Judge Forces Procrastinator To Prioritize

By Robert Thomas

An accused man from Regina with a seeming problematic propensity to procrastinate had his priorities straightened out in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Tuesday morning.

Appearing by telephone Devan Pilatzke told Judge David Chow he has yet to secure legal counsel.

Pilatzke, who faces charges of impaired driving and driving while prohibited, told Judge Chow he had failed to contact Saskatchewan Legal Aid to see if they would represent him in court.

The accused admitted he had waited until the final week before his October 31st court appearance to apply for Legal Aid only to find out the local office in Moose Jaw was away that week at a conference.

It’s something that Judge Chow noted in his response that Pilatzke admitted he had not made it a priority to contact Legal Aid in Moose Jaw right away but had let it slide.

Judge Chow pointed out how Pilatzke had received three adjournments in a row dating back to August 2nd, 2023.

“I am also concerned,” Judge Chow told the accused.

In his response Pilatzke said “I haven’t tried to prioritize this…I will prioritize it.”

Judge Chow laid down the law by making it mandatory for Pilatzke to appear in person and not by telephone at his next court appearance on Tuesday, November 14th.

“On Tuesday, November 14th you will have legal counsel secured or you’ll be entering a plea at that time,” Judge Chow warned.