My first time in court!!

When  I was about 17 years old I got pulled over for speeding. I remember how nasty the Maryland State Trooper was to me. My friends in the back were trying to stick up for me, after some threats from the officer they quickly kept their mouth shut. At the time I was nervous, at the same time I know pop would get me out of trouble.

When my day in court arrived I asked my father if he would come with me. He said “find out who the judge is? I looked at the docket and I told him it’s Judge Boone.  “Don’t worry, your fine, no need for me to come”.  I remember feeling so alone. I mean this guy will go to court for anyone, but for his own son… talk about the shoe maker’s kid!

Turns out, like everything he was right! Here is how it went down….

Judge: Name?

Me: Chen Goodman

Judge: Is your father Karl?

Me: Yes

Judge: How many kids does Karl Have?

Me: 9

Judge: Holy S**T, Karl has 9 kids??

Me: Yup

Judge: You were speeding….

Me: Yes

Judge: What do you do for a living?

Me: Yeshiva

Judge: That’s Commendable! Tell you what…If I give you points your dad will have my head. Give the clerk 23 dollars; get the hell out of here AND TELL BUBBI I LOVE HIM!!

 I looked over at the trooper and gave him a little nod, like, look at you now… u ain’t so bad. Got in my car and speed home!