Tennessee Judge Gets A Traffic Ticket. Then He Adjudicates Himself: ‘Should Of Got A Lawyer’

No one is supposed to be above the law. It doesn’t matter if you’re a police officer, a politician, or a billionaire—on paper, everyone is supposed to be equal in the eyes of the law.

Naturally, that doesn’t always happen in the real world. Instead, the law—especially around traffic issues—can be confusing, seemingly favoring some over others. For example, one woman recently sparked discussion online after claiming that her innocent attempt to record a traffic issue led to her spending a day in court and being threatened with a $500 fine.

Sometimes, however, justice is served as expected. One man recently went viral after he shared a video of himself pleading guilty to a traffic citation. However, one unique detail about this citation and its trial has viewers laughing.

What Did The Judge Do?

In a video with over 1.3 million views, TikTok user Burton Staggs (@thestaggeringtruth) films a recent traffic case in a Tennessee courtroom. The accused was one Mike Hinson, who was alleged to have used a device while driving. Trying the case was Lewis County General Sessions Judge…Mike Hinson.

“Okay, the first ticket today is Michael E. Hinson. That would be me,” Judge Hinson starts. “I have been charged with use of a handheld device prohibited while driving.”

From here, he goes into a mock dialogue.

“‘Are you guilty?’ ‘Actually, I am—and funny story behind it, but I probably don't need to say it,’” he says. 

“‘Well, that's fine. $60,’” Hinson concludes, adding that this amount was the recommended fine.

Radio7Media notes that, following the hearing, Hinson reiterated the dangers of distracted driving.

Can You Do This?

While many appreciated Hinson’s attitude and candor during this whole affair, some wondered if a Judge could actually try themselves in a situation like this.

Generally speaking, judges are not instructed not to preside over their own cases in the state of Tennessee. The Tennessee Supreme Court Rules of Conduct say that a judge must disqualify themselves from “any proceeding in which the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” Being the person who the case is about, it’s fair to say, could bring a judge’s impartiality into question.

However, this was simply a traffic citation. Often, a traffic citation is printed with a court date on it, but the court date can be avoided if one simply pleads guilty and pays the citation in full. 

Hinson entered a guilty plea. While Hinson could have handled this privately, he chose to do so publicly. This could be to make a point about accountability—or simply to give people online and in the courtroom a bit of a laugh.

The Audience Loves It

Responding to this video, many viewers appreciated the judge’s approach to this matter. Still, some said he could have handled the situation differently.

“I’d argue with myself and hold myself in contempt,” joked a user.

“oof bad practice representing yourself in court. should have got a lawyer,” offered another.

Others claimed that the fine shown in the video, $50 for the offense and $10 in court fees, was too low for the crime.

“60$? In Canada it’s 1,000$ and stays on your license forever,” shared a user. This only appears to be the case in some parts of Canada.

“I think fines should be income contingent, $60 to a minimum wage worker could mean gas getting back and forth to work but for a judge making 5 or 6 figures a yr even $300 would be more like tithes in an offering plate,” detailed a second. “Something the equivalent of maybe 1 or 2 days income would probably be a good deterrent.”

Motor1 reached out to Staggs via Facebook and Instagram direct message and Judge Hinson via email. We’ll be sure to update this if we hear back.