Florida defense lawyer’s pants catch on fire during his closing arguments in an arson trial

On Wednesday afternoon, Miami defense lawyer Stephen Gutierrez was trying to convince a jury that his client’s car spontaneously caught fire and was not deliberately set alight by the defendant when smoke began pouring out of his right pants pocket. He ran out of the courtroom, and when he returned shortly afterward with a singed pocket, he claimed that a faulty e-cigarette battery was to blame.

The police and prosecutors are investing the case, and if they determine that the incident was a staged defense demonstration that went terribly wrong — and remember, the unofficial Florida motto is “no idea is a bad one” — he Gutierrez could be held in contempt of court.

As for Gutierrez’ client: he was convicted of second-degree arson.

Thanks to Tim Jones for the find!