only disagreement that I have is that he takes zero responsibility for anything. The reason that I returned to that home is because he put his hands on my younger brother. He's never been in a good state. It's been a downward spiral… always. >> Judge Michael: You need help, young man. How many guys, tough guys, couple of drinks, think they can fight the world? Are you that kind of guy? >> Oh, absolutely not. >> Judge Michael: You don't sound that way. You don't sound that way because you're sober now. But I've been in a room with guys who sounded like you, but after a couple of drinks, were demons.
This mutual combat stuff is baloney. You came home, you were annoyed, you were angry, you were simmering, and you beat him up. >> I was — Uh, I see — I remember it differently, Your Honor. It was mutual. It was like, "Okay, well, let's do this." But I do agree that I probably do need some sort of help as well.
>> Judge Michael: You're not claiming self-defense, because that's different than what you're saying. You're saying mutual combat. That's like dueling. Let's duel. Whoever wins is the better man. I have nothing further. >> Judge Patricia: The parties are excused while we deliberate in this matter. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Sonia: This courtroom is now in recess. >> Judge Tanya: It's interesting because it seemed initially that the defendant was not taking responsibility. Then it seemed like he was. Then it seemed like he wanted to retreat back into that "Well, he said these things and I don't have evidence." As a legal matter, it's the easiest $5,000 case that I think we've seen in a long time. I'd give the plaintiff everything that he's asking for. His medical bills are there, but really the bulk of it is about the punitive damages, and I think he's entitled to that.
>> Judge Patricia: Yeah. I totally agree with you. I think he's entitled to the money. But it's interesting because the last thing he said to Michael — "You're all right. I probably need help." But the truth is we didn't say he<i> probably</i> needed help. We said he<i> did</i> need help. So he really has not accepted that that's the cause of it. I think he still has this underlying tension and anxiety or hatred, whatever. >> Judge Michael: I think he realizes that he can't continue this way. But nevertheless, he certainly is responsible for taking care of the physical injury that he inflicted.
>> Judge Patricia: Absolutely. There's nothing that he raised — not the mutual combat, not the verbal abuse — nothing that he raised that would exonerate him from the physical assault against his brother, the damages directly caused by it, as well as the punitive damages in light of what he's put him through to have to come to court and get remuneration.
So for my purposes, the complainant is entitled to more and I hope that he kind of does internalize the help that he needs. >> Judge Michael: How much is he asking for punitive damages? >> Judge Tanya: It's $3,000 in punitives, about $2,000 out of pocket. >> Judge Patricia: He's entitled to remunerate him for his out-of-pocket losses, and also he should be penalized for the type of behavior that he engaged in. >> Judge Michael: What I would say, however, is that despite the imposition of punitive damages, leave him that modicum of self-respect so that he can begin building on it and bring him back into his family. >> Judge Tanya: I think that's important. Maybe the defendant heard something that he will follow up on, hopefully.
>> Judge Tanya: We've deliberated and we've reached a unanimous verdict. Mr. Plata, at the outset of the case, you recall, I was like, "We're not a family therapy court." We have learned a little bit about your family, and we have no doubt that the issues go deep. And I'm going to tell you something. You're not going to get to the bottom of them if you're staring at the bottom of a glass.
You really do need some help. I hope that you will follow the advice that Judge DiMango gave you about seeking treatment. >> Absolutely. >> Judge Tanya: You heard what your brother said. It's never gotten this bad before. Your drinking is causing you to hurt people very, very badly. It will only get worse. You say you love him. In your drunken rage, you could have killed him. I hope you heard what he said. He needs you to take responsibility. Judge Corriero told you in terms that I could never replicate.
You need to learn what it is to be a man. If you want a way back, you're going to have to learn how to step up and be a real man, a responsible one, who's not trying to attack people with booze lenses on. We really do wish you the best. Sometimes there's a way back. Judgment in this case is for the plaintiff for the full amount requested of $5,000. Good luck to you, sir..
