Martinez v. Department of Transportation

Opinion

BEDSWORTH, Acting P. J.

I. INTRODUCTION

This is a case of egregious attorney misconduct. That word—egregious-—is difficult to write, but nothing else seems adequate. Blessed with a trial judge who allowed it, trial counsel ran roughshod over opposing counsel and the rules of evidence. We have no choice but to reverse.

Generally, what happened is this: Defendant’s attorney, Karen Bilotti, would ask a question in clear violation of the trial court’s in limine orders. The question would usually have the effect of gratuitously besmirching the character of plaintiff Donn Martinez. An objection…