Mark's First Trial - From 99 Years to Not Guilty

Mark’s first trial was not typical. In his early 20s, he found himself in Orange, Texas. This used to be sundown town was known for its hostility toward Black residents. Mark defended an 18-year-old charged with assaulting a police officer during a house party raid. The charge carried a possible sentence of 99 years.

During jury selection, Mark confronted the racial bias directly, asking potential jurors if they had ever used the N-word and requiring them to explain their answers in court. Nearly half the panel was removed.

The result was the fastest not-guilty verdict in Orange County history.

It was an unusual and defining start to a career in law.