Listen, this is my life. I understand that, sir, but you're asking me questions I can't answer for you. No, there is a reason. You pay your child support. Now, if you want to keep going, I can do something else with the bond, but I think we're done here. Good morning, can I have your name, please? I am Larry Matthews Bay. I'm sorry, what did you say your name was? Larry Matthews Bay. I don't believe the computer has Bay. It's just Larry Matthews. Yes, thank you. Oh, so the court-appointed attorney is still working for me? No, sir. I'm going to let her know that you declined my representation. Okay. So, you haven't discussed anything about the case with her yet? I'm not going to discuss the case at all you asked me not to. Okay. No, we haven't talked about it. I haven't even called it yet, sir. Yes, ma'am. Now calling 20F55085. This is the people of the state of Michigan versus Larry Michael Matthews Jr., also known as Larry Matthews Bay. Police agency, well, police agency report number 20900732. Attorney Riser, your appearance? Patricia Riser on behalf of the people. Okay, thank you. So, this is a complaint for felony non-support. It charges that on or about or between the dates of December 1st, 2010 through September 30th of 2013, you did not pay support for your child in the amount or at the time stated in an order entered by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court in file number 1996-005563DP. This is a felony with a maximum potential penalty of up to 4 years in jail, a $2,000 fine plus court costs or both. Do you understand all of that? Uh No, I have a question. Is this a criminal case or a civil case? It's being charged as felony non-support criminal case. >> So, who is the injured party? Okay. Sir, when I ask if you understand what you're being charged with, I'm not asking if you agree with it or even if you understand why. I'm asking if you comprehend the words coming out of my mouth. So, I don't understand it because for it for it to be criminal, then it needs to be injured party and I need to to speak and see the injured party in the criminal case. And this is an arraignment where I'm telling you what you're being charged with. If you do not comprehend the charge against you, then you can go to the door and tell the jail that you're finished and they can try arraigning you again tomorrow. As I stated, I'm not asking if you agree with the charge or even if you understand why you're being charged with it. What we are doing today is telling you what you are being charged with and what the potential penalty is. All right. Okay. So, you are being charged with failing to pay child support. Okay. Is that something that you understand? Uh or comprehend? I comprehend it. All right. And do you also comprehend the potential penalty here being up to 4 years in jail, a $2,000 fine plus court costs or both? I do. I know I comprehend what is the punishment for that crime. Thank you, sir. So, as I stated, this is a felony. You do have the right to remain silent. Anything that you say out loud or in writing can be used against you in court. You have the right to be presumed innocent beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to a trial by judge or by jury. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during all stages of these court proceedings. That is before, during, and after trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed for you, although my understanding is that you have refused the services of the public defender today. So, uh you are not required to disclose citizenship status to the court. You do have the right to consult with an attorney to see if this case would have any effect on your citizenship status. If that perk doesn't apply to you, don't worry about it. Do you have any questions about your rights? Um No questions. Okay, thank you. So, because as I stated, this is a felony, you have the right in this case to a preliminary examination that must be scheduled within the next 21 days. A preliminary examination is a hearing. >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. A preliminary examination is a hearing held before a judge where the prosecution must present sufficient testimony and evidence to establish that probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed and that probable cause exists to believe that you committed the crime. So, that is a hearing to determine whether or not the case is strong enough to go to trial. If the court determines that the case is strong enough, then it will be bound over. That is transferred to the circuit court, which is where your actual trial will take place. Okay. Prior to the preliminary examination, the court will schedule a probable cause conference. That is a hearing and an opportunity for your attorney to meet with the prosecution to discuss your case for any potential issues or resolutions. Your probable cause conference will be March 26th, 2026. That will be at 9:00 in the morning in person at the 14A1 District Court in courtroom C. 14A1 is the courthouse that's located basically above where you are right now at the jail. Okay. Can I grab a pen so I can write this down? You're going to get paperwork. Okay. Okay. So, uh the court is going to set bond. Bond is set in all cases. The purpose is two things. One is to ensure your appearance at future court dates. The other is for the protection of the public. I will note that this being a felony uh failing to pay child support case, that there is a statutorily required bond that is 25% of the amount that is claimed to be owing. >> [clears throat] >> And give me just a second cuz I'm looking up what that amount is because the copy that I have here is illegible. So, Attorney Riser, do you want to address bond? Your Honor, I typically in these cases ask for an amount equivalent to the amount that is outstanding or substantially close to the amount. I am trying to read what that is also. It looks like $67,218.49. Yes, I was hoping that there would be something in JIS about it and there is not. So, So, given that the high amount, I would ask for $50,000. Okay, thank you. Now, in reference to uh the warrant that was placed, may I have a a copy of that signed warrant also? Um because for my understanding, that warrant was placed in 2020 and I went to court in 2021 in in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in Rutherford County Court. I was subpoenaed to go to court Okay. cuz I live in Tennessee. I did appear to that to that court hearing and a judge ruled in that hearing and sent paperwork to you. I sent paperwork uh certified mail to ensure that you received it and I was not aware of any warrants for my arrest. All right. So, let me clarify this. One, I was not a magistrate in 2020. So, I have none of the paperwork to which you are referring. The child support case would be up at the circuit court, so I do not have a copy of that regardless. And uh being that this is a weekend arraignment, the only thing that I have in front of me right [clears throat] now is the felony warrant and some other related documentation to that. So, I have none of the paperwork. >> So, the felony warrant was signed and dated when? August 14th of 2020. Right. So, you know, at this point I've been I've been dragged away from my family, my 13-year-old son, my business. My son, Uriel Miller, was killed January 12th of 2025. And this month the trial for his murder is starting and I'm stuck here in jail. My wife is going to have to go into that courtroom to face the killer of our son by herself. I am not a flight risk. I I I went to that court date on September 9th of 2021. That docket number was 21 C as in cat, V as in victor, 820. So, sir, sir. My condolences for your loss. There's not really anything that I can say about uh other other than to offer my condolences there. What I will say is that as magistrate doing a weekend arraignment, I'm statutorily required at this point to uh set the minimum 25% bond on the felony non-support matter. So, I am setting your bond in the amount of $18,000 cash or surety. Okay. Okay. And [clears throat] So, what does that mean? That means that you would need to post $18,000 to get out. Your next court date, as I said, is going to be March 26th and you are free to consult with an attorney between now and that court date. But your hearing this morning is concluded. You are free to go to the door and tell the jail that you are finished. Okay, I have one more question. Yes. Concerning um receiving uh documents and paperwork while I'm in this jail, what what is the process for that? You're going to have to talk to the people who work in the jail. Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> For cause case versus Larry Matthews. Mr. Matthews, could you state your name, please? Oh, sorry, Judge. Carrie Angie for the people. Thank you. Assistant public defender, Nick Bukovich, for Mr. Matthews. All right. Your name, sir? Larry Matthews. All right. What are we doing? Mr. Matthews indicated he'd like to speak to you, Your Honor. I did advise him against this, however, he would like to speak to you at this time. Speak to me? Yes, Your Honor. For what purpose? What do you want to say? Um I have evidence in my case. I I wrote a letter also and submitted it information to the court. I see that. Right. What do you want me to do with that? Well, um this case is for year 2010 through 2013 for a total of $58,000 in child support. So, for those 3 years, it's calculated up to $1,100 a month. At that time, I was on food stamps and that, you know, that amount wouldn't would not have been an accurate child support amount. Now, for as far as the warrant, I went to court in Tennessee in September 9th of 2021 on this matter and the judge ruled on it. So, I wasn't aware of a warrant or anything like that. I was sent certified mail >> You told all of this to your attorney because you're I only got I can't do anything. I have My attorney refused to work for me as I needed him to. Oh, so with your law degree, you were going to try to tell him what he needed to do and some of that stuff he couldn't do. Forgive me, >> So, he's not working for you. Forgive me, Your Honor, for addressing the court, but he's not submitting any information that would get me home to my family. I have my my employer has advanced me $10,000 towards my bond get home to uh tend to my business on Monday. I did I did send information that was provided to Ms. Gaines by Mr. Matthews' wife to AG Williams this morning. Obviously, AG Williams is not here today, um today, but that was the attorney on the docket, so that's where I sent this information to and communicated with earlier this week about Mr. Matthews. >> So, you actually did your job. Right, Mr. Bukovich? But nobody appreciates it. I got you. Anything else you want to tell me? Yes, sir. Uh I was extradited from Texas. Uh from here it's been a total of 27 days that I've been incarcerated. Um the letter that I wrote to you explains a lot more in detail. All right. I have $10,000 for my bond so that I can be released to get back to work. My wife >> I require 25% of your 58, I'm going to be somewhere around 16, 17,000. 14,500. I have your bond in this case set at 1680462. Yeah, the numbers that were submitted for the total is about three different numbers. I'm not sure which one is correct. I received a letter in the mail. Well, if you paid the 16,000, it's going to go to where it should be anyway. So, I'm not changing the bond. Right. Anything else? No, sir. What do you want me to do with this case? I just open that to the floor, I guess. So, anyway. You asking me? You asking me? Huh? Whoever wants to answer me. Well, I I believe that the 10,000 should be accepted. Okay. >> home to my wife and sons. 10,000. Then you need to come up with about 6,000 plus four. This case is between the years of 2010 and 2013. Okay. And somehow those children had to survive without you paying your child support. It was It was only 3 years. My son is 30 years old now. Okay, and it's owed. And I want to pay it, sir. I do want to pay it. Can I start with the $10,000? We will take the 10, then you got to come up with six. I told you that. I mean, I'll keep repeating myself as long as you want to keep repeating yourself. I don't I don't have a problem. I got all day. He'll be waving, Your Honor. Pardon? He's waving, Your Honor. Okay. Thank you. But it's almost lunch. Sir, you're waving your right to a preliminary examination? Yes. You understand that that's a proceeding where the people would have to show by probable cause that the offense alleged was committed and that you committed it. Yes. You understand you will not have that hearing and that you'll proceed to circuit court for further resolution. When would the hearing be? Pardon? When would the hearing be? Soon. I I will set a date. Okay. I mean, this isn't a negotiation. You want to waive or not? Well, Do you want to waive or not? >> but I don't understand all the court proceedings because >> Okay, and that's why you I'm not a criminal. Then listen to me. He's been He's been doing this for 2 years. I'm not a criminal. It's 2 years long and Do you wish to waive your preliminary examination? Yes. He'll also waive? Yes, Judge. Thank you. Okay. That is waived. All right. Preliminary examination having been waived, defendant is bound over to circuit court on the single count. Mr. Bukovich, with your 2 years experience, can do this part. Go ahead. >> You waived preliminary examination and stand mute as to the charges. Defendant having waived formal reading, stating mute, court will enter a not guilty plea. Pre-trial in this matter will be set. 1:30, Judge Slay. Here's your date. April 9th, 2026, 1:30 before Judge Slay. Well, I have one question, Your Honor. If I If I pay the bond to get out, I reside in Tennessee. That's where my home is. Will I be allowed to go home and then come back to court? If you pay the bond, you're going to have to stay in Michigan until the court gives you permission. So, now, this having been waived, Judge Slay would be the one that you'd have to ask. Well, where would I stay here in Michigan? Where would you stay? Well, we're providing accommodations to this point. Well, once I once I get out. I don't make hotel reservations. I I don't push Instead, Children's House. Let this sink Listen, this is my life. I understand that, sir, but you're asking me questions I can't >> 27 days incarcerated for no reason. >> No, there is a reason. You didn't pay your child support. Now, if you want to keep going, I can do something else with the bond, but I think we're done here. Thank you. This is my life, man. Yes, I know. And you've taken part of mine that I'll go get back. Goodbye. Goodbye. You can't fix stupid. So, after firing his public defender, he accepted one. And then tried the same argument in front of Judge Simpson, which didn't work out so well. And as the law reads in MCL 750.165 [music] of Michigan Penal Code, failure to pay child support at this level can and does become a felony. And on that note, [music] hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and share this out. And drop your thoughts in the comment [music] section. And as always, a special thank you to all of our channel members. Your support helps keep this channel moving, and I appreciate every one of you. One issue. Thank you. You can change how you approach the court. You can change who's standing next to you, [music] but if the argument doesn't change, neither does the outcome. Until next time, I'll see you soon.