The Defenders s01e10 Episode Script
Nevada v. Dennis
Yo! Yo! Hey.
Ha! Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I'm on my way to see the Dennis family.
You know them? Paul and Cody Dennis? Who's asking? I'm Pete Kaczmarek.
I'm an attorney.
They're expecting me.
She just overheated.
You have any water you could spare? We'll give you a ride.
Uh, you know what? That's okay.
I'll just wait until she cools down.
We'll give you a ride.
Okay.
Oh, hey.
- Hi, Tommy.
- Nick, thank you for coming.
Oh, not a problem at all.
Not a problem.
I just don't know if I can help you here.
This is really not my area.
No, I understand but my sister begged me to bring over someone who has defended death-penalty cases.
She's been in hysterics all morning.
Hey, you wouldn't mind if you just keep this between us? Oh, no, attorney-client privilege, absolutely.
I got it.
- Great.
Her name is Linda, by the way.
- Linda.
God love her.
She's in a real tough spot.
Ah, that's terrible.
- What is the name of the, uh? - Otis.
She loves him more than life itself.
He's scheduled for lethal injection this Thursday.
Oh, Thursday, jeez.
Tommy? - Oh, thank you.
- Hey, sis.
Listen, hang in there, okay? This is Nick Morelli, the attorney I told you about.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you for coming.
Please help me.
Uh, I hope I can.
Otis is innocent.
He's so sweet and gentle.
I don't know if Tommy told you, he's a vegetarian.
He won't even eat meat.
It's okay.
Let's all just sit down.
All right? We'll sit down and Oh, would you like to meet him first? - Linda, that's not necessary.
- I'd like that.
Sure.
Otis? Hi, Otis.
Otis, I'm a lawyer.
Uh, we don't taste very good.
- He sure does look like he eats meat.
- No.
Mr.
Kaczmarek.
- You Dennis? - Paul Dennis.
This is my grandson, Cody.
You, uh, wanna call off the posse comitatus? All right, guys.
See you, fellas.
It was a lot of fun talking to you.
I apologize if they caused you any distress.
We're just trying to protect ourselves out here.
Against what, cows? Don't get me started, young man.
Offer you a drink? Yeah, I'll take a scotch and a pitcher of ice water.
We got them both.
Hmm.
Oh.
You're facing some serious time, Cody.
Caught red-handed, in the back of your truck.
- How old are you? - He's 18.
Just how much time? One to five years.
Per gun.
Twelve to 60 years? You do know the government has no right tracking the guns of law-abiding citizens? There's absolutely nowhere in the United States Constitution that says what we did was wrong or illegal.
Yeah.
The criminal code of Nevada is the only one that counts right now.
Gun-grabbing politicians in Las Vegas don't trump the Constitution.
The legislature is actually in Carson City.
Right.
Look, what my grandson is trying to say is that we are willing to make a stand on this.
We have to.
We can't just let them push us Now, hang on, hang on, hang on.
Let's work on keeping Cody out of prison so he doesn't have to take the stand from inside a prison yard.
- Can we start there? - Yeah.
Thank you.
Cody, how fast were you going when they pulled you over for speeding? Oh, five miles over the limit.
They made me get out and sit in the back of the police car while they searched my truck.
- Did they ask if they could search? - No.
Did you know that these guns were altered that you put in the back of your truck? Well, I didn't load the guns up.
I'm just the transport.
I have a legal gun-selling business.
Now, we don't sell to criminals, just like-minded people and their families.
Cody, did you know that any or all of the guns that your grandfather was selling that day did not have serial numbers on them? No, you see, he doesn't spend that much time working in the barn.
The barn? I'm assuming that isn't where you milk the cows.
Wow, this is, uh, a lot of guns.
A lot of freedom.
That's what it represents to us.
And you too, whether you realize it or not.
If they show up at our door, they're gonna wish they hadn't come.
- Who's "they"? - Heh.
Well, let's just say we're ready to take on all comers including the government.
If they become the full-fledged tyranny they're heading towards.
- I'm sorry.
- That's all right, heh.
We're used to it.
I mean, who knows, you know? We might look back, what, ten years from now and all have ourselves a real big laugh.
Or maybe, just maybe, we'll be too busy fighting.
Lloyd will be with you in a moment.
Hi, ladies.
Zoey, messages.
Zoey, you can't use pink ink on red paper.
I can barely read these.
So squint.
Where you been all day? Ugh, Miners Valley.
They, uh, got some strange ideas out there.
Oh, yeah? Is this the, uh, kid with the guns? I got two possible defenses.
First is he didn't know the guns were in the car, but it's gonna be pretty hard to argue not seeing 12 shotguns in the back.
Or he didn't know the serial numbers were missing.
- Did he? - I'm not sure.
The grandfather was kind of cagey, so I didn't push it.
It's easy overlooking a missing serial number.
I mean, the right grinder, right polish, it's like it was never there.
Well, first things first, I'll try to get the whole case tossed based on that search.
- Man, what smells so bad? - What smell? Oh, Nicky, it's you.
- You smell that bad.
You do.
- What? Me? Oh, all right, all right.
Take it easy.
It's bear.
Bear? What, did you hug Coach Ditka after he puked on himself? It's real-bear smell, smart ass.
I was at a bear compound with no fences.
Great, well, next time go home and change your clothes.
- I'm not joking.
- I believe you.
You do some stupid things, Nicky.
- Yeah, well - Ooh.
- they're gonna euthanize the poor bastard.
He clawed some drunk who jumped up on a stage during an animal act over at the Moroccan.
This is Otis the killer bear.
He's a cause celeb.
Are you kidding me? He didn't kill anybody.
He just followed his natural instincts.
Probably trying to protect the trainer.
What do you know about bear instincts? Nothing.
So? Lisa? Zoey? Not our area, Nick.
You sure you know what you're doing? I don't know.
That bear trainer, I mean, she just She had this vulnerability that's This pleading in her eyes.
Ahh.
She needs help.
How hot is she? - What? - How hot is she? - She's hot.
- You're trying to sleep with a client.
I am not.
You're getting on me for sleeping with clients, and here you go.
Well, because you do sleep with clients.
- Your weakness, Nick.
- What? You're a sucker for the broken-wing thing.
Bad way in, Nick.
Bad, bad, bad.
Worse, worse, worse: The name of the trainer: Linda Cole.
- So? - Cole as in ADA Cole.
- No.
- Yeah, he dragged me into this thing.
She's Tommy's what? Wife? Mom? Grandmom? Screw you.
It's his sister.
She's nice.
She needs me.
Broken wing.
Zoey, I want you to find everything you can on animal laws, regulation and control in the state of Nevada.
Lisa, I want an affidavit for a restraining order.
We are gonna save a bear.
Just, uh, grab a seat right there.
I'll be right back.
Bukant.
What's a bigtime U.
S.
attorney doing at a little state hearing? I just thought I'd listen in.
- Maybe pick up pointers from you.
- Ha-ha-ha.
Come on, what's up? Just observing.
Looks like I'm not alone.
Who's that? Amber Mack, lead council to the Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
Huh.
Guess I got a hot potato here.
Come on, a little hint as to why you're following this one.
All rise.
Court is now in session.
Good luck.
The honorable Judge Bass presiding.
Please be seated.
The motion to suppress should be denied.
The officer had plenty of probably cause to search incident to the traffic stop.
What probable cause? Cody Dennis was going five miles over the speed limit, just outside of Miners Valley, population 1801.
Ever been up there, Your Honor? I have.
Just last week.
I had to do 90 on that very same stretch of highway just to stay awake.
But my client is more responsible than I am.
Kept it at 70.
Got pulled over and searched.
The officer suspected the defendant was transporting methamphetamine.
He noted in his report "a strong odor of strawberry air freshener, and allergy medicine in the passenger seat.
" So now everyone who wants their car to smell nice and happens to have seasonal allergies is suddenly a drug dealer? Come on.
In the officer's experience, these are strong indicators of drugs.
He searched in good faith.
But there weren't any drugs, where there? Just an overzealous officer who overstepped his authority.
Your Honor, the search was illegal.
We move to have the guns disallowed and the case dismissed.
Thank you, counselors.
I'm allowing the guns.
Motion denied.
Well argued.
Amber Mack, Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
Sorry things didn't go your way, but there's opportunity at trial.
Uh, opportunity to win and opportunity to lose.
That's why I avoid them.
Come on, didn't we go to law school to get in there and fight? Ha, ha, moot court was a long time ago.
It is.
But there is still some things worth going to the mat on.
This case is one of them.
The coalition has authorized me to offer my services as co-council and to underwrite all costs of the trial right up to the Supreme Court.
Yeah, if this gets to the Supreme Court means I lost at trial - and that's not my plan.
- Of course not.
My organization knows everything about gun issues.
We bring passion.
There is no reason a law-abiding citizen should be punished for removing serial numbers from a gun, a TV set, anything they own.
We're not talking mattress tags here, okay? Serial numbers on guns are a way to track criminals.
Exactly.
But your client isn't a criminal.
He's being punished for someone else's sin by a DA who clearly doesn't support gun rights.
Hang on.
You as a group, you don't support this DA, Charlie Robart? We don't consider him a friend.
And we see this trial as an opportunity to make a stand.
I hear your passion, Amber.
Why don't you let me talk to my partner and I will get back to you? Call me anytime, day or night.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
All right.
We'll get a signature on this and this becomes our sword.
Oh, I Nick, I don't know how to thank you.
Uh, you don't have to.
Otis is important to me too, Linda, really.
Okay, just wait right here.
Judge, I have an emergency injunction.
I have an affidavit I'd like you to review, support and sign.
I need immediate extraordinary relief.
Mr.
Morelli, I'm already late for an appointment thanks to your partner.
Hard enough to take one of you in a day.
I know, Your Honor, but this is an emergency.
I need this executed.
Uh, it's extraordinary relief.
- I need an immediate - Let me see this.
You're making me late for a bear? Your Honor, they're gonna kill this bear in two hours unless you stop it through court order.
All right, Mr.
Morelli, I will sign this.
- Thank you.
- Just to get rid of you.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Thank you so much.
- How about that? - You're amazing.
- Oh, well, let's go get him out.
- Okay.
Hey, where the hell you been? And why are you so smiley? I won Otis a reprieve.
Oh, Christ, that dumb bear thing again, Nick? We have people work to do here.
Linda Cole is a people.
Yes, I know that.
But - Nick, are you thinking clearly on this? - Yeah.
Hooking up with Cole's sister? Uh, I mean, what are you gonna do, sit next to him for Thanksgiving dinner? "Hey, Tommy, pass the yams.
" Uh, just back off the bear.
Tell me what happened with the motion to dismiss.
No surprises.
Motion denied.
But something very interesting happened afterwards.
"Amber Mack, Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
" - What the hell is she doing there? - She wants in.
- In how? - Co-counsel.
The coalition wants to finance the case.
You told her to forget it, right? Pete, come on.
These people are a bunch of crackpots.
Yes, very vocal, very popular group of crackpots here in Nevada.
They're fierce.
They have money.
And they think the DA is soft on crime, tough on gun owners.
They wanna use Cody's case as a rallying point in an election year.
Amber wants to use Cody.
- And you wanna use Amber? - Bingo.
Bull, Pete.
Come on.
You in? Playing them publicly? Vigilantes? Heavily armed? Damn right, I'm in.
I left my gun in the car.
Amber, this is my partner, Nick Morelli.
- I'm excited to be joining you.
- Okay.
I feel good that we can make a difference on this one for a lot of folks.
Well, we appreciate the coalition's support.
So how are we gonna do this? Oh, we haven't talked to our clients but we're sure they're gonna be thrilled.
Why don't you sit behind us? We get the green light, we'll announce you in open court.
Perfect.
Perfect.
The facts are simple.
Cody Dennis knew the guns in his truck had no serial numbers.
And he knew it was against the law.
But he didn't care.
Because he doesn't agree with our laws.
There's a reason why the government puts numbers on guns and it's not to control you or to spy on you.
It's to protect you.
To make sure gunrunners like Cody Dennis can't sell their guns to murderers.
Good morning.
Cody Dennis isn't a killer.
He's not a criminal.
Cody Dennis is a kid that works for his grandfather.
Now, they are in the business of selling guns to law-abiding citizens and that is not illegal.
This isn't a case about Cody.
This case is about Cody and his family holding different beliefs.
Boo! Scared you, didn't I? Now, well, that's exactly what the state is trying to do.
They need to scare you because they have no case.
And I'll tell you what scares me.
Is that like a Salem witch hunt, they are persecuting Sorry.
Prosecuting Cody and his family for holding different beliefs.
And in this country, holding different beliefs is celebrated.
It is not illegal.
Thank you.
Hey, Gomez, I was just coming up to see you.
Yeah? What's up? Look at this.
Everyone's going out to lunch and here I am still working.
I want a deal.
Two years, out in nine months.
Not gonna happen, so go get yourself something to eat.
Okay, okay.
You see that lady talking to my partner over there? Amber Mack, lead counsel of the Nevada Gun Coalition.
Loves this case.
Wants to finance it.
Use it to make a whole lot of noise.
Thinks that your boss is soft on crime, tough on gun owners.
Good news is my client is an 18-year-old kid who deserves a second chance.
And I don't give a damn about anyone but him.
My advice to you, take this to your boss, make it all go away or I will unleash that woman.
Give her a platform and damn the DA and anyone else who takes the heat.
Are you threatening me? Two years, out in nine months.
I'll go back to the DA, see what I can do.
You do that.
Amber Mack, look her up.
- Nick.
- Tom.
I was just coming by to Because Linda and I have to discuss some things about the case.
You heard today that we got the hearing for Otis, right? Yeah, Linda told me about that.
- Thanks a lot.
- Yeah.
But don't you have a phone or e-mail? - It's a long drive out here, heh.
- No, it's not that long.
Yeah, yeah, it is.
It's a long drive.
- It's not that long of a drive anyway.
- Yes, it is.
It's very long.
- Is that Nick? - Hi.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Hi.
What's in the bag? Is that for me? No, uh, it's nothing.
- Oh, wow.
- A friend of mine owns this vineyard.
- Really? - I only got two glasses, Tom.
- I would have gotten three.
- No, no, no.
Tommy's about to leave.
- I don't have to - I'll get an opener.
I put in a pizza.
Thought I'd feed you since you made the long drive.
Well, it's not that long of a drive.
- Stay and have a drink with us.
- No, I have a very long drive back.
It's not that long of a drive, Tom.
It's a very long drive.
Great.
No, no, no, that, uh That sounds fair.
Of course, I understand, mm-hm.
Let me take it to my client.
Understood.
I will let you know.
- We did it.
- What? Amber card scared the bear crap out of them.
Zoey, call Paul and Cody.
I want them in the office now.
Come on.
What's the offer? It's good, Nick.
It's very, very, very good.
We just saved this kid's life.
Mr.
Kaczmarek.
It's a really good offer.
Three years, parole after 18 months.
It's great.
If you lose at trial, maximum sentence, he'd be in jail just shy of your 80th birthday.
So Cody pleads guilty under this deal and admits that he did something wrong.
Well, yes, but far lesser charges.
Mr.
Dennis, Cody's facing 60 years in prison.
Right, but what you're asking is that he plead guilty and admit that he did something wrong when he didn't.
Right? Look, son, this is, um, your decision.
It's something you wanna do for yourself.
Would you wanna stand up for what you believe in? Stand up for what we believe in? Uh, hold on a second, sir.
Just one second.
That's not really a fair question put to a young man like this.
It's as straight as an arrow, sir.
I know.
It's based on a false premise.
He did do something wrong.
He carried illegal firearms.
He broke the law.
No, no, no.
He did not break the law.
The Second Amendment is sacrosanct.
- And nowhere in the Constitution - Look, no, no, no.
- Nowhere in the Constitution - No, no.
I'm not gonna sit and argue with you about gun rights and the Constitution.
Your grandson's life is hanging in the balance.
He's gotta step up and be a man here, not you.
It's easy for you to be brave.
You're not looking at the time.
He is.
This boy is.
Mr.
Dennis, we think this is a damn good deal.
And it is a big decision.
Cody should make it.
I agree.
And I said nothing to the contrary.
So, Cody, what do you wanna do, son? No deal.
I wanna fight.
All right.
Here she comes.
- Her skirt's flaring.
- So is her nose.
Mm-hm.
- You used me to get a plea deal? That's what this was all about? You played me? I was acting in my client's best interest.
- Doesn't matter.
- It's all that matters.
We had a chance to do something important here.
To make law.
You want him in prison so you can slap his photo over your leaflets.
You know what? I don't need you.
We'll try the DA in a court of public opinion - outside this courthouse.
- Don't do that.
It's gonna hurt Cody.
Not my problem.
I'm out.
You were never in, honey.
Gomez.
- Want me to stick around? - I got it.
Get going.
I got the bear.
Good morning.
You good to go? My client has decided, against my counsel, to take his chances at trial.
- What? - Gomez, it was a fair offer and I'm begging keep it on the table.
Let me work on them to reconsider.
I stuck my neck out on this.
I know that, but come on, he's just a kid.
You threatened me and I gave you what you asked for.
- I didn't threaten you.
- Yes, you did.
So, no, deal's off the table.
We're going to trial.
And I'm coming at you hard.
This trial and every other trial I see you in.
To reach our recommendation, Your honor, we relied on police reports, the victim's statement and on the state veterinary exam of the animal, a bear named Otis.
Owned and trained by Linda Cole.
- Can I see copies? - Yes.
- Where's Nick? - Oh, I'm sure he's on his way.
This is very important to him.
Don't worry, Linda.
- I'm ready to step up, though.
- She is.
Nick forced us I mean, asked us, me to research and Lisa to study animal law for three days straight.
I feel like I might cough up a fur ball.
Heh, heh.
As you can see, the veterinarian categorized the bear as vicious.
And there is also a concern among the public that once an animal tastes human blood That's a bogus concern.
I looked on snopes.
Com and MythBusters.
There's no such thing as vampire bears.
I'm sorry.
You are? Sorry, Your Honor.
This is my research assistant, Zoey Waters.
Just part of Team Otis.
Okay, Zoey, well, you just be cool.
Your side will get a turn soon, all right? Assistant Attorney General Rowe? Based upon the veterinarian's exam and the established precedent, the state strongly recommends destroying the animal.
I'm sure the committee is as sympathetic to the bear as I am.
But, uh, the state presents some pretty strong evidence.
Hi.
I am so sorry to be late, uh, Your Honor.
Nick Morelli, I'm representing Otis.
- Uh, do you mind if I sit here? - Uh, yeah, go for it.
Okay, thank you.
Your Honor, Otis is a bear.
Otis is an orphan.
His mother was shot to death by hunters.
And Linda Cole here gave Otis a second chance at life.
She took that little cub Otis and adopted him.
Fed him from a little bottle.
She would lie down next to him all curled up when he would start to whine for his mother late at night for those first few weeks.
Uh, she basically became his foster mother.
And then later on, his trainer.
They've lived and worked together for the past six years without incident.
Until Clive Fraser decided to jump up on stage, drunk as a skunk, and rush both Otis and Linda.
And what did Otis do? Oh, he just did what any child would do, try to protect his mother by going like this: This is a purely defensive swat saying "stay away from me, stay away from her, this beautiful, sensitive, nurturing woman who gave me back my life.
" Now, the only problem is, Your Honor, is that when a 700-pound bear goes like this it's gonna hurt.
But, you know, Your Honor, ahh, that one's not on Otis.
That one's on the drunk guy.
Agent Craig, in your experience as an ATF officer, can you tell the jury why people file the serial numbers off their firearms? Well, typically, they don't want the guns traced because they're using those weapons for criminal activities.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Agent Craig, you went to FBI school, - isn't that correct? - Correct.
So you learned about the Second Amendment which guarantees that all of our citizens have the freedom and rights - to bear arms? - Yes.
What happens to that freedom if the government controls how we choose to bear and carry our arms? I'm aware of the Second Amendment, sir.
I'm also aware that it's our job to protect the citizens.
And I believe that serial numbers on guns help track criminals, which keeps people safe.
Agent Craig, do criminals use telephones? Well, yes, obviously.
Why not tap every telephone? The government requires every gun have a serial number.
Well, why don't you tap every phone? - Objection.
- Withdrawn.
- Agent Craig, isn't it true - Ahem.
- that unless Cody Dennis had actual knowledge that the guns that were inside of his truck were altered, he's innocent? In other words, Cody Dennis is not guilty unless he knew the serial numbers were missing.
- That's correct.
- Thank you.
Nothing further.
Young man, you impressed me.
I'm proud of what you did in there.
Hey, Cody, just, uh, give us one second, will you? Do not confuse my legal arguments with what I believe in.
I have one purpose, and that's keeping your grandson out of prison.
The problem with you idealists, all you care about are your ideals.
You ignore the people in front of you.
I care about Cody.
Everything else is meaningless.
Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Well, this isn't gonna help.
No, it isn't.
Maybe I can.
The U.
S.
Attorney's office have been building a case against Paul Dennis and his gunrunning operation for two years.
Two years before the state, as their wont to do, came in and screwed everything up by arresting your client.
Now, we have evidence that suggests guns from the Dennis clan have been making their way into the hands of gangs engaged in drug-war violence along the borders and beyond.
Needless to say, a witness from inside the organization would make our case ironclad.
You smell blood in the water.
Enter Cody.
In exchange for his information about the organization, we'll flex our muscle with the DA's office.
We believe we can paint the bigger picture for them and they'll drop the charges against your client.
Eighteen-year-old kid runs an errand for his grandfather, ends up facing 60 years in prison and now everyone wants to use him.
It's not gonna happen, Bukant.
Testifying against his grandfather means a worse sentence than the one he's already facing.
It's a death sentence.
It will kill him.
I'm not even gonna ask him.
I urge you to reconsider.
Because if Cody doesn't cooperate, I'll have to file federal weapons charges against him.
He'll be in two courtrooms.
Two courtrooms facing twice the time.
Just think about it.
You raised a fine young man, Paul.
- Cody's a great kid.
- Yeah.
He lost his mother.
I lost my daughter.
We, uh, stuck together.
Look, uh, I'm not even gonna waste my time taking him the feds' proposal.
I already know what Cody's answer is gonna be.
Wouldn't even matter if state on top of federal charges kept him in prison the rest of his life, he's not gonna turn on you.
He loves you too much.
You see that? Do you see what they're willing to do just to win? To turn father against son, grandson against grandfather.
I mean, it's monstrous.
You know that.
It's tyranny.
I'm not disagreeing with you.
All the state cares about is winning.
Still you're asking me to just play right into their hand.
For me to take the stand and to give them exactly what they want.
What I'm asking you to do is take the stand and tell the truth.
You want a platform? This is your platform.
And Cody gets a chance to live his life.
- The defense calls Paul Dennis.
- What? What are they gonna make him say? They can't make him say anything.
Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? I do, so help me God.
- Good morning, Mr.
Dennis.
- Good morning.
Now, you are the grandfather of the defendant, Cody Dennis, that correct? I'm proud to say I am.
And you raised Cody.
Taught him what you believe in.
I did.
I tried to teach Cody to trust nobody but himself and, of course, his family.
And at times you've asked Cody to help you with your gun business.
I have.
We, uh, sell arms to survivalists.
Law-abiding citizens who have the right to own a gun as written into the Second Amendment, December 15th, 1791.
Now, you don't believe that our government has the right to track the guns that you buy and sell.
They do not, sir.
But you know it's illegal to remove serial numbers from guns? Ha, ha, illegal? Well, if the government has no right to regulate according to the Constitution, now how can that be illegal? Mr.
Dennis, did you put those guns in Cody's truck knowing they did not have serial numbers on them? - What is he doing? - Easy.
Easy.
- Yes, I did.
- No, no, no, stop, Grandpa! - Get him out of that box! - Take your seat.
Get him out! Stop asking him questions! Recess, Your Honor.
Fifteen minutes recess.
What is he doing? What is he doing? Nick, you have to stop him.
Why did you put him up there? I don't want Cody he is testifying up there because he wants to testify.
Is he going to go to jail? It's his decision.
And he's up there standing up for what he believes in.
And he's standing up for you.
Now, you gotta hear that.
You gotta let that happen.
- Gomez.
- See you in ten.
Come on.
You got nothing left in this case.
He's telling the truth up there.
Don't play me, Kaczmarek.
He's trying to protect his grandkid.
I told Mr.
Kaczmarek that we'd help the DA's office see the bigger picture if he were able to get Cody to cooperate.
Well, he did us one better.
Well, it's not your call, Bukant.
This isn't your jurisdiction.
Paul Dennis runs a criminal operation.
Guns we've traced to his group have killed federal agents along the border.
With his admissions here in court, we have probable cause to arrest him, now, this morning.
But we wanna keep him cooperating.
So help us.
Help us and you guys will get the assist.
We're going after the king, Gomez.
You, you're going after the pawn.
Do you understand that if you continue testifying in this issue that you could be faced with criminal charges? - I do.
- And are you aware of your Fifth Amendment rights not to incriminate yourself? Your Honor, Your Honor, I'm well aware of my rights, believe me.
All right then.
You may proceed, counselor.
Mr.
Dennis, why did you put those guns in Cody's truck the day he was stopped for speeding? I sent my grandson on an errand.
He did what I asked.
No, no.
I You know, hell, I sell guns.
I sell guns to like-minded Americans.
Now, if I've made mistakes and some of my guns have fallen into the wrong hands, well, heh You know, it's like Benjamin Franklin said: "Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
" And accordingly, I will not let this government or any other government tell me who I can sell my guns to, with or without their damn serial numbers.
Your Honor, in light of the testimony just given, the state moves to dismiss all charges against Cody Dennis.
If that is the state's wish, so ordered.
Case dismissed.
Paul.
Took a lot of courage, a lot of character, and I respect that.
- Thank you.
- No, thank you.
And thank you.
- Mr.
Paul Dennis.
- Cody.
You are under arrest for being in violation of the federal Gun Control Act.
Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an attorney.
Okay.
Tawny, Tanya and Tammy, Lloyd will see you now.
I like your top.
What did you do? Nothing.
Got drunk and got married last night.
I already got a wife in Milwaukee.
Oh, I can't Shouldn't look at that.
Woke up with this damn ring on my finger.
And the gal telling me she's got three kids.
She's getting a lawyer, and I gotta pay child support.
I haven't even met them.
You think I gotta pay for them if I haven't met them? Tom, come on in.
Tommy, come on in.
- How are you? - How are you doing? - Good.
- Uh, good to see you, man.
Listen, um, Linda and I are both grateful to you for saving Otis.
Thank you very much.
I appreciate that.
- Yeah.
- Who wants to kill a bear? Yeah, well, listen, and it's a very just solution.
Pull Otis' work permit, get him away from audiences.
The state's happy.
And most importantly, Linda's happy.
So very well done, Nick.
Very well done.
What do I owe you? Oh, no, Tom.
Tom, this is pro bono.
No, no.
You know, I think I'd I would just like to keep it professional.
Tom, I only offer twice.
Oh.
- All right.
- All right.
Zoey, can you, uh, print up that invoice for Mr.
Cole? Uh, why don't you have a seat? Uh, take a load off.
It's gonna take a minute or so.
- Would you like a drink? - No.
All right.
Listen, Nick, you and I have had our, um, run-ins in the past.
But I want you to know that I respect your professionalism.
Ha, ha, thanks, Tom.
I appreciate hearing that.
Well, in fact, I came to you specifically because of your professionalism.
I didn't call, for instance, your partner.
Oh, Pete? Oh, Tom, he's a professional.
And he's been known to hire a couple of them from time to time.
- Nick, that's - Uh, I'm kidding, Tom.
Don't go arrest Pete, okay? Well, Nick, my point is I respect your professionalism.
- Mm-hm.
- It gives me comfort and confidence knowing everything will remain professional between you and my sister moving forward.
That's That's all.
Well, Tom I, uh, appreciate your respect.
Thank you.
Um, but I am no longer Linda's lawyer.
What does that mean? It means I am no longer Linda's lawyer.
The case is over.
Right, I understand, but are you suggesting you're not bound by rules of ethics regarding attorney-client fraternization? That would be correct.
Listen, Tommy, your sister, Linda, she is a beautiful woman.
She is spiritual, she is sensitive.
Her compassion for that animal is overwhelming to witness.
Tom, she's special.
And I respect her.
And I like her.
But that doesn't mean that I'm just gonna nail her Oh, can we just drop it? This is unbelievable.
This is gonna blow over.
It has to.
It will.
Let's drop it.
- There you go, Mr.
Cole.
- Thank you.
Nick, I'll see you around Five thousand dollars? Well, I gave you the family discount.
Tommy, welcome to the lion's den.
I gotta hand it to you.
I have respect for you.
I would be freaking out if I knew that Nick was trying to sleep with my sister.
No.
What? I would be.
Why? Good bear.
Ha! Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I'm on my way to see the Dennis family.
You know them? Paul and Cody Dennis? Who's asking? I'm Pete Kaczmarek.
I'm an attorney.
They're expecting me.
She just overheated.
You have any water you could spare? We'll give you a ride.
Uh, you know what? That's okay.
I'll just wait until she cools down.
We'll give you a ride.
Okay.
Oh, hey.
- Hi, Tommy.
- Nick, thank you for coming.
Oh, not a problem at all.
Not a problem.
I just don't know if I can help you here.
This is really not my area.
No, I understand but my sister begged me to bring over someone who has defended death-penalty cases.
She's been in hysterics all morning.
Hey, you wouldn't mind if you just keep this between us? Oh, no, attorney-client privilege, absolutely.
I got it.
- Great.
Her name is Linda, by the way.
- Linda.
God love her.
She's in a real tough spot.
Ah, that's terrible.
- What is the name of the, uh? - Otis.
She loves him more than life itself.
He's scheduled for lethal injection this Thursday.
Oh, Thursday, jeez.
Tommy? - Oh, thank you.
- Hey, sis.
Listen, hang in there, okay? This is Nick Morelli, the attorney I told you about.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you for coming.
Please help me.
Uh, I hope I can.
Otis is innocent.
He's so sweet and gentle.
I don't know if Tommy told you, he's a vegetarian.
He won't even eat meat.
It's okay.
Let's all just sit down.
All right? We'll sit down and Oh, would you like to meet him first? - Linda, that's not necessary.
- I'd like that.
Sure.
Otis? Hi, Otis.
Otis, I'm a lawyer.
Uh, we don't taste very good.
- He sure does look like he eats meat.
- No.
Mr.
Kaczmarek.
- You Dennis? - Paul Dennis.
This is my grandson, Cody.
You, uh, wanna call off the posse comitatus? All right, guys.
See you, fellas.
It was a lot of fun talking to you.
I apologize if they caused you any distress.
We're just trying to protect ourselves out here.
Against what, cows? Don't get me started, young man.
Offer you a drink? Yeah, I'll take a scotch and a pitcher of ice water.
We got them both.
Hmm.
Oh.
You're facing some serious time, Cody.
Caught red-handed, in the back of your truck.
- How old are you? - He's 18.
Just how much time? One to five years.
Per gun.
Twelve to 60 years? You do know the government has no right tracking the guns of law-abiding citizens? There's absolutely nowhere in the United States Constitution that says what we did was wrong or illegal.
Yeah.
The criminal code of Nevada is the only one that counts right now.
Gun-grabbing politicians in Las Vegas don't trump the Constitution.
The legislature is actually in Carson City.
Right.
Look, what my grandson is trying to say is that we are willing to make a stand on this.
We have to.
We can't just let them push us Now, hang on, hang on, hang on.
Let's work on keeping Cody out of prison so he doesn't have to take the stand from inside a prison yard.
- Can we start there? - Yeah.
Thank you.
Cody, how fast were you going when they pulled you over for speeding? Oh, five miles over the limit.
They made me get out and sit in the back of the police car while they searched my truck.
- Did they ask if they could search? - No.
Did you know that these guns were altered that you put in the back of your truck? Well, I didn't load the guns up.
I'm just the transport.
I have a legal gun-selling business.
Now, we don't sell to criminals, just like-minded people and their families.
Cody, did you know that any or all of the guns that your grandfather was selling that day did not have serial numbers on them? No, you see, he doesn't spend that much time working in the barn.
The barn? I'm assuming that isn't where you milk the cows.
Wow, this is, uh, a lot of guns.
A lot of freedom.
That's what it represents to us.
And you too, whether you realize it or not.
If they show up at our door, they're gonna wish they hadn't come.
- Who's "they"? - Heh.
Well, let's just say we're ready to take on all comers including the government.
If they become the full-fledged tyranny they're heading towards.
- I'm sorry.
- That's all right, heh.
We're used to it.
I mean, who knows, you know? We might look back, what, ten years from now and all have ourselves a real big laugh.
Or maybe, just maybe, we'll be too busy fighting.
Lloyd will be with you in a moment.
Hi, ladies.
Zoey, messages.
Zoey, you can't use pink ink on red paper.
I can barely read these.
So squint.
Where you been all day? Ugh, Miners Valley.
They, uh, got some strange ideas out there.
Oh, yeah? Is this the, uh, kid with the guns? I got two possible defenses.
First is he didn't know the guns were in the car, but it's gonna be pretty hard to argue not seeing 12 shotguns in the back.
Or he didn't know the serial numbers were missing.
- Did he? - I'm not sure.
The grandfather was kind of cagey, so I didn't push it.
It's easy overlooking a missing serial number.
I mean, the right grinder, right polish, it's like it was never there.
Well, first things first, I'll try to get the whole case tossed based on that search.
- Man, what smells so bad? - What smell? Oh, Nicky, it's you.
- You smell that bad.
You do.
- What? Me? Oh, all right, all right.
Take it easy.
It's bear.
Bear? What, did you hug Coach Ditka after he puked on himself? It's real-bear smell, smart ass.
I was at a bear compound with no fences.
Great, well, next time go home and change your clothes.
- I'm not joking.
- I believe you.
You do some stupid things, Nicky.
- Yeah, well - Ooh.
- they're gonna euthanize the poor bastard.
He clawed some drunk who jumped up on a stage during an animal act over at the Moroccan.
This is Otis the killer bear.
He's a cause celeb.
Are you kidding me? He didn't kill anybody.
He just followed his natural instincts.
Probably trying to protect the trainer.
What do you know about bear instincts? Nothing.
So? Lisa? Zoey? Not our area, Nick.
You sure you know what you're doing? I don't know.
That bear trainer, I mean, she just She had this vulnerability that's This pleading in her eyes.
Ahh.
She needs help.
How hot is she? - What? - How hot is she? - She's hot.
- You're trying to sleep with a client.
I am not.
You're getting on me for sleeping with clients, and here you go.
Well, because you do sleep with clients.
- Your weakness, Nick.
- What? You're a sucker for the broken-wing thing.
Bad way in, Nick.
Bad, bad, bad.
Worse, worse, worse: The name of the trainer: Linda Cole.
- So? - Cole as in ADA Cole.
- No.
- Yeah, he dragged me into this thing.
She's Tommy's what? Wife? Mom? Grandmom? Screw you.
It's his sister.
She's nice.
She needs me.
Broken wing.
Zoey, I want you to find everything you can on animal laws, regulation and control in the state of Nevada.
Lisa, I want an affidavit for a restraining order.
We are gonna save a bear.
Just, uh, grab a seat right there.
I'll be right back.
Bukant.
What's a bigtime U.
S.
attorney doing at a little state hearing? I just thought I'd listen in.
- Maybe pick up pointers from you.
- Ha-ha-ha.
Come on, what's up? Just observing.
Looks like I'm not alone.
Who's that? Amber Mack, lead council to the Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
Huh.
Guess I got a hot potato here.
Come on, a little hint as to why you're following this one.
All rise.
Court is now in session.
Good luck.
The honorable Judge Bass presiding.
Please be seated.
The motion to suppress should be denied.
The officer had plenty of probably cause to search incident to the traffic stop.
What probable cause? Cody Dennis was going five miles over the speed limit, just outside of Miners Valley, population 1801.
Ever been up there, Your Honor? I have.
Just last week.
I had to do 90 on that very same stretch of highway just to stay awake.
But my client is more responsible than I am.
Kept it at 70.
Got pulled over and searched.
The officer suspected the defendant was transporting methamphetamine.
He noted in his report "a strong odor of strawberry air freshener, and allergy medicine in the passenger seat.
" So now everyone who wants their car to smell nice and happens to have seasonal allergies is suddenly a drug dealer? Come on.
In the officer's experience, these are strong indicators of drugs.
He searched in good faith.
But there weren't any drugs, where there? Just an overzealous officer who overstepped his authority.
Your Honor, the search was illegal.
We move to have the guns disallowed and the case dismissed.
Thank you, counselors.
I'm allowing the guns.
Motion denied.
Well argued.
Amber Mack, Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
Sorry things didn't go your way, but there's opportunity at trial.
Uh, opportunity to win and opportunity to lose.
That's why I avoid them.
Come on, didn't we go to law school to get in there and fight? Ha, ha, moot court was a long time ago.
It is.
But there is still some things worth going to the mat on.
This case is one of them.
The coalition has authorized me to offer my services as co-council and to underwrite all costs of the trial right up to the Supreme Court.
Yeah, if this gets to the Supreme Court means I lost at trial - and that's not my plan.
- Of course not.
My organization knows everything about gun issues.
We bring passion.
There is no reason a law-abiding citizen should be punished for removing serial numbers from a gun, a TV set, anything they own.
We're not talking mattress tags here, okay? Serial numbers on guns are a way to track criminals.
Exactly.
But your client isn't a criminal.
He's being punished for someone else's sin by a DA who clearly doesn't support gun rights.
Hang on.
You as a group, you don't support this DA, Charlie Robart? We don't consider him a friend.
And we see this trial as an opportunity to make a stand.
I hear your passion, Amber.
Why don't you let me talk to my partner and I will get back to you? Call me anytime, day or night.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
All right.
We'll get a signature on this and this becomes our sword.
Oh, I Nick, I don't know how to thank you.
Uh, you don't have to.
Otis is important to me too, Linda, really.
Okay, just wait right here.
Judge, I have an emergency injunction.
I have an affidavit I'd like you to review, support and sign.
I need immediate extraordinary relief.
Mr.
Morelli, I'm already late for an appointment thanks to your partner.
Hard enough to take one of you in a day.
I know, Your Honor, but this is an emergency.
I need this executed.
Uh, it's extraordinary relief.
- I need an immediate - Let me see this.
You're making me late for a bear? Your Honor, they're gonna kill this bear in two hours unless you stop it through court order.
All right, Mr.
Morelli, I will sign this.
- Thank you.
- Just to get rid of you.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Thank you so much.
- How about that? - You're amazing.
- Oh, well, let's go get him out.
- Okay.
Hey, where the hell you been? And why are you so smiley? I won Otis a reprieve.
Oh, Christ, that dumb bear thing again, Nick? We have people work to do here.
Linda Cole is a people.
Yes, I know that.
But - Nick, are you thinking clearly on this? - Yeah.
Hooking up with Cole's sister? Uh, I mean, what are you gonna do, sit next to him for Thanksgiving dinner? "Hey, Tommy, pass the yams.
" Uh, just back off the bear.
Tell me what happened with the motion to dismiss.
No surprises.
Motion denied.
But something very interesting happened afterwards.
"Amber Mack, Nevada Gun Rights Coalition.
" - What the hell is she doing there? - She wants in.
- In how? - Co-counsel.
The coalition wants to finance the case.
You told her to forget it, right? Pete, come on.
These people are a bunch of crackpots.
Yes, very vocal, very popular group of crackpots here in Nevada.
They're fierce.
They have money.
And they think the DA is soft on crime, tough on gun owners.
They wanna use Cody's case as a rallying point in an election year.
Amber wants to use Cody.
- And you wanna use Amber? - Bingo.
Bull, Pete.
Come on.
You in? Playing them publicly? Vigilantes? Heavily armed? Damn right, I'm in.
I left my gun in the car.
Amber, this is my partner, Nick Morelli.
- I'm excited to be joining you.
- Okay.
I feel good that we can make a difference on this one for a lot of folks.
Well, we appreciate the coalition's support.
So how are we gonna do this? Oh, we haven't talked to our clients but we're sure they're gonna be thrilled.
Why don't you sit behind us? We get the green light, we'll announce you in open court.
Perfect.
Perfect.
The facts are simple.
Cody Dennis knew the guns in his truck had no serial numbers.
And he knew it was against the law.
But he didn't care.
Because he doesn't agree with our laws.
There's a reason why the government puts numbers on guns and it's not to control you or to spy on you.
It's to protect you.
To make sure gunrunners like Cody Dennis can't sell their guns to murderers.
Good morning.
Cody Dennis isn't a killer.
He's not a criminal.
Cody Dennis is a kid that works for his grandfather.
Now, they are in the business of selling guns to law-abiding citizens and that is not illegal.
This isn't a case about Cody.
This case is about Cody and his family holding different beliefs.
Boo! Scared you, didn't I? Now, well, that's exactly what the state is trying to do.
They need to scare you because they have no case.
And I'll tell you what scares me.
Is that like a Salem witch hunt, they are persecuting Sorry.
Prosecuting Cody and his family for holding different beliefs.
And in this country, holding different beliefs is celebrated.
It is not illegal.
Thank you.
Hey, Gomez, I was just coming up to see you.
Yeah? What's up? Look at this.
Everyone's going out to lunch and here I am still working.
I want a deal.
Two years, out in nine months.
Not gonna happen, so go get yourself something to eat.
Okay, okay.
You see that lady talking to my partner over there? Amber Mack, lead counsel of the Nevada Gun Coalition.
Loves this case.
Wants to finance it.
Use it to make a whole lot of noise.
Thinks that your boss is soft on crime, tough on gun owners.
Good news is my client is an 18-year-old kid who deserves a second chance.
And I don't give a damn about anyone but him.
My advice to you, take this to your boss, make it all go away or I will unleash that woman.
Give her a platform and damn the DA and anyone else who takes the heat.
Are you threatening me? Two years, out in nine months.
I'll go back to the DA, see what I can do.
You do that.
Amber Mack, look her up.
- Nick.
- Tom.
I was just coming by to Because Linda and I have to discuss some things about the case.
You heard today that we got the hearing for Otis, right? Yeah, Linda told me about that.
- Thanks a lot.
- Yeah.
But don't you have a phone or e-mail? - It's a long drive out here, heh.
- No, it's not that long.
Yeah, yeah, it is.
It's a long drive.
- It's not that long of a drive anyway.
- Yes, it is.
It's very long.
- Is that Nick? - Hi.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Hi.
What's in the bag? Is that for me? No, uh, it's nothing.
- Oh, wow.
- A friend of mine owns this vineyard.
- Really? - I only got two glasses, Tom.
- I would have gotten three.
- No, no, no.
Tommy's about to leave.
- I don't have to - I'll get an opener.
I put in a pizza.
Thought I'd feed you since you made the long drive.
Well, it's not that long of a drive.
- Stay and have a drink with us.
- No, I have a very long drive back.
It's not that long of a drive, Tom.
It's a very long drive.
Great.
No, no, no, that, uh That sounds fair.
Of course, I understand, mm-hm.
Let me take it to my client.
Understood.
I will let you know.
- We did it.
- What? Amber card scared the bear crap out of them.
Zoey, call Paul and Cody.
I want them in the office now.
Come on.
What's the offer? It's good, Nick.
It's very, very, very good.
We just saved this kid's life.
Mr.
Kaczmarek.
It's a really good offer.
Three years, parole after 18 months.
It's great.
If you lose at trial, maximum sentence, he'd be in jail just shy of your 80th birthday.
So Cody pleads guilty under this deal and admits that he did something wrong.
Well, yes, but far lesser charges.
Mr.
Dennis, Cody's facing 60 years in prison.
Right, but what you're asking is that he plead guilty and admit that he did something wrong when he didn't.
Right? Look, son, this is, um, your decision.
It's something you wanna do for yourself.
Would you wanna stand up for what you believe in? Stand up for what we believe in? Uh, hold on a second, sir.
Just one second.
That's not really a fair question put to a young man like this.
It's as straight as an arrow, sir.
I know.
It's based on a false premise.
He did do something wrong.
He carried illegal firearms.
He broke the law.
No, no, no.
He did not break the law.
The Second Amendment is sacrosanct.
- And nowhere in the Constitution - Look, no, no, no.
- Nowhere in the Constitution - No, no.
I'm not gonna sit and argue with you about gun rights and the Constitution.
Your grandson's life is hanging in the balance.
He's gotta step up and be a man here, not you.
It's easy for you to be brave.
You're not looking at the time.
He is.
This boy is.
Mr.
Dennis, we think this is a damn good deal.
And it is a big decision.
Cody should make it.
I agree.
And I said nothing to the contrary.
So, Cody, what do you wanna do, son? No deal.
I wanna fight.
All right.
Here she comes.
- Her skirt's flaring.
- So is her nose.
Mm-hm.
- You used me to get a plea deal? That's what this was all about? You played me? I was acting in my client's best interest.
- Doesn't matter.
- It's all that matters.
We had a chance to do something important here.
To make law.
You want him in prison so you can slap his photo over your leaflets.
You know what? I don't need you.
We'll try the DA in a court of public opinion - outside this courthouse.
- Don't do that.
It's gonna hurt Cody.
Not my problem.
I'm out.
You were never in, honey.
Gomez.
- Want me to stick around? - I got it.
Get going.
I got the bear.
Good morning.
You good to go? My client has decided, against my counsel, to take his chances at trial.
- What? - Gomez, it was a fair offer and I'm begging keep it on the table.
Let me work on them to reconsider.
I stuck my neck out on this.
I know that, but come on, he's just a kid.
You threatened me and I gave you what you asked for.
- I didn't threaten you.
- Yes, you did.
So, no, deal's off the table.
We're going to trial.
And I'm coming at you hard.
This trial and every other trial I see you in.
To reach our recommendation, Your honor, we relied on police reports, the victim's statement and on the state veterinary exam of the animal, a bear named Otis.
Owned and trained by Linda Cole.
- Can I see copies? - Yes.
- Where's Nick? - Oh, I'm sure he's on his way.
This is very important to him.
Don't worry, Linda.
- I'm ready to step up, though.
- She is.
Nick forced us I mean, asked us, me to research and Lisa to study animal law for three days straight.
I feel like I might cough up a fur ball.
Heh, heh.
As you can see, the veterinarian categorized the bear as vicious.
And there is also a concern among the public that once an animal tastes human blood That's a bogus concern.
I looked on snopes.
Com and MythBusters.
There's no such thing as vampire bears.
I'm sorry.
You are? Sorry, Your Honor.
This is my research assistant, Zoey Waters.
Just part of Team Otis.
Okay, Zoey, well, you just be cool.
Your side will get a turn soon, all right? Assistant Attorney General Rowe? Based upon the veterinarian's exam and the established precedent, the state strongly recommends destroying the animal.
I'm sure the committee is as sympathetic to the bear as I am.
But, uh, the state presents some pretty strong evidence.
Hi.
I am so sorry to be late, uh, Your Honor.
Nick Morelli, I'm representing Otis.
- Uh, do you mind if I sit here? - Uh, yeah, go for it.
Okay, thank you.
Your Honor, Otis is a bear.
Otis is an orphan.
His mother was shot to death by hunters.
And Linda Cole here gave Otis a second chance at life.
She took that little cub Otis and adopted him.
Fed him from a little bottle.
She would lie down next to him all curled up when he would start to whine for his mother late at night for those first few weeks.
Uh, she basically became his foster mother.
And then later on, his trainer.
They've lived and worked together for the past six years without incident.
Until Clive Fraser decided to jump up on stage, drunk as a skunk, and rush both Otis and Linda.
And what did Otis do? Oh, he just did what any child would do, try to protect his mother by going like this: This is a purely defensive swat saying "stay away from me, stay away from her, this beautiful, sensitive, nurturing woman who gave me back my life.
" Now, the only problem is, Your Honor, is that when a 700-pound bear goes like this it's gonna hurt.
But, you know, Your Honor, ahh, that one's not on Otis.
That one's on the drunk guy.
Agent Craig, in your experience as an ATF officer, can you tell the jury why people file the serial numbers off their firearms? Well, typically, they don't want the guns traced because they're using those weapons for criminal activities.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Agent Craig, you went to FBI school, - isn't that correct? - Correct.
So you learned about the Second Amendment which guarantees that all of our citizens have the freedom and rights - to bear arms? - Yes.
What happens to that freedom if the government controls how we choose to bear and carry our arms? I'm aware of the Second Amendment, sir.
I'm also aware that it's our job to protect the citizens.
And I believe that serial numbers on guns help track criminals, which keeps people safe.
Agent Craig, do criminals use telephones? Well, yes, obviously.
Why not tap every telephone? The government requires every gun have a serial number.
Well, why don't you tap every phone? - Objection.
- Withdrawn.
- Agent Craig, isn't it true - Ahem.
- that unless Cody Dennis had actual knowledge that the guns that were inside of his truck were altered, he's innocent? In other words, Cody Dennis is not guilty unless he knew the serial numbers were missing.
- That's correct.
- Thank you.
Nothing further.
Young man, you impressed me.
I'm proud of what you did in there.
Hey, Cody, just, uh, give us one second, will you? Do not confuse my legal arguments with what I believe in.
I have one purpose, and that's keeping your grandson out of prison.
The problem with you idealists, all you care about are your ideals.
You ignore the people in front of you.
I care about Cody.
Everything else is meaningless.
Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Keep your laws off our guns! Well, this isn't gonna help.
No, it isn't.
Maybe I can.
The U.
S.
Attorney's office have been building a case against Paul Dennis and his gunrunning operation for two years.
Two years before the state, as their wont to do, came in and screwed everything up by arresting your client.
Now, we have evidence that suggests guns from the Dennis clan have been making their way into the hands of gangs engaged in drug-war violence along the borders and beyond.
Needless to say, a witness from inside the organization would make our case ironclad.
You smell blood in the water.
Enter Cody.
In exchange for his information about the organization, we'll flex our muscle with the DA's office.
We believe we can paint the bigger picture for them and they'll drop the charges against your client.
Eighteen-year-old kid runs an errand for his grandfather, ends up facing 60 years in prison and now everyone wants to use him.
It's not gonna happen, Bukant.
Testifying against his grandfather means a worse sentence than the one he's already facing.
It's a death sentence.
It will kill him.
I'm not even gonna ask him.
I urge you to reconsider.
Because if Cody doesn't cooperate, I'll have to file federal weapons charges against him.
He'll be in two courtrooms.
Two courtrooms facing twice the time.
Just think about it.
You raised a fine young man, Paul.
- Cody's a great kid.
- Yeah.
He lost his mother.
I lost my daughter.
We, uh, stuck together.
Look, uh, I'm not even gonna waste my time taking him the feds' proposal.
I already know what Cody's answer is gonna be.
Wouldn't even matter if state on top of federal charges kept him in prison the rest of his life, he's not gonna turn on you.
He loves you too much.
You see that? Do you see what they're willing to do just to win? To turn father against son, grandson against grandfather.
I mean, it's monstrous.
You know that.
It's tyranny.
I'm not disagreeing with you.
All the state cares about is winning.
Still you're asking me to just play right into their hand.
For me to take the stand and to give them exactly what they want.
What I'm asking you to do is take the stand and tell the truth.
You want a platform? This is your platform.
And Cody gets a chance to live his life.
- The defense calls Paul Dennis.
- What? What are they gonna make him say? They can't make him say anything.
Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? I do, so help me God.
- Good morning, Mr.
Dennis.
- Good morning.
Now, you are the grandfather of the defendant, Cody Dennis, that correct? I'm proud to say I am.
And you raised Cody.
Taught him what you believe in.
I did.
I tried to teach Cody to trust nobody but himself and, of course, his family.
And at times you've asked Cody to help you with your gun business.
I have.
We, uh, sell arms to survivalists.
Law-abiding citizens who have the right to own a gun as written into the Second Amendment, December 15th, 1791.
Now, you don't believe that our government has the right to track the guns that you buy and sell.
They do not, sir.
But you know it's illegal to remove serial numbers from guns? Ha, ha, illegal? Well, if the government has no right to regulate according to the Constitution, now how can that be illegal? Mr.
Dennis, did you put those guns in Cody's truck knowing they did not have serial numbers on them? - What is he doing? - Easy.
Easy.
- Yes, I did.
- No, no, no, stop, Grandpa! - Get him out of that box! - Take your seat.
Get him out! Stop asking him questions! Recess, Your Honor.
Fifteen minutes recess.
What is he doing? What is he doing? Nick, you have to stop him.
Why did you put him up there? I don't want Cody he is testifying up there because he wants to testify.
Is he going to go to jail? It's his decision.
And he's up there standing up for what he believes in.
And he's standing up for you.
Now, you gotta hear that.
You gotta let that happen.
- Gomez.
- See you in ten.
Come on.
You got nothing left in this case.
He's telling the truth up there.
Don't play me, Kaczmarek.
He's trying to protect his grandkid.
I told Mr.
Kaczmarek that we'd help the DA's office see the bigger picture if he were able to get Cody to cooperate.
Well, he did us one better.
Well, it's not your call, Bukant.
This isn't your jurisdiction.
Paul Dennis runs a criminal operation.
Guns we've traced to his group have killed federal agents along the border.
With his admissions here in court, we have probable cause to arrest him, now, this morning.
But we wanna keep him cooperating.
So help us.
Help us and you guys will get the assist.
We're going after the king, Gomez.
You, you're going after the pawn.
Do you understand that if you continue testifying in this issue that you could be faced with criminal charges? - I do.
- And are you aware of your Fifth Amendment rights not to incriminate yourself? Your Honor, Your Honor, I'm well aware of my rights, believe me.
All right then.
You may proceed, counselor.
Mr.
Dennis, why did you put those guns in Cody's truck the day he was stopped for speeding? I sent my grandson on an errand.
He did what I asked.
No, no.
I You know, hell, I sell guns.
I sell guns to like-minded Americans.
Now, if I've made mistakes and some of my guns have fallen into the wrong hands, well, heh You know, it's like Benjamin Franklin said: "Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
" And accordingly, I will not let this government or any other government tell me who I can sell my guns to, with or without their damn serial numbers.
Your Honor, in light of the testimony just given, the state moves to dismiss all charges against Cody Dennis.
If that is the state's wish, so ordered.
Case dismissed.
Paul.
Took a lot of courage, a lot of character, and I respect that.
- Thank you.
- No, thank you.
And thank you.
- Mr.
Paul Dennis.
- Cody.
You are under arrest for being in violation of the federal Gun Control Act.
Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an attorney.
Okay.
Tawny, Tanya and Tammy, Lloyd will see you now.
I like your top.
What did you do? Nothing.
Got drunk and got married last night.
I already got a wife in Milwaukee.
Oh, I can't Shouldn't look at that.
Woke up with this damn ring on my finger.
And the gal telling me she's got three kids.
She's getting a lawyer, and I gotta pay child support.
I haven't even met them.
You think I gotta pay for them if I haven't met them? Tom, come on in.
Tommy, come on in.
- How are you? - How are you doing? - Good.
- Uh, good to see you, man.
Listen, um, Linda and I are both grateful to you for saving Otis.
Thank you very much.
I appreciate that.
- Yeah.
- Who wants to kill a bear? Yeah, well, listen, and it's a very just solution.
Pull Otis' work permit, get him away from audiences.
The state's happy.
And most importantly, Linda's happy.
So very well done, Nick.
Very well done.
What do I owe you? Oh, no, Tom.
Tom, this is pro bono.
No, no.
You know, I think I'd I would just like to keep it professional.
Tom, I only offer twice.
Oh.
- All right.
- All right.
Zoey, can you, uh, print up that invoice for Mr.
Cole? Uh, why don't you have a seat? Uh, take a load off.
It's gonna take a minute or so.
- Would you like a drink? - No.
All right.
Listen, Nick, you and I have had our, um, run-ins in the past.
But I want you to know that I respect your professionalism.
Ha, ha, thanks, Tom.
I appreciate hearing that.
Well, in fact, I came to you specifically because of your professionalism.
I didn't call, for instance, your partner.
Oh, Pete? Oh, Tom, he's a professional.
And he's been known to hire a couple of them from time to time.
- Nick, that's - Uh, I'm kidding, Tom.
Don't go arrest Pete, okay? Well, Nick, my point is I respect your professionalism.
- Mm-hm.
- It gives me comfort and confidence knowing everything will remain professional between you and my sister moving forward.
That's That's all.
Well, Tom I, uh, appreciate your respect.
Thank you.
Um, but I am no longer Linda's lawyer.
What does that mean? It means I am no longer Linda's lawyer.
The case is over.
Right, I understand, but are you suggesting you're not bound by rules of ethics regarding attorney-client fraternization? That would be correct.
Listen, Tommy, your sister, Linda, she is a beautiful woman.
She is spiritual, she is sensitive.
Her compassion for that animal is overwhelming to witness.
Tom, she's special.
And I respect her.
And I like her.
But that doesn't mean that I'm just gonna nail her Oh, can we just drop it? This is unbelievable.
This is gonna blow over.
It has to.
It will.
Let's drop it.
- There you go, Mr.
Cole.
- Thank you.
Nick, I'll see you around Five thousand dollars? Well, I gave you the family discount.
Tommy, welcome to the lion's den.
I gotta hand it to you.
I have respect for you.
I would be freaking out if I knew that Nick was trying to sleep with my sister.
No.
What? I would be.
Why? Good bear.