All Rise

Me and Rachel working together is weird, right?

I received this two days ago, anonymously.

This could lead to charges against Deputy Rashel.

And you want me to testify. Yeah, I don't think so.

Don't do it alone. Put together an army.

That means going against the sheriff,

their union, and a host of powerful people.

What about Tony Carver? What's his take?

You've worked police shootings, right?

Until I barked up a tree that bit back.

You wanna help me walk on eggshells?

Look at this. Why are you so keen on this case?

At last count, there were seven cops in my extended family.

And you're gonna do this? You're gonna take down a cop?

I'm gonna try.

First jury trial since COVID.

A dozen jurors, pregnant judge.

I don't have to deliver a verdict on my own. Swarming with risks.

Trust me, Sherri. It'll be great. It'll be great.

Never thought I'd see a real jury trial this year

because of COVID, but it's actually happening.

Don't expect fanfare.

This case seems fairly straightforward,

a good one first to ease back into with the jury.

Orientation begins in three, two...

Hello. I am Judge Carmichael.

Welcome to the first jury orientation

in Los Angeles Superior Court since the pandemic.

Thank you for getting dressed,

at least from the waist up, and for traveling

at least as far as your kitchen tables

to begin this sacred civil service.

Nice decorating, Juanita.

No, the neighbors did all that.

- How you holding up? - Not sure how much longer

I can manage these kids alone with Leon in jail.

It's been four months. Damn shame.

Well, trial starts tomorrow, so hang tight.

If you would have told me I'd live to see my son stand trial

for protecting his little girl from a creep, the...

Miss Emily! 6 feet, Levi. Put your mask on, okay?

I was hoping I'd see you guys this time.

I brought you a little something to wear in court.

- Thank you, Miss Emily. - You're welcome.

So you'll both look sharp for trial.

So? Dad won't even get to see us.

He knows you'll be there for him.

Is he coming home for Christmas?

That'll be Mrs. Robinson.

Hey!

Never miss a week, Roxy?

Well, I could say the same thing about you, Emily.

Is that...

Yeah, that's Bean.

Judge Carmichael has been glowing at work.

Well, I wouldn't know, sweetheart.

Because of COVID, Lola is satisfied

seeing her dad and me only on Face Time.

But I guess it could be worse.

Look at this family, barely getting by.

Don't forget to tell Daddy I love him.

I won't.

12 of you may be selected

to determine the facts presented at trial.

Based solely on these facts and the law,

you must deliver a unanimous verdict

beyond a reasonable doubt.

You will determine guilty or not guilty.

- I just wanna, um... - Yes. Juror number 2.

I'm just confirming, reasonable doubt

is a thorough consideration of evidence that...

That leaves you with an abiding conviction

that the allegation is true, yes.

Noted. Is there intake protocol?

Do we get Hazmat suits, PPE?

- A mask will suffice. - One more thing

I appreciate your enthusiasm,

but unfortunately, that is time.

Thank you, everyone.

- Dude is gonna be extra. - There is always one.

It almost feels back to normal.

Aw. One week until Robin is home for Christmas.

- Peaches & Herb. Classic. - Who?

Peaches & Herb.

I'm sorry. My client check-in turned into a pep talk.

I mean, why landlords thought they could get away

with evictions during COVID, I will never know.

Whoo, they'll regret that Amy Quinn is on the case.

Yeah. How's the Rashel case shaping up?

I got my evidence vetted and ready

to present the case to Choi. You're pitching

to Choi without your victim's cooperation?

Omar will come around. Well, if he doesn't, you don't have a case.

Not true. And... can we table this?

I am hunting for the perfect tree. This is nice.

I haven't celebrated Christmas in God knows how long.

I usually just crash Lola's Christmas.

And Roxy even got me a stocking.

- Did she fill it with coal? - Vic might've if he ever

bothered to remember it was Christmas at all.

Yeah, well, holidays can be a buzzkill.

- Whoo! Not this year, Mama. - Why is that, hotshot?

Dude, it's beautiful. Look at this thing.

How are Jillian and Levi? Ae they staying out of troubl?

They're being really strong.

They're excited to see you at trial.

- I told them to stay home. - They'll be safe.

They'll be masked and watching via closed circuit.

Levi says to tell you that he loves you.

If Angie could see me in cuffs,

our kids living at my mom's

you need to put me on the stand so I can say my truth.

If I do my job right, and I will,

you will not have to take the stand.

With all due respect, Ms. Lopez,

I know the jury considers more than just the facts.

One look at me, they may think they have all they need to know.

I need to say my piece.

Tell the jury I pulled the trigger

in a fight to stay alive.

Not for me, but for my kid.

If you testify, you waive your Fifth Amendment right

not to self-incriminate.

Our defense is strong.

The only reason that you should ever take the stand

is as a last resort.

I may never see Jillian and Levi agai.

Just trust me.

Captioned by Los Angeles Distribution and Broadcasting, Inc.

Another trial against Maggie Palmer.

The one with the pantyhose?

Yup. She offered a plea deal with time served

while still maintaining a felony on his record,

hoping that Leon would... take anything

to get released from jail.

They're betting on recidivism.

My office rejected the offer,

so she's gonna go for the jugular, but I'm ready.

I wish I could see you take her down.

Well, how about you come with me

to the H.O.J. Christmas party instead?

Qué lindo. I'll go, on one condition.

- There are conditions? - Meet me at my house tonight.

Bring an old sweater, glue, and some jingle bells.

Jingle bells? You're seriou?

Yeah. As a heart attack. Um...

- Hey, Sara. - Well, I'll call you later.

- Okay. - Okay?

- Bye. - Bye.

Joaquin is coming to the Christmas party.

And you're frowning because?

Too much too soon?

No. This is definitely good news.

How are your grandparents? Store fixed yet?

Renovations are almost done.

All they've got to do is paint.

Thank God I won my cash playing poker.

Had to buy enough chisels, paint,

and Spackle to do the whole bodega.

RIP my wallet.

Well, at least it's his property.

I suggest always having hand sanitizer

on your person at all times.

Squirt it in your palm. Freeze, Ms. Lopez.

Ms. Castillo, sanitize upon entering and exiting.

Stock each sanitation station with gloves,

face shields, and masks.

I want 6 feet between each juror.

They are going to be in the jury box.

They are going to be in the gallery,

There will be germs, germs, germs everywhere.

- Got it? - Got it.

Where are we seating the jury? Two in the jury box, the rest in the gallery.

Well, what about the gallery?

We have two public spots in here.

The rest can view the trial from an overflow room. COVID-safe.

Executed safety protocols

with frightening efficiency, Sherri.

We're going to get through this in one piece, Your Honor.

All right, everybody, here we go.

Ms. Palmer, your first witness.

Jamie Hallford, Your Honor.

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth,

- and nothing but the truth? - I do.

- Ms. Palmer, you may inquire. - I'm so sorry.

I have one of the public seats today. Where are they?

Thank you.

Hi. I'm Roxy.

Ms. Palmer.

Mr. Hallford, please tell the jury

what happened on the night in question.

I played ball at Downey High back in '08.

That night, I stopped by the tailgate

to pregame with some alum, and I see this cute girl.

Did you know this girl?

Nah, but she looked my way, so I blew her a kiss.

Then brother man runs up on me.

What happened after the defendant ran up on you?

He yells, "Stay away from my daughter."

Starts going off. Backs me into the food table,