Judge Whitmore's knuckles were white as she gripped her gavel. "Young lady, you are in contempt."
"Actually, I'm in possession of evidence that Mr. Brewster here has not reviewed. Evidence that proves my father's innocence. Evidence that suggests this entire case is built on fabrications and conflicts of interest that reach..." She paused, looking directly at the judge, "...surprisingly high."
The tension in the courtroom was electric. Phones appeared in the gallery as people began recording. This was no longer just another preliminary hearing.
"Your Honor," Maya continued, her voice steady despite her racing heart, "I'm formally requesting to serve as co-counsel for my father's defense."
The laughter started with Crawford, spread to Brewster, and rippled through the courtroom like a wave. Even some of the bailiffs were chuckling.
Judge Whitmore wasn't laughing. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the young girl who stood unflinching amid the mockery. Something in Maya's posture, in the way she held that battered folder, in the legal citations she'd rattled off without notes, made the judge's stomach tighten with an unfamiliar sensation. It might have been fear.
The laughter continued to echo through the courtroom as Maya stood her ground, her young face set with determination that belonged on someone three times her age. Judge Whitmore raised her gavel, ready to restore order through force if necessary.
"Enough!"
The crack of wood on wood silenced the room.
"Young lady, while your performance is admirable, this court does not entertain children playing lawyer. Bailiff Harrison, please escort Miss Thompson back to the gallery."
"Your Honor," Maya's voice cut through clearly, "I'd like to reference *State v. Caldwell*, where the Michigan Supreme Court held that denying a defendant their choice of counsel, regardless of that counsel's age or formal certification, violates the Sixth Amendment when special circumstances apply."
Bailiff Harrison hesitated, his hand hovering near Maya's shoulder. Even he could sense something was different about this situation.
Crawford stood, his face red with indignation. "Your Honor, this is turning into a circus. I motion for immediate dismissal of this child and continuation of proceedings."
"Seconded," Brewster added hastily, clearly embarrassed by being shown up by a teenager.
Maya opened her folder and pulled out a document. "Before you rule on that motion, Your Honor, perhaps you should review this. It's a signed affidavit from my father appointing me as his legal representative, witnessed and notarized. He has the right to choose his own counsel."