The Surprising Moment a Defendant Winds Up and Cold-Cocks His Attorney

Usually when you see violent courtroom outbursts they don't involve the defendant attacking his own attorney. But that's exactly what happened in North Carolina this week when a just-sentenced criminal took out his rage on his public defender.

Lamarcus Williamson, 30, was not happy after being sentenced to 15 years in jail for robbery, drug and -- you guessed it -- assault charges. He turned to attorney and clocked him in the jaw with his handcuffed fists.

"I was shocked, I did not see it coming. I hit the floor," attorney Dan Hall told WSOC-TV.

Courtroom video of the incident shows Hall, a 25-year veteran of the public defender's office, falling to the ground as court officers seize Williamson and drag him out.

Hall told WSOC he was left with a sore jaw and a few loose teeth, but otherwise escaped serious injury.

"I'm not a good boxer," he said.

The York County Sheriff's Office charged Williamson with contempt of court, meaning he could face an additional 16 months on top of his 15-year sentence.