t have any.
Wow. It’s like that song. “Cats in the Cradle.”
You know, when the guy never has time for his son, but then…
[Legal sighs]
Yeah, that’s not helpful.
The truth is, they never cared much about the law or about my career.
They probably resented it, and who could blame them?
But with Mickey, he always had questions, wanted to know the strategies I was using, how the system worked.
He soaked it all in.
I was proud when he followed in the same path.
You really stepped in when Mickey needed someone.
You helped make him who he is, for better or for worse.
Don’t tell him I said this, but I’m worried about him.
So am I.
Can I please let you in on a little secret?
Maggie didn’t just happen to be here. I asked her to step in as cocounsel.
I just… I felt like he needed the big guns.
McPherson on the defense.
Oh, kid, that was a great call.
She’ll know what the prosecutor’s gonna do before she does it.
This thing will be over in no time.
I hope so.
[Dana] Now then, Detective, let’s talk about the records that you’ve searched at Mr. Haller’s storage facility.
What exactly were you looking for there?
These were non privileged files relating to the business of Mr. Haller’s law practice.
[Dana] I see, and were there any files relating to the victim in this case, Sam Scales?
Yes, there were several because Mr. Haller had represented Mr. Scales in a number of different matters.
When you searched those files, did you find anything relevant to your investigation of this murder?
Yes, we did. There were copies of bounced checks and voided transfers from Mr. Scales to Mr. Haller, indicating that he had evaded payment for his legal fees repeatedly.
And there was also a letter from Mr. Haller addressed to Mr. Scales.
Marking this letter as People’s exhibit 1, Your Honor.
Do you know anything about this? No clue.
Detective.
Could you please read this letter aloud for the court?
Objection, the letter is hearsay.
[Dana] It’s a statement against interest, Your Honor.
And it also falls under the business records exception.
For the purposes of this hearing, I’ll allow it.
Go ahead, Detective.
[Drucker] “Dear Sam, this will be the last correspondence you will receive from me.”
“You will have to find yourself a new attorney moving forward if you do not pay the accrued legal fees agreed to during our last meeting with interest.”
“From my prior representation of you, I know that you keep a legal fund to pay your attorney’s fees, and I expect to be paid out of that fund immediately.”
“Otherwise, I will have no choice but to take serious further action using any means at my disposal.”
“This is your final warning.”
“Sincerely, J. Michael Haller, Esquire.”
[Dana] “Take serious further action using any means at my disposal.”
Wow. How did you interpret that threat, Detective?
Objection, Your Honor.
[Stone] Sustained.
Ms. Berg? Withdrawn.
[sighs] Now you know what it’s like to sit in my chair.
[Dana] Detective, when was this letter dated?
June 9th.
[Dana] And when was Mr. Scales killed?
About three months later, on September 16th.
Oh, final warning indeed.
No further questions.
Maggie, look. I’ve never even seen this letter before.
Izzy wrote it. It’s a standard form letter to a deadbeat client. That’s all.
Detective, you just told the court that that letter was sent from my client to Sam Scales.
Did you not?
[Drucker] I just read the letter. That’s all.
[Maggie] But that wasn’t exactly correct, was it?
You read, “Sincerely, J. Michael Haller,” but doesn’t it have the letters “p.p.” before Mr. Haller’s name?
Yes, it does say that.
And do you know what those letters “p.p.” stand for, Detective?
I believe that it’s Latin for per pro something.
Per procurationem?
And what does that mean?
[Drucker] I’m not sure of an exact translation.
It means by proxy. Doesn’t it?
Objection! Counsel is testifying.
I’m simply trying to get the witness to admit what he clearly does not wish to admit.
Overruled. The witness is directed to answer.
[Maggie] Detective?
Yes, I think that’s right. It means by proxy or something like that.
And does the letter actually have a signature on it?
[Drucker] No.
[Maggie] The letter was sent under my client’s name, but he didn’t actually sign it, correct?
Correct, but that doesn’t…
Do you have any evidence that my client was even aware of this letter?
It was in his files.
Move to strike as non responsive.
[scoffs[
[Stone] Detective?
[Drucker sighs]
I don’t have a recording of him dictating the letter if that’s what you mean.
Do you have any evidence that the letter was even delivered or sent to Mr. Scales?
[Drucker] No, I don’t.
But if the letter was never sent, how would Mr. Haller ever get paid?
I’ll ask the questions. Any evidence that Mr. Scales received the letter?
Again, no, but that is not the point of the letter.
Oh.
Well, then, what is?
It establishes that Mr. Scales had a fund to pay his lawyers and that Mr. Haller was aware of it.
So Mr. Haller was simply asking to be paid for his legal services, and that makes him a murderer.
It establishes a motive to kill.
You never received a bill before?
[Dana] Objection. Argumentative.
Withdrawn.
Detective Drucker, do you have any evidence showing how much money was in this alleged fund?
No.
Any evidence the fund even existed?
No.
If the fund did exist, do you have any evidence to prove Mr. Haller knew where this mystery fund was or how to access it?
No. Not specifically, no.
Detective, if you can’t prove that Mr. Haller knew where Sam Scales kept the legal fund or if it even existed, then how can you claim he killed Sam Scales for money?
[Dana] Objection, Your Honor.
These aren’t questions about the admissibility of a letter.
Ms. McPherson is conducting a full-on discovery interview.
Your Honor, I am simply trying… I know what you’re doing, Counsel.
And you’ve made your point. Anything further?
No. Your Honor, it’s clear from the detective’s testimony that the letter was neither written nor signed by Mr. Haller and has no relevance to this hearing.
Your Honor, the relevance is clear.
The defendant was owed money, and he thought that Sam Scales had it and wouldn’t pay.
We also have further documentation showing that Mr. Haller filed a lien against Sam Scales, which is now lodged against his estate.
So if there is any money left in the legal fund, Mr. Haller stands to receive it plus interest.
And now, Mr. Scales is no longer in a position to block that.
The fact is that the defendant could not get Mr. Scales to pay in life, so he hoped to collect from him in death.
Objection! Objection!
Ms. Berg, this is your final warning.
Save your soundbites for the press, not my courtroom.
Of course, Your Honor. [spectators murmuring]
Ma’am, I promise I didn’t see anybody come through.
You didn’t see anybody come through?
Does this place even have security, or are you just completely useless?
How the hell did this happen?
Ms. Ferrigno, it appears somebody disabled one of our cameras.
Oh, is that what it appears, dipshit?
Listen here.
I’m gonna call your bosses right now, and then I’m gonna call my lawyer.
And guess who’s footing the goddamn bill.
That’s right. This place.
I swear to God.
[Lorna] Why were you parked in the red in front of a police station?
We were in a hurry. Haller told me to get in and get out.
And when you came out, the cop was writing you a ticket.
Yeah, I told him I’d move it, but he’s all, “It’s too late.”
I was like, “Come on, bro.”
And at what point did you tell him to, and I quote, “Fuck right off sideways”?
[Bamba sighs]
I didn’t mean him exactly.
I was meaning, like, all cops.
And then he asked you for your license.
That’s when he found out there was a BOLO out for you.
But it shouldn’t be. Why not?
You violated your probation again.
What? Hell no. What’d I do?
Your nephew posted this online.
[Bamba] Oh shit.
[Lorna] Section 2513, special conditions of probation.
No gang activity, no associating with gang members, no gang colors, no symbols.
What were you thinking?
It’s not what it looks like. Really?
Because it looks like you’re about to hit a piñata and jump into a bouncy house.
This is my nephew’s birthday party.
I didn’t know those fools were gonna show up.
My sister didn’t say nothing to me about it.
And you just couldn’t resist a Kodak moment?
[Bamba sighs]
It’s not that simple, all right? If I say no, it’s a whole respect thing.
Look, I’m lucky I got out as clean as I did.
All right, after this pic, I was out. Check it.
Am I wearing blue?
Am I throwing up signs?
Hell, no.
I’m done with that. That’s why I asked Mickey for a legit job.
Then why were you carrying a gun, Bamba?
The cop who searched you found an unregistered 9-millimeter.
[Bamba] ‘Cause you told me it was my job to protect Mickey.
With all this shit going down, of course I got a strap.
So much for the best intentions.
[groans] Okay, you are looking at one year for probation violation, up to three years for the gun, and if they tack on gang enhancement, which they probably will, you could go away for seven years, Bamba.
[Bamba sighs]
So I’m fucked.
[intriguing music playing]
Are you getting rid of your ink?
Been burning them off.
The cash that Mickey gave me inside to have his back.
It’s not cheap, and it takes a minute.
Do you have receipts?
[phone rings]
Haller and Associates.
[woman] I’m calling from Sunset Ridge Assisted Living.
We’ve got a bit of a situation.
Mr. David Siegel has gone missing from a field trip, and this office is listed as one of his emergency contacts.
Mm-hmm. Any idea where we might find him?
Have you tried Langer’s Deli?
You’re kidding me. Nope. That’s where I’d start.
I gotta run. Bye. Somebody ID the guy in the mask?
Better. This guy says they are the guy in the mask. They sent the video.
[suspenseful music playing]
Hold on, did the cop just toss something in his car?
Looks like it. Why? Is that important?
I don’t know.
Maybe. Mickey thinks the guy had a burner phone, and someone used it to tip him off to pull him over.
Who sent this?
They didn’t ID themselves, but their username is Demon Fox.
Can you ask them if they’ll meet me?
If we use this at trial, they need to testify.
Whoa. You wanna meet some guy in a mask from the Internet? Alone?
No, have you ever listened to a true-crime podcast?
I’ll go with you.
You don’t know if they’re willing to meet.
What, do I look like an amateur?
I already asked. The park in front of the library, two o’clock.
Now you really love me, huh?
[music fades]
[Stone] Ms. Berg, do you have further evidence to offer at this time?
No, Your Honor.
I simply urge the court to adhere to the letter of the law.
Judicial discretion is wide-ranging, but it does not extend to grand jury findings or legislative mandates.
Respectfully.
Your Honor, may I please address the court?
Be brief, Ms. McPherson.
[Maggie] I just wanted to point out that our system of bail is designed to protect the community and ensure that the accused is held to answer.
Mr. Haller has been free on bond now for three weeks without any attempt to flee.
In fact, he sought this court’s permission to leave the state for a witness interview and returned the same day as directed.
He has not been a threat to anyone. If anything, he has been threatened.
Your Honor, I must say…
You’ve had your turn, Ms. Berg.
Continue, Counsel.
[Maggie] Furthermore, let’s not forget the big picture here.
This court does have the discretion to ensure a fair trial.
That means not only adhering to the letter of the law, but also to its spirit.
You already decided the issue of bail weeks ago.
In the interest of justice and due deference to the authority of this court, I respectfully request that bail remain as previously set, allowing Mr. Haller to remain free to fight these charges.
Thank you.
[tense music playing]
[sighs] As much as I’d love to power through this afternoon, my type 1 diabetes insists otherwise.
The defense has indicated they wish to be heard on the issue of speedy trial.
So we’ll take a recess now, and when we return, I’ll hear that argument, and I’ll make my decision.
Court is adjourned.
[Dana] Oh, Your Honor.
Given the situation, we request that Mr. Haller be required to remain in the building during the break.
Come on. Seriously, you wanna monitor me?
Um… Very well, Mr. Haller.
You have the company of these deputies to ensure you don’t stray too far.
Forget it. It’s just procedure.
Berg’s really pinning her whole case on some bounced checks and a form letter?
[Maggie] She’s just using that to put you back behind bars.
But I know Dana.
She’s got something else, Haller. I’m sure of it.
And she’s not gonna let us know what it is until she absolutely has to.
I have no idea what it is, but if she wants a fight, she’ll get one.
You were great.
Just doing my job.
You hungry? You got another hour of freedom, at least.
Some time with me?
[Mickey chuckles softly]
[woman] No deal. [Lorna] Why no deal?
He wasn’t violating his probation.
The photo was a big misunderstanding. He was practically coerced into taking it.
Coercion is your angle. You learn that from your boss?
I must have asshole written across my forehead today.
No, just Botox.
But guess who won’t have Crip tattooed across his knuckles?
These prove my client is trying to erase his past, not relive it.
The guy is genuinely trying to turn his life around, which is a lot harder to do when you’re back in jail.
Look. Even if I were to drop the probation violation and the gang enhancement, we still have the unregistered gun charge.
He can’t exactly get that removed now, can he?
Okay, that one was my fault.
I told him he had to protect Mickey.
Obviously, there was a misunderstanding.
Okay, nice try, but no cigar.
I’m pushing for the max. Three years.
You know how this ends.
[vibrant music playing]
[music fades]
[laid-back pop music playing nearby]
[indistinct chatter and laughter] [music continues]
[Cisco] Excuse me. Señor.
I’m looking for my brother. I think he might be staying here.
You seen this guy lately?
[man speaks Spanish]
Ah.
Sí.
Uh…
[speaks in stilted Spanish]
Uh…
[continues in Spanish]
[man speaks Spanish]
Por favor?
[tuts]
[in English] He’s been here all week. That room right there.
Thanks, man.
[Cisco inhales sharply, sighs]
I’m torn between a husky, and like a basset hound. You know?
Those are two very different vibes.
[Grace] I contain multitudes. [Izzy] Ah.
[Grace] What about you?
Uh…
Maybe a Bichon. Something fluffy I can carry in a bag.
Classic fluffball. Okay, I see you. I see you.
Maybe we can, like, meet in the middle.
We can get, like, a cocker-doodle.
Uh…
Or I… may… I can get a cocker-doodle, just me alone.
Nice dog. Are you Izzy?
You’re Demon Fox?
Just call me April if it’s easier. Is this your girlfriend?
Oh. Uh…
Oh, come on. Get over it already. You’re so cute together.
So is this, like, your thing? Recording cops?
When they’re being assholes, which is always.
The one in your video definitely was. I wanna use it against him.
Sure. How much?
Uh…
For free.
[scoffs] No, thanks. [Izzy] Wait, no.
It’s for my boss, Mickey Haller, the guy who got pulled over.
She needs to use the video in court for his trial.
There are serious ethical issues with paying for evidence.
In court? Is it, like, a big case?
Look up Lincoln Lawyer. It’s all over. No, yeah, it is super high profile.
I mean, this is… this is huge.
And if we use your video, we might need you to authenticate it so…
I could be on TV.
It is possible.
It is, yes. Yes.
[laid-back jazz playing]
[music slows]
[music fades]
[man snores softly] [phone vibrating]
[Legal] Hey, kid. How’d the case go?
She dropped the probation violation but dug in on the gun.
How many years?
Well, she wanted three years, but I got her down to sixteen months.
Sixteen months? That’s fantastic.
It is? Are you kidding?
For a convicted gang member with a gun on a probation violation, with good behavior, he’ll be out in less than a year.
That’s amazing.
[sighs] Yeah. I guess so.
If you want to do this long-term, kid, you need to learn something.
Home runs are rare.
Swing for the fences all you want, but in this game, you’re lucky when you get a single.
And in my book, you just reached second base standing up.
I don’t know what any of that means, but it sounds good.
Thanks, Legal. I really needed that.
[PA] Next stop, Vermont Boulevard. Where are you?
Well, it was too late to get back to the museum, so I took a bus.
The bus? Why wouldn’t you take an Uber?
[Legal] In case you hadn’t noticed, kid, I’m on a fixed income.
Besides, I used to pick up clients on the bus all the time.
Nothing beats taking in the city’s raw essence.
I think that’s probably just urine.
[Legal] I’ve smelled worse, and if you stay in this, you will too.
[sighs] Well…
I have to go sell this to my client. Thanks again, Legal.
Go get ’em, kid.
[sighs]
[music fades] [Mickey sighs heavily]
Not much of a last meal.
It’s not gonna be your last meal.
What’s the saying?
Prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich if they want.
Let’s go over what you’re gonna say for the speedy trial motion.
I wanna be on the same page.
Whoa. What I’m gonna say? I thought you were doing it.
I was, but I don’t think it’s doing you any good being on the sidelines.
[hesitates] I don’t know, Maggie. I’m not in the best headspace right now.
[Maggie] Which is why you need to focus on something.
Court is where you shine, Haller.
Besides, if I have to say one more word to Dana Berg, I might reach across and strangle her.
[chuckles]
[sighs] You truly were amazing this morning, Maggie.
So grateful you’re here with me.
I don’t know what I’d do if…
[soft, poignant music playing]
You’re gonna get through this, Mick. You hear me?
[softly] Yeah.
[phone vibrating]
Hey, Cisco. What’s up? Everything okay? Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?
We’re still waiting on the judge. No news yet.
[Cisco] I got something that might make you happy.
I think I found him.
Who, Gazarian? Yeah.
He’s holed up at a hotel with his girlfriend.
Oh, yes! I love you, Cisco.
[Cisco] Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch.
I’m gonna stake ’em out, see what they do next.
[Mickey] All right, just try not to lose him.
[Cisco] Don’t worry. I got this.
And, Mick, give ’em hell today.
Oh, you know it.
[man 1] Turn the fuck around.
Are you deaf? Turn around.
[Cisco grunts]
[grunting]
[in Armenian] You want to fuck with the boss? We’ll fucking end you!
What do we do with him? Throw him in the back. I’ll drive.
[man 2, in English] Hey!
[man 1 mutters]
[man 2] Hey!
[engine starts]
[tires screech]
It’s really two sides of the same coin, right?
The fairness argument, but from two different angles.
Yeah, but I wanna make it clear that I never wavered about it.
Hayley. What are you doing here? Everything okay?
Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t you have class?
I do, but I’m sort of skipping.
Hayley. It’s just this once.
I wanna be here.
Honey, please. Just go back to school, all right?
I don’t wanna screw up your life more than I already have.
Dad, I’m not going anywhere.
Come on. My mom and dad finally on the same side?
It’s the dream team. You think I’d miss this?
Can’t really argue with that. [Mickey sighs]
Come here.
Love you.
You too.
Love you both.
[Stone] You may proceed, Mr. Haller.
[exhales deeply]
Your Honor.
From day one, I’ve been consistent about two things.
That I am innocent, and that I wouldn’t agree to any delays.
I did not commit this crime, and I want my trial as soon as possible.
This is a game of chicken.
And as this trial has drawn closer, the prosecution have been the ones to blink.
The prosecution also knows that their case is full of holes and hanging by a thread, while I have innocence and reasonable doubt on my side.
And filing a new indictment is nothing more than a desperate bid on their part to buy more time.
But time is the one thing I refuse to give.
I know the game, Your Honor. Every lawyer has a bag of tricks.
There’s nothing pure about the law in a courtroom.
But dropping the charge and talking a grand jury into a new one, that’s not a strategy.
That’s an attempt to bury me alive.
They wanna lock me up so I can’t prepare my defense, and then restart the clock, giving them 60 more days to shore up their case.
It’s a cheap power play. Nothing more.
[poignant music playing]
Is it legal?
Is it within code?
Maybe.
But is it fair?
Is it in the pursuit of justice?
Not a chance.
You can lock me up. You can throw me back in jail.
You can delay the search for truth that a trial is supposed to be.
But one way or another, that truth is gonna come out.
I say let’s get to it now instead of later at the prosecutor’s convenience.
Thank you, Your Honor.
[Stone] Any response, Ms. Berg?
Your Honor, I’ll keep it brief since Mr. Haller made my argument for me.
Referring this case to the grand jury is both legal and routine in this courthouse and all over the country.
It isn’t a delay tactic, and it is about justice for the real victim here, Sam Scales.
Our case against the defendant is growing stronger every day.
That’s what he fears.
He hopes rushing to trial will prevent our mounting evidence from crushing him.
But, as he said, the truth is unavoidable.
It is coming for him whether he likes it or not.
And we would urge the court to not allow him to try and outrun it.
Thank you.
[bell dings]
It’s Cisco. Leave a message. [line beeps]
Hey, just checking in. I’m at the courthouse.
Think I can catch the end of the hearing.
Just wanted to see how everything went.
Let me know. I love you. Bye.
[phone vibrates] Oh.
Hey, where are you?
Oh, sorry.
Yes, this is Lorna Crane. Who is this?
[quiet, tense music playing]
[Stone] This is a unique situation.
It’s usually the defendant who seeks to delay and put off the inevitable, but not here.
Mr. Haller wants this behind him.
But he also wants to be free to build his case.
On the other hand, the People only get one shot at this, and time to prepare is crucial.
It is equally crucial that I make a decision that is fair to both sides.
For that reason, the court is inclined to split the baby.
But I will let the defendant choose how that split is made.
Mr. Haller, you decide.
You can either continue your current bail and waive your right to a speedy trial, or
I will revoke bail and remand you, but refuse to change the trial calendar, leaving your speedy trial date in place.
I understand this is a momentous decision, so I will allow you a moment to confer.
But just a moment.
This is an uncomfortable position, and the court will not remain in it for long.
[somber music playing]
Mickey, I know you want this to be over with, but maybe you should waive the speedy trial.
No, no. If I do that, Berg will just delay and delay for God knows how long.
Maybe a year before I get to trial.
I’m innocent, Maggie.
As long as this is hanging over my head, I don’t look innocent.
I can’t go on like this, and I can’t put Hayley through it anymore.
[sighs] I need this to be over.
But going back to jail? Think about what that might do to Hayley.
Lorna, everything okay?
Um…
Hey.
I have something I have to tell you.
Before you say anything, what I put on you, it wasn’t fair.
And I’m sorry.
I didn’t see how overwhelmed you were. I wish I had.
I’m so proud of you. You’re gonna be an incredible lawyer.
You already are.
Did I say something wrong?
No. Um…
It’s not you.
Legal had a heart attack.
What?
[Lorna] He was on the bus, and… Wait, what?
[Lorna] We were talking.
I thought everything was fine.
[somber music playing]
He’s gone, Mickey.
What are you talking about?
I am so sorry.
He’s gone.
I talked to his son, and they’re gonna try to do the funeral in the next couple days.
[Mickey breathes shakily]
Come here, come here.
I’m so sorry.
[bailiff] It’s time.
Okay, listen to me.
You have to do this.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to go to the funeral. Okay?
[Mickey sighs, inhales sharply]
[music ends]
Mr. Haller? Have you made a decision?
It’s gonna be okay, honey.
Your Honor, I…
[breathes deeply]
…surrender myself to the court at this time, and I will be ready to defend myself on the charges as scheduled.
I will not waive my speedy trial.
[shocked muttering in courtroom]
Very well.
The court hereby remands you back into custody.
Mickey, what are you doing?
I’m sorry, Maggie. It’s gonna be okay.
[somber music playing]
[handcuffs clicking]
It’s okay, honey.
[door closes]
[music fades]
[quiet, tense music playing]
[music fades]
