It started like any other hearing in Queens: lawyers rustling through briefs, a few mumbled objections, the usual shuffle of paper and nerves. Then something strange happened. The judge called on the plaintiff to begin their argument—and instead of standing up and speaking, the man played a video. On screen was a young, professional-looking avatar. It spoke in crisp, polite tones, making a well-organized, articulate argument.
Only it wasn’t a lawyer. And it wasn’t a video of himself.
It was an AI-generated avatar—a synthetic stand-in for a 74-year-old man named Jerome Dewald, who thought this futuristic “hack” might help win his employment case.
The judge paused, clearly confused. She asked if the video was of the man himself.
“No,” he admitted. “I generated that.”
That was the moment the courtroom shifted.
The judge didn’t just raise an eyebrow—she shut it down. Called it misleading. Postponed the hearing. And as the story quickly made headlines, it kicked off a bigger conversation about tech, trust, and the role of real human advocacy in the justice system.
AI on the Stand? For Real?
Jerome Dewald thought an AI avatar might articulate his argument better than he could. But his decision to submit a digital double without disclosure struck the court—and many legal professionals—as a breach of protocol.
Courtrooms are built on clear expectations: transparency, truth, and the authenticity of testimony. When a judge hears from a litigant or a lawyer, they expect it to be the person themselves—not a computer-generated illusion.
The underlying issue wasn’t that the technology existed—it was that it was used in place of a person without any warning, any context, or any consent from the court. If you’ve ever watched a trial, you know: tone matters. Body language matters. And credibility isn’t just about words—it’s about how they’re delivered, and who’s delivering them.
What This Says About the Law and Human Advocacy
On the surface, it’s a quirky tech flop. But dig deeper, and there’s something profoundly human at play.
1. Courtrooms Aren’t for Showmanship
No matter how polished the avatar, the court expects transparency and authenticity. As a criminal defense lawyer in Queens, I see similar battles every day: clients tempted by shortcuts—quick-fix defenses, questionable alibis, or representing themselves after five minutes on Google. But shortcuts rarely work in real justice.
2. Emotion Still Matters
An AI avatar can articulate, but it can’t feel indignation, fear, relief—elements rich with context. In criminal proceedings, human connection—the tone of an apology, the waver in your voice—can resonate with a jury or judge in a way no digital voice ever will.
3. Tech Is a Tool, Not a Replacement
Yes, people misuse AI. Like the two lawyers fined last year for submitting fake ChatGPT-generated cases. But when used ethically, AI can help—legal research, brief formatting, deadline tracking. What it can’t do is replace instinct, experience, and judgment.
And judgment is everything in the courtroom. Whether I’m cross-examining a witness or negotiating with a DA, it’s the human factors—the subtle cues, the emotion in the room—that determine which direction a case might go.
My Take: The Value of Real Counsel
As a criminal defense lawyer in Queens, I’ve stood next to clients in their worst moments. Some are terrified. Some are angry. Some are confused. But every one of them is human.
And in court, that matters.
I don’t just deliver arguments. I craft a defense rooted in truth, tailored to the client’s story, and responsive to the nuance of the courtroom. That’s something no AI can fake.
There’s also the matter of accountability. I’ve stood before judges who’ve ruled against me, and I’ve stood before juries who changed their minds after closing arguments. In every case, the result was shaped not just by evidence—but by presence. Real presence.
The Future Is Hybrid—but It Starts with Integrity
Let’s face it: tech is going to evolve. Future defendants might submit AI-generated character witnesses or holographic testimonies. And the legal field must prepare. But it can’t lose its moral compass.
What courts need is standards, not spectacles:
- Clear disclosure rules when AI tools are used
- Verification protocols for evidence generated by machines
- Ethical guardrails to protect the process
We should be using tech to enhance justice, not distract from it. Imagine a courtroom where lawyers use AI to detect inconsistencies in discovery, to organize vast volumes of evidence, or to help exonerate the wrongly accused faster. That’s the real promise of technology—not avatars, but access.
No one wants courtroom drama over a poorly deployed avatar. We want lawful efficiency, compelling human advocacy, and justice that’s both smart and compassionate.
Why It Matters to You, Queens and Long Island Residents
Every day, people face arrest or charge—and sometimes consider representing themselves. Here’s the takeaway:
- Self-representation? Think twice. Even a polished script can crumble under cross-examination.
- Human nuance matters. Judges and juries respond to sincerity—not slick avatars.
- Tools are secondary. What you need is strategy and heart.
And when it comes to serious charges—DWI, assault, drug crimes, theft—cutting corners can cost you your future. I’ve seen cases fall apart because of one wrong word, one missed filing, or one misunderstanding of court protocol.
That’s why I do what I do: assess each case, investigate deeply, craft a narrative that holds up under scrutiny—and show up, human and honest, when it matters most.
Final Word: Let Tech Aid—but Let Humans Lead
The AI avatar attempt was fascinating, but it showed us exactly why the law relies on real people: the ones who can own a mistake, make an argument, pivot when something spins, and look you in the eye.
If you’re facing charges—whether traffic-level or serious felonies—don’t let machines muddle your story. Step into court with someone who sees the human behind the file, who knows Queens and Long Island inside out, and who can argue with your voice, your life, and your values at the center.
Because in the end, true advocacy isn’t silicon-based—it’s soul-based, and that is why at The Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Cohen, our motto is, We Stand By You…
Call my office today, at (718) 275-5900 for a free 20-minute consultation.
