Staff Reports
A Michigan man who gained national attention for joining a Zoom court hearing while driving with a suspended license had that suspension lifted by a judge in 2022, as court records show. The video of Corey Harris participating in the May 15 hearing while behind the wheel went viral, drawing widespread attention. The judge presiding over the Zoom call, Judge Cedric Simpson, expressed shock at Harris’s behavior and revoked his bond, instructing him to report to the Washtenaw County Jail that evening.
However, records from a Saginaw County judge indicate that Harris’s license suspension was actually ordered to be lifted more than two years ago. Harris claimed that the suspension was meant to be lifted in 2022 but had not been. His license had been suspended in 2010 due to issues related to a child support case. Despite the judge’s ruling, Harris had not paid the $125 fee required for reinstatement at the time of the hearing.
NEW: Man with a suspended license joins court Zoom call while driving in his car.
This is the funniest video I've seen in a long time.
Judge Cedric Simpson can be seen dumbfounded after defendant Corey Harris dialed into the meeting from his car.
Simpson: "Mr. Harris, are… pic.twitter.com/ydOKIMD7Ie
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 29, 2024
An attorney based in Michigan, Jeffrey Randa, explained that even if a judge orders the suspension to be lifted, it does not take effect until the reinstatement fee is paid. Whether Harris was aware of the fee remains unclear. Harris admitted that he was preoccupied with his wife’s medical needs during the hearing and was not focused on his suspended license.
Following the video going viral, Harris faced significant online ridicule and eventually deleted his social media accounts, citing harassment and disrespect. Despite the judge’s order lifting the suspension, Harris expressed feeling embarrassed and disillusioned with the justice system. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.
