#What Happens If I Waive My Right to an Attorney

[attorney-anon]

On Recalcitrant Judges and Disappointed Clients

TL;DR: An AJ decides to make the lives of my same-sex clients harder, so I spend my day telling her all the ways in which she's wrong. If you can vote in your judicial elections, do so!

Storytime under the cut for the sake of your dashboard.

I had a prove-up scheduled this morning for one of my favorite types of cases, a second-parent adoption (2PA).

In case that term is unfamiliar to you, in short, a 2PA is essentially a form of litigation-as-prophylaxis for same-sex parents to ensure that both parents have full parental rights to children born during their marriage, by having whichever parent isn't already an undisputed legal parent under Texas law adopt the child. I won't get into the reasons that it's considered necessary amongst attorneys who handle LGBTQIA+ family law cases, but suffice to say that it's the best form of protection that same-sex parents can have.

It is, absolutely, infuriating that it's a thing that we need to do 2PAs under Texas's legal scheme, but they're also a little fun to do because everyone is consistently happy about the litigation. Procedurally, they resemble step-parent adoptions, as 2PAs don't actually exist as a separate cause of action, but most judges in my usual county of practice are happy to work with us once they understand what's going on, since I live and work in a blue county. I actually file most of my 2PAs in this county by choice, because the judges are, by and large, either LGBTQIA+ themselves or allies.

Here's how my day went:

When I get up and get ready in the morning, I'm already a little nervous because I haven't done a 2PA in this particular court before, and because my usual preparation process was disrupted by me having to go depose an opposing party yesterday, so I had to condense my usual prep into less time. It's via Zoom, though, so I'm at least going to be sitting comfortably in my office about it.

When I get to my office, I sign on, and my first disappointment of the day is that, apparently, the District Judge isn't even the one handling the docket - it's her associate judge (AJ), who is well-known in this area for her irritability and temper. To explain, an associate judge is not elected - they are, essentially, assistant judges hired to help the elected judges (District Judges) manage their dockets. Associate judges don't have court reporters in their courts, so I won't have a record of anything that happens today.

So anyway, I wait, and my case gets called. I greet AJ while my clients get their Zoom camera set up and all that jazz. AJ is already upset because her prove-up docket is running later than she expected. That's great, but I'm still optimistic. She asks the procedural posture of the case; I explain we're here on a 2PA. AJ asks, "Where's your ad litem?" I am immediately flabbergasted, and concerned.

See, in most cases involving kids in Texas, the court has the authority to, on motion of a party or sua sponte (on its own), appoint an attorney whose sole job is to argue in hearings and trials about the best interest of the child (an attorney ad litem). I have never once been asked to hire an ad litem for a 2PA.

I explain we didn't request one. AJ asks where my waiver order is. I explain that I have never been asked for a separate waiver order for an ad litem, and AJ says, "Well, I don't waive the ad litem anyway unless I can see that the parent can represent the best interest of the child, so let me assign you Jane Doe as an ad litem and I'll reset you." I am flabbergasted at this point. Not only have I never been asked for an ad litem on a 2PA, but I have absolutely never had a judge outright tell me that my clients could not act in the best interest of their child without me so much as introducing my clients to the judge.

It takes me a second to regain my composure, but I proceed to confirm just how problematic this court is going to be moving forward. "Judge, we also requested a waiver of the home study under the new statute; would the Court prefer to sign a standalone order to waive that?"

For context: In Texas, adoptions typically involve an adoption evaluation/home study conducted by a mental health professional. Due to recent legislative changes, this requirement can be waived when the parties are married, subject to the court's discretion. Since that statute passed, I've had no problems with most courts agreeing to waive the adoption evaluation for 2PAs. Waiving the adoption evaluation saves my clients about $2,000, because adoption evaluations are expensive.

The AJ shakes her head, and tells me that she's utterly shocked that I would ever ask her to waive a home study on any adoption, ever, no matter what the legislature has said, because what if this step-parent has problems with the child?

At this point, I realize, the judge may not understand what a 2PA is. It's not a formal cause of action, I recall, and she may simply not understand the lingo. She may be thinking this is just a regular step-parent adoption, and perhaps she's had problems before and is being overly cautious. I begin to explain that, actually, the adopting parent is already a presumed parent of the child under the Texas Family Code, and that this is only to formalize that relationship due to the current political climate and whatnot.

I get about a sentence in before the AJ quips that she's not sure why I'm arguing with her and then tells me to shut up. I shut up.

AJ proceeds to ignore me and continue writing. It's clear she's looking at the pleadings so she can get the parties' names right, and then she pauses and asks me: "Hold on, where's the child's father? He should be a party."

I explain that the child was conceived through an anonymous sperm donor, so there is no legal father. "Okay, well, do you have proof from the sperm bank that it's an anonymous donor?" I'm asked, in a tone that implies that AJ thinks I'm actively lying to the court. I explain that I have a letter from the sperm bank about the issue and am prepared to admit as an exhibit right now.

AJ finally relents: "Well, I guess, get that on file with the Court, then submit your waiver orders to me and I'll look at them. Don't contact Jane yet, I'm going to have to research this." She dismisses us.

When I first sign off of Zoom, I am embarrassed for getting my prove-up shot down (and for getting chastised by the judge for 'arguing,' as if arguing isn't my actual job for which I receive money) for a couple minutes, and then I am angry.

I am angry because my clients shouldn't have to do this in the first place just to get the same respect from the judicial system that opposite-sex couples get by default.

I am angry because AJ said that my clients couldn't look out for the best interest of the child they have raised since birth, together, as if she has any understanding of who my clients are or what their family is like.

I am angry because AJ cut off my attempt to tell her the information that did, in fact, change her mind once that information was explained.

I am angry because my clients will now have to spend even more money for me to protect their interests.

I am angry because the judge is letting her lack of understanding of queer families get in the way of what should be, and what typically is, a quick, easy process to provide same-sex parents with a little peace of mind while the Great State of Texas continues to assault common decency.

So, bristling with anger, I talk to the Partner to confirm that the plan that is forming in my brain will work, then I talk to the clients.

My clients express that they are are humiliated, blindsided, and convinced that AJ hates them, though they have no idea why AJ would. Once of them is initially convinced that this is somehow my fault because I must have spoken to the judge beforehand and said something amiss (I assure them that I was, similarly, gobstopped by AJ's behavior, and that I had never spoken one-on-one with this particular judge).

Once I get the clients calmed down, and explain the plan, they are on board.

Then, I draft a twenty-page bespoke motion in under 4 hours, because I am angry.

The motion cites 8 different provisions of the Texas Family Code, and contains an 11-item appendix, as well as a detailed timeline of the parties' marriage, their reproductive journey, and the procedural history of the case up to the current date, including a detailed account of the hearing. The motion also points out that, despite the judge's demand that I ask her to "waive" the ad litem attorney, no such waiver is needed for the ad litem attorney, because the Court isn't required to appoint one and no one asked the Court to do so.

Is most of my day now gone? Yes. Did I have other things to do today? Yes. Am I still pissed off at AJ? Absolutely I am, and I'm considering no-billing everything from this point forward just so my clients can afford for me to go to court and teach AJ how to read the laws she's supposed to be applying.

Happy Pride, y'all.

If you're a registered voter in a state with elected judges, remember to vote in judicial elections!

A steady push for statutory change in the legislative branch, or a steady push for policy changes in the executive branch are both good, but the only way to fix the judiciary branch is to vote out biased judges and vote in fair ones.

Fixing the judiciary can get queer families in red states the relief they need from oppression and discrimination now. Same-sex couples get divorced, just the same as opposite-sex couples. They have kids and argue over custody, just the same as opposite-sex couples. And they should be able to do that without facing a judge who assumes that two women or two men can't both be parents.

[beardedmrbean]

BAY CITY, MI — A Clare woman is facing a federal charge after allegedly sexually assaulting a toddler she was babysitting.

According to an affidavit authored by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, 27-year-old Isabella L. Cloud was left in charge of two children at a house in Isabella County’s Chippewa Township on Oct. 15. When the children’s father came home, he noticed his 14-month-old daughter needed a diaper change.

In changing his daughter’s diaper, the father noticed injuries to her genital area. He notified authorities and the child underwent an evaluation at an area hospital. Staff there confirmed the child bore several injuries.

On speaking with police, Cloud waived her Miranda rights and said she was angry with the toddler for crying. She admitted to sexually assaulting the child to punish her, the agent wrote in his affidavit.

Lodged in the Isabella County Jail on Oct. 16, Cloud initially faced charges in Tribal Court, as the crime scene is within the Isabella Indian Reservation and she is a tribal member. That court deferred to federal prosecutors, who subsequently charged Cloud with engaging in sexual act with a minor victim younger than 12. The charge is punishable by up to life imprisonment, with a conviction mandating a minimum 30-year sentence.

Cloud had her initial appearance before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris on Oct. 23, during which Assistant U.S. Attorney Roy Kranz requested she be held without bond. In making his case, Kranz said that during her interview with police, Cloud initially claimed she had blacked out and didn’t recall what happened to the child.

She then claimed that maybe the child’s father inflicted the injuries. She eventually said she lied about that, saying she knew she had been the one who harmed the girl.

Cloud went on to tell police she “had been snapping for the last two years,” Kranz said. Police asked her why she would hurt a child.

“Her answer is, ‘I don’t know. I blew my own mind. When I get mad, I don’t know what my intentions are at that point,’” Kranz said.

Cloud has received treatment for both mental health and substance abuse. She has no felony convictions but has been on probation and has failed to appear for numerous prior court matters.

Defense attorney Ebony L. Ellis asked Morris to free Cloud on a GPS tether so she could resume treatment.

Morris elected to grant Kranz’s request and ordered Cloud detained pending trial.

Cloud’s next court date is pending.

[thatstormygeek]

First, completely aside from the point of this article, I went to high school with the lawyer and about spit my drink all over my monitor when I read her name. She's doing awesome works!

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Lowery’s juvenile daughter, alleges officers used excessive force, and that the city did not sufficiently train or supervise officers. It also said that the city denied requests for body camera footage and other information, such as witness statements. ... American police can kill with little to no consequence because of an invented legal standard called qualified immunity, a rule created by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1982. It prohibits citizens from suing officers who violate their rights unless an earlier court ruling found that the very same action by officers was unconstitutional. Qualified immunity fits neatly into our society, where half of the population worships law enforcement and naively believe police don’t lie, cheat or steal despite mountains of evidence. Worse, we don’t have a national database for reporting police misconduct. State agencies remain stingy with the information each collects — video, files, etc. Consequently, prosecutors charge and convict few police officers.

[Lassiter Saunders] said when she and Lowery’s daughter’s mother arrived to view the video footage, it appeared to “totally blindside Lieutenant Sturgeon. It was clear he had believed the (police) report. He just kept saying ‘I don’t know,’ ‘I’m just seeing this.’ It was clear he knew he had stepped in it by allowing unfiltered access” to the video. So, what happened then? “By the time I brought (her) back to review footage, the city attorney and the Topeka Police Department had made the process harder to view the footage by establishing a $50-an-hour fee, the signing of a certification form, and restricting parts of the video,” Lassiter Saunders said. Garrett said the city fully complied with KSA 45-254, the statute that allowed for a “reasonable fee for viewings under its provisions.” The city generally waives this fee for the first viewing in cases of officer-involved shootings, but “reasonable fees” are charged for subsequent viewings, Garrett said via email.

This is fucked up on so many levels. First, all the fuckery the Topeka PD is pulling with the lying (unsurprising. cops lie. all the time) and the manipulation. But that "city generally waives this fee for first viewing in cases of officer-involved shootings" and then fucking charges the victim's family for additional viewings. So the city of Topeka is fundraising off of their cops murdering their citizens.

Such a functional society we've built.

[ceterisparibus116]

okay so this is kind of specific but i'm writing a plot outline for my fic that will never see the light of day (or not) and there is a part wherein the main character is caught at the scene of the crime, cradling the presumably dead victim in their arms.

now, my question is - how do i go on from here? i'm sorry if its extremy vague but i just wanna make it as grounded as possible (bcs i know what it feels like when someone misrepresents something that i'm passionate about and its kind of annoying)

Your story sounds exciting! If you end up posting it, you can tag me and I'll read it!

For better or worse, legal stories require kind of a “choose your own adventure” approach. The facts of your specific story determine how your character progresses (or doesn't progress) through the legal system. For this reason, I think it’s always good to know vaguely where you want it to end up. If you want your character to end up on trial, for instance, that’s going to be a vastly different story then if you want her to not even get arrested. I’ll throw out a couple of ideas here, and you can follow up with me in another ask (or DM me!) if you want to brainstorm more.

Arrest

So if you want your MC to be arrested as the defendant, then you just need police to have probable cause to arrest them. The fact that your MC is cradling the presumably dead victim (as in…not actually dead?) is probably enough to give rise to probable cause, so there you go.

If you don’t want your MC to be arrested as the defendant, but still want them to be arrested, your MC could be arrested as a material witness.

If you don’t want your MC to be arrested at all…they’ll need a very good (and believable) explanation for what’s going on.

As the police are talking to your MC, they may have to give your MC their Miranda rights if your MC is in “custody” while the police “interrogate” them. Fun fact: your MC can be in “custody” even if they’re not technically arrested as long as your MC feels that they’re not free to walk away. Really, it’s up to you whether you want your MC’s Miranda rights to apply. If so (as in, if your MC is in “custody” while the police “interrogate” them), then you next get to decide whether the police actually give your MC their Miranda rights. If the police fail to do so, then any statements your MC makes in response to their interrogation can be suppressed (not admitted at trial). But if police give your MC their rights, then any statement your MC makes afterwards can be admitted at trial.

If the police give your MC their rights, then you can decide whether your MC invokes their rights or not. If your MC invokes their right to silence, then the police have to stop questioning them for a while, although the police can resume questioning later (usually after a couple hours). If your MC invokes their right to counsel, then the police have to stop questioning until your MC’s lawyer shows up.

But you can also skip all the Miranda stuff if that’s not helpful, of course.

Booking and Arraignment

If you want your MC to be arrested, they would then be fingerprinted and photographed. Then your MC could be held 48 hours (or up to 72 hours if they’re arrested on the weekend) before they’re arraigned, unless your MC waives arraignment. At the arraignment, your MC will be brought in with other defendants, and the judge will one by one go over the charges and the maximum potential penalties. Then your MC will have the chance to plead guilty or not guilty.

If your MC pleads guilty, then a date will be set for sentencing. If your MC pleads not guilty, then a date will be set for trial (has to be within 6 months unless your MC waives their right to a speedy trial).

Also, if your MC doesn’t have an attorney at the arraignment, the judge will assign them a public defender. Or another defense attorney in the room (like because they’re there on another case) could step up; that happens sometimes.

Your MC may or may not be released with or without bail, depending on whether your MC is a “flight risk” (unlikely to return for future court proceedings) or a danger to society.

Grand Jury and Preliminary Hearing

Within 5 days after the arraignment, a grand jury will hear your MC’s case if your MC was charged with a felony. (Note that your MC and your MC’s lawyers can’t be present at a grand jury; it’s just the prosecutor who presents their evidence to the grand jury so the grand jury can decide whether there’s enough evidence to indict.) At the same time, your MC will attend a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause that your MC committed a felony and whether bail needs to be reduced or even eliminated based on a lack of evidence against them. If there judge determines there’s no probable cause, then the case will be dismissed. (Note: your MC does have a right to attend the preliminary hearing, but defense attorneys often waive this right because they don’t want witnesses to identify the defendant prior to trial.) [Also this whole section is very New York specific. Other states don’t necessarily do grand juries and preliminary hearings like this.]

Moving Towards Trial

After that, the case will progress through discovery as each side collects evidence and discloses evidence as required by the rules. Both sides will use this evidence to argue about resolving the case outside of trial (like by getting a plea deal or convincing the prosecution to drop the case entirely). If they can’t resolve the case, then it will proceed to trial. I have more on that in this post.

I hope this helps? As you can see, you have a lot of options depending on what kind of story you want to tell. And it gets even twistier if you want to involve corruption (or just honest mistakes) on the part of cops, prosecutors or defense attorneys, and/or judges. Totally up to you!

Again, if you have more questions, please feel free to send more asks or DM me!

[absolxguardian]

The Endurance of Police Brutality, By Boyd Lemon- Retired Attorney

The following is an essay written by my grandfather, a former attorney who volunteered for the ACLU. It recounts one of his experiences with a police brutality case. Links to the stories of his other cases will be in the notes of this post once they’re ready. All names have been changed to protect the individuals involved.

Police brutality, a form of punishment by the police before one has been tried or convicted of a crime, is not new, not a 21 st Century phenomenon. I represented victims of police brutality during the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s of the previous century. None of those I represented were killed. There were not as many victims killed back then probably because police did not have access to military weapons, nor did they use their guns as a first resort, as they do now. In fact, police chiefs and some politicians complained that the criminals had better weapons than the police.

My experience was that police brutality was and is not confined to people of color, although present day studies indicate people of color more than others bear the primary brunt of all types of unjustified police conduct. In my experience, unjustified police conduct generally targets those whom police perceive as people outside the mainstream or privileged class. In the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, in addition to people of color, they targeted young men with long hair and those they perceived as “hippies” or “queers,”without regard to their color. It would appear that today, in addition to people of color, they target those they perceive as “ANTIFA” or “libs.”

I joined the ACLU of Southern California as a volunteer attorney shortly after I passed the Bar Exam, probably around 1967 or ‘68. I did mostly research for a couple of years, and then the chief attorney for the ACLU of Southern California asked me if I would be interested in representing clients who had been beat up by the police. Back then they mostly used their batons, pistols or fists to beat up suspects and/or to rape females, instead of shooting them. There was a citizen complaint office of the LAPD, but they never disciplined officers. The only potential remedy was a civil suit for damages, usually for common law battery and/or civil rights violations under the federal Civil Rights Act.

We usually sued the City and the individual officers involved. Our biggest problem was that when there was a conflict in the testimony about what happened, jurors usually believed the cops.

From 1970 through about 1978 I represented victims in four different police brutality cases. The case I spent the most time on and that took 6 years to complete was for a white male UCLA student (with long hair) To protect his privacy, I’ll call him Hank. In 1972 there were massive demonstrations on the UCLA campus protesting the Viet Nam war, by students, as well as outside activists, mostly young white people. The demonstrations continued for weeks, and at one time demonstrators occupied the Administration building in a “sit-in.”

Hank had attended a class away from the main part of the demonstration on the day in question, but to get to his car he had to walk through the area where the demonstration was taking place. He lived off campus. When he arrived at the demonstration area, he saw that there were a couple hundred demonstrators (his estimate), and records later showed about 50 police. He observed a lot of yelling, confusion and a number of cops pushing students down and beating some with their batons and fists and sometimes kicking them. He did not observe any arrests. He tried to get around the melee to get to his car, but was accosted by two cops. He testified that at no time did he join the demonstrators, nor did he yell at or speak to the police. He was trying to figure out how he could get around the demonstration and out of the area so he could get to his car. One of the cops yelled at him to get out of the area. He responded that he was trying to get to his car and pointed in that direction. Another cop joined them, and that cop pushed Hank to the ground. The two cops started beating Hank with batons about his head, face and chest, as he lay on the ground. At that point he was yelling at them to stop and calling them “pigs” until he became unconscious. Sometime later he woke up in an ambulance that transported him to UCLA Medical Center. The next day his girlfriend called the ACLU, and they called me.

Hank was released from the hospital two days later, and he and his girlfriend came to see me. He didn’t want to do anything, but she insisted, and eventually he agreed to sue.

It was hard to look at poor Hank, he looked so grotesque. Three days after the incident, when I first saw him, one of his eyes was still swollen completely shut, and the doctor had told him he might be blind in that eye (Fortunately, he eventually regained full vision). His other eye was blood-shot. He had a huge gash with stitches across his forehead. His cheeks were swollen. Hank could barely open his mouth. His nose was bent off-center. And he even had wounds on his shoulders and chest.

The police typically lied in their reports and testimony when they beat up or killed people, and, of course, there was no video then. Hank had seen a kid that was in one of his classes, who was participating in the demonstration. This kid was a witness to what they did to Hank. The two policemen claimed that Hank refused to disperse and resisted arrest, and his wounds were caused by their need to subdue him.

The case was transferred from the Santa Monica Court to Torrance, which was unfortunate because a Santa Monica Jury would be much more liberal than a Torrance Jury, which would have been likely to believe the cops, who typically lied. It was difficult to get a jury verdict against the police. For that reason, I elected to waive the jury and let the judge decide the case. That was a mistake. It turned out the judge was a political conservative and found in favor of the police.

I won’t get into the legal technicalities, but we appealed, and two years later the Court of Appeal reversed the judge’s decision and ordered a new trial. This time I demanded a jury trial, and the case was assigned to downtown L.A. The City Attorney tried to get rid of all the black jurors, but we ended up with two. (important only because they are more likely than whites to not believe the cops; they know cops lie.) By this time, Harry’s wounds had healed, except for a scar on his forehead, but we had lots of photos.

The cops continued to lie, but this time we won, and the jury awarded Harry $10,000, about $50,000 in today’s dollars, not much, considering the extent of his injuries. Of course, the City paid the money, and the cops were never disciplined in any way. The Deputy City Attorney who tried the case told me a verdict against the police in L.A. was very rare. Sadly, nothing has changed for the better in 50 years.

[kiraalexander]

So yeah this week has had me in kind of a rotten head place because... [gestures vaguely], and I meant to get this out earlier, but let’s talk about how Kim’s confrontation with Rich Schweikart last episode mirrors Jimmy’s confrontation with Kim during Season 4.

When Rich tries to talk with Kim about how he’s not buying the fact that Mr. Acker just happened to hire Jimmy in his fight against Mesa Verde, Rich is the only one speaking any damn sense about conflict of interest in the entire episode. Despite Kim’s admittedly clever way of distracting Kevin on the golf course so that he didn’t have much time to think about the implications of keeping Kim on the case, conflict of interest isn’t something that can be waived with a country club conversation; an attorney has to provide their client with written documentation of what the conflict entails and how it impacts their case before the client can waive representation (depending on the state of course, but let’s take that as a baseline). The point isn’t that Kim is “going home to” the person handling the other side of the case, as Paige says (and where the hell did she get her law degree if THAT’S her first reaction???), but the fact that people in intimate relationships can, even inadvertently, discuss facts about a matter that can compromise their clients’ case, thus hampering their ability to zealously represent their clients as is REQUIRED BY LAW AND EVERY CODE OF ETHICS FOR ATTORNEYS IN THIS COUNTRY

Anyway, putting aside the fact that the best-written legal show on teevee OUGHT TO KNOW BETTER, the point is that when Rich tries to talk to Kim, Rich is both entirely correct, and coming at Kim in the most non-confrontational way possible. He’s giving Kim the out to say you know what, you’re right, this isn’t cool, I’m going to take the mining rights case before my entire representation is compromised, and everyone walks away with their reputations intact.

What Kim elects to do, instead, is angrily confront Rich, asking him why, if she’s worked so hard to be where she is today, would she risk everything for some squatter?

As with Jimmy confronting Kim near the end of Season 4, Kim is actually asking Rich questions that she is - and isn’t - asking herself. When Kim tries to talk Jimmy through his bar association rejection on the roof of the parking garage, he doesn’t show any gratitude, but instead hurls accusations at Kim - that she thinks he’s the kind of lawyer guilty people hire; that she looks at him and sees Slippin’ Jimmy;  that he’s good enough for Kim to sleep with, but not good enough for her to have a professional life with.

All of this is completely untrue of Kim, but very true of the way Jimmy, in his self-loathing, sees himself, but can’t admit to seeing himself. Such an admission would require Jimmy to process his own feelings about Chuck and his death, which he both won’t and can’t do. Instead, he unloads himself on the person who’s trying to help him through this crisis; pushing her away in an attempt to push his own self-reflection away. 

All this is exactly what Kim is trying to do to Rich in Season 5. She’s been stymied in her attempts to focus on her pro bono work, which, following episode 3, we can see is a way of helping people in whom she can see herself improve their situations in life. Kim grew up indigent and itinerant and worked to get herself into a stable life, but also received help - like HHM’s paying her law school tuition - to get where she is today. Far from being a ���bootstraps” type, she recognizes the help she received, and wants to dedicate herself to helping other people who are born into unfair and unjust situations as she perceives Atticus Finch [SIGH LAZY LITERARY ANALYSIS] having done. 

So, this is why, despite Mr. Acker’s hostility, Kim still recognizes the fundamental unfairness of his situation. He took a bad deal in leasing his land with a buyback position, but likely didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Possibly his taunting her as one of the fat-cat lawyers who run riot over the common man pushed her further than she would otherwise have gone, but her concern for him aligns with her dedication to her other pro-bono clients. She wants to right this wrong, and just as she went against both her better judgment and her code of ethics by lying to Bobby and Lois to help them in spite of themselves, she’s going seriously astray in her basic ethical obligations to Mesa Verde to help Mr. Acker.

When she angrily asks Rich why she would risk not only her client but her entire career for some squatter, Kim is asking the question that she should be - but isn’t - asking herself, to the person who’s doing the most to try to get her out of an untenable situation of her own making, just as Jimmy did to Kim in season 4. And now, Kim seems to be taking Jimmy further than even he would otherwise have been willing to go in order to continue her trajectory Saulward.

And yeah all I got is this is going to end real bad for our girl, you guys.

[marithlizard]

Ace Attorney: Rise From the Ashes (part 1)

A couple of people expressed interest in a writeup as I play through the game, so I thought I’d give quasi-liveblogging a try.   It might have come out to be too detailed - let me know if the result is amusing enough to go through the next part.  

(I knew this already, but wow liveblogging is a lot of work.   And it must take twice as much effort to do this for a show and to include screencaps.)

(I’ve tried three times now to put proper line breaks/spacing in, and they’re just not displaying, at least on desktop. I’m sorry.)

A brief,  stylized opening designed not to give away much, except that a creepy-looking doll is involved.

 Two months?  Phoenix, you haven't taken a single client since Maya left?    a) are you depressed, and b) how are you paying rent on the office?

Ookay, you're not going to tell us why you've been moping around. I don't think it's that you have a crush on Maya.  Are you just not able to function without a partner?   That's not great for your ability to survive, but I can sympathize.  

 New perky assistant, right on cue.  (A partner who isn't a young girl would be a nice change now and then. (But not Larry.  Anyone but Larry. In fact, I take it back, this girl with the pink sunglasses will do just fine.))

Oof,  Phoenix still not being able to say out loud that Mia's dead.

In the first two minutes pink-glasses girl has asserted that he's his female boss, the coffee boy, and 'better than nothing'.   Aha!  The problem with all the clients he turned down was that they didn't insult him enough.

Kid, you can't be more than sixteen, and you have silly face buttons  on your lab coat.  You are about as much a scientific investigator as Photography Girl last episode was a journalist.   ...But apparently you have a future job lined up in forensics, so you're more organized than she was.  And this world certainly could use more competent crime scene analysis.  

"I promised her I'd bring Mia Fey".  Huh.  Is Mia's murder not well-known to the public,  then, even though the Edgeworth case apparently got famous enough to earn Phoenix a bit of a reputation?

A murder charge with an eyewitness, and an assistant who "kind of hates" her sister the defendant.  Sounds hopeless, let's do it! Off to the Detention Center. 

...Did we just overhear the defendant threatening their terrified guard with a pay freeze?  Is she their boss? And if she's someone that high up, why doesn't she already have a better defense attorney?

I like Lana Skye's character design. She looks as though she should be starring in a Takurazuka revue show, swearing eternal star-crossed love to a princess.  

She insists she did it.  By genre convention we know that can't be the case; my first assumption is that she's being forced to cover for someone, blackmailed  or coerced  by someone higher up in the system.   But it would certainly be interesting if it  turned out she was covering for Ema.  

Must....resist...plotbunnies...

Oookay.  A prosecutor should certainly know ways to commit murder without getting caught, and this sounds like the opposite of those ways.    WHY does she claim she did this?  You're not even going to ask her, are you?  *headdesk*

Ema:  "Please ignore that totally gay statement by my sister,  because I certainly plan to!"

Lana: "No don't help me, go away go away go away go away go awa-oh fine."

Hmmm.  From Ema's description of the behavior change,  Lana has been being blackmailed or coerced for a long time now.

Time to go investigate the underground parking garage.

Attorneys aren't supposed to examine crime scenes, and defense attorneys aren't entitled to a copy of the police investigation reports.  What does a "normal" defense attorney in this world do for their clients then?  Always assume a loss and try to negotiate a plea bargain?  I wonder if we'll ever get to see one in action.

It's...a cop with a cowboy fetish?  Do police not have dress codes here?  Maybe they're waived above a certain level,  and some people take pride in cultivating a unique style to show off that they can.  It would explain Edgeworth.  

You are dramatically pretending to shave in front of us.  Also you just called Ema a baby cow.  Although you know her and seem sympathetic - I guess Lana brought her little sister to the office sometimes?  Not sure what I think of you, Jake Marshall.

I am revising my stance. Being Phoenix's partner on a case requires precise and narrow qualifications.  Specifically, just enough sense to stop him from doing something breathtakingly stupid, but not enough sense to take the badge firmly away from him and do the job themselves.   Ema fits the bill perfectly.

Ooh, new mechanic!  And an ID card number for a Bruce Goodman who dresses like a white-hat agent in Spy vs Spy. (I was trained on games that would require you to write that number down and remember it later, but AA will certainly be more forgiving.)  

Using the new mechanic on Phoenix's attorney badge,  I deduce that at some point this game it will be stolen.  

It doesn't explain Lana's supposed actions, but that red sports car does kind of scream "My owner is a jerk, stuff a body in my trunk."   Instead of a chalk outline, they seem to have outlined the hanging body with string?  Is that actually a technique, and how do they get the rope to stay put in precise outline?

And the cowboy gives them a hint.  So he's  on their side but constrained by rules?

Lady put the boobs away.  Why are you selling sushi in a negligee under a fur coat, at a crime scene?  And why would anyone trust food from someone whose nickname is "the Cough-Up Queen"?

Angel Starr, dominatrix lunch lady.   It says something that this is not the weirdest witness in an AA game so far.

She hates prosecutors, and therefore especially Lana. Not a trustworthy witness. But it's probably no fun to cater for a group of (relatively) wealthy and powerful people you despise.   Especially if they're smugly giving awards to each other as they eat lunches.  (Eeeevil lunches.  She probably coughs on them.)

"The rhythmic beat of Lana Skye's knife"...  very poetic, but didn't Lana say the victim was stabbed only once?

We can't get back to the car, phooey, so up to the prosecutor's office we go.

Pink...everywhere...no question whose office this is, even if one of his outfits wasn't framed on the wall.  (why do you frame an outfit?)     I see a very ugly trophy on the sofa, so he's the one who won the award.

Ema:  "this is the kind of room that just screams 'I can do the job'. Actually it screams 'I don't need to pretend to be heterosexual', but the two aren't unconnected.    

Is it just me or is that trophy broken off at the top?

Edgeworth did you just roll with being insulted and make a joke about it?   I'm so proud of you, you've clearly relaxed since your murder trial!

BWAHAHA of course it was Edgeworth's car.

Wendy the security guard from the Steel Samurai case is sending Edgeworth expensive presents??   a) that's both funny and a little sad,  b) how can she afford it,  and c)  he keeps and displays them which is very courteous.

WAIT did you - did this game just heavily suggest Gumshoe hangs out in the office a lot?  Twice, once when you look at the shelves and again when you look at the desk?  I don't ship it, but this is the point where I start to see why people do.

Awwww he's embarrassed about the trophy, that's cute.    So he's the one who "devours the evillest lunches of all",  hmm?   I wouldn't have thought the Cough-Up Queen's weird not-even-fresh lunches would appeal to Edgeworth's refined tastes.

Ema actually has a bit of a crush, from the way she's rhapsodizing about Edgeworth sleeping on the sofa.  d'awww.   And I definitely want to know the story behind the outfit.  Made by his mom and too precious to wear?

Edgeworth, no one thinks you did it.   Sheesh.  He certainly doesn't sound happy about having to prosecute Lana,  even though he believes she's guilty.  His car, his knife... it almost seems like this is a plot aimed at him, or perhaps a plot against Lana with a healthy dose of fuck-you-too-Edgeworth to it.

Huh.  Maybe it *is* aimed at him. I've been assuming all this time from his behavior on the stand that Edgeworth has indeed been messing with evidence to convict obviously innocent people, and also assuming that it's common practice in this corrupt justice system. (Much as it is in Japan and in the US).  But the way he's talking about rumors right now, it sounds more like he's being slandered.  And he thinks the award he was given was out of mockery.  Ouch.

So yes, the trophy is broken.   (In RWBY, you assume everything is a gun;  in AA, you assume everything is a murder weapon.  It probably broke when it was used to hit someone over the head.)

Evidence transferal day, huh?  Was the murder timed to draw attention away from a case being closed?    And Edgeworth parked his car only three minutes before Goodman was stabbed  and thrown into its trunk?    No way.  He was there for the murder, or more likely that's not when the murder happened.   (Is he being coerced like Lana?  I don't think so, but it's possible.)

Enter an idiot mailman with a bandaged hand.  And exit, with sniveling. What was that about?

And a hint to go investigate at the police station.  Is Edgeworth being friendly, attempting to signal something, or merely aware that the most efficient way to get rid of Phoenix is to give him a clue to chase?

The police department entrance, with some sort of plywood jester figure in front of it.  We're offhandedly informed that it took 30 minutes to get there from Edgeworth's office, which means that will be important later.

This is the creepy doll from the intro! It's clearly meant to be a mascot. Was it made by the sniveling mailman?  There's  a certain resemblance...

No, I should've guessed that Gumshoe made it.   I mean ... mechanically it's pretty clever for someone who's not a craftsman or engineer?  Moving articulated limbs and all.  It's just the aesthetics and design he shouldn't have been allowed anywhere  near.

Yes, yes it is odd that only the top-ranked people are being allowed to work on the case. Are they all in on it?    A patrolman in charge of the crime scene instead of a detective - that suggests Marshall is part of the conspiracy.  I'm thinking the dominatrix lunch lady is too.

Gumshoe is so happy about the prosecutor's award - Edgeworth probably didn't have the heart to say that for him it's a mockery.  Daww.  (Also there's something endearingly cheerful about  his hopping-caterpillar eyebrows.)   He's also being much more helpful than his superiors would want, probably just because he thinks of Phoenix as an ally in general now.  

Back to the parking lot, with a letter of introduction in hand this time.

I genuinely can't tell if the lunch lady is a sex worker, if she actually has multiple boyfriends, or if that's code for her professional contacts in whatever she's really doing here.   (And that's an interesting cultural bit, isn't it - any of those options seem possible, and I'm not expecting any of the characters to question her competence or morality because of it, not even in court.   If this was a US-made game my expectations would be...different.)

"Good men always die young"...I see what you did there, Marshall.    

Autopsy report confirms one stab wound.  Lana and the victim worked together on "a case a few years back", ding ding ding.   Someone didn't want the evidence for that case transferred. Or looked at. 

 Marshall used to be a detective but got demoted?  And he's lying about why he was assigned to the crime scene, and telling us Gumshoe is off the case because he's friends with Edgeworth.  The police chief, whoever he is, is now at the top of my suspect list.

 Happily, the game will let me do dumbass things like show off Goodman's ID card without consequences.  Marshall seems very uninterested in it and why it was found so far from the spot of the murder, which I take to mean "we have our official narrative, don't go messing it up with facts or evidence." 

Finally we can examine the car!  First up, Lana's cellphone.  The whole business about hitting redial and somehow not knowing that Ema's phone rang was weird.  Phoenix’s lie couldn't possibly have fooled Marshall, who is bizarrely claiming there's no way to know who the last call was made to.  It's an odd thing to conceal, even given the “no facts please we have our narrative” stance.  Maybe he's trying to protect Ema somehow?) 

 Marshall said the rumors about Edgeworth came from Lana.  And we have a note found  in the trunk:  6-7S 12/2, on a piece of Goodman's stationery.  

 Er, yeah, Ema, why didn't you mention your sister called you 3 minutes after the claimed murder time?  If Lana hung up right away that's hardly incriminating for either of you.

 End of Day One!  We are, as usual, completely unprepared for tomorrow morning's trial.

[javajunkieao3]

Steggy Lawyers AU

Summary:  Steve and Peggy team up to defend Bucky when he is framed for his ex-girlfriend’s murder.

----

When Bianca Michaels was found strangled in her apartment, it wasn’t particularly headline-making news.  Considering the intact apartment and locked front door, the police considered it a likely domestic dispute and quietly investigated the potential suspects.  The local papers paid little attention to the investigation until the police announced that it had arrested decorated war veteran, James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes, for the murder.

           Bucky served several tours overseas in Afghanistan until he lost an arm during enemy fire.  Immediately preceding the lost appendage, he rescued three soldiers held captive by local insurgents, earning him a Purple Heart upon return.  While Bucky’s heroics gained him recognition, it was the robotic arm, patent pending by Stark Industries, that shot him straight to notoriety.  In the photographs of his arrest, you could see the camera flashes reflected on the metal.

           “We are not at liberty to discuss the investigation,” the district attorney said.  “But we are confident in our case against Sergeant Barnes and will work tirelessly to provide closure for Bianca Michael’s family.”

CACACACA

           Steve Rogers walked into the Sagamon Jail, his identification and belt waiting for him back at security.  It had been a challenge to allow even a pen in, but he argued that he could hardly work up a defense for his client without a writing utensil.  They settled on a felt tip variety and sent him back.  

           Dealing primarily in commercial matters, Steve hadn’t spent much time in jails, but when his best friend was charged with murder he knew that he had to do what he could to help.  A few of the inmates heckled him as he walked through the institution, the guard escorting him tossing out a gruff, “Knock it off.”

           They stopped at a small room for meetings and the guard said, “Are you sure you don’t want me in there?”

           “No, just me and my client,” Steve said, not wanting the prosecution to later accuse him of waiving privilege.  

           “Alright, I’ll be right outside.”

           Steve nodded and walked in, setting his papers on the table as he waited for Bucky.  He was nervous given his last conversation with the prosecution.  Steve believed unwaveringly in his friend’s innocence, but the prosecution had worked up a compelling case against him.  

           The door opened and Bucky walked in and sat across from Steve.  A dark bruise bloomed under his right eye.

           “What the hell happened?”  Steve asked, leaning forward.

           “It’s nothing,” Bucky said dismissively.

           “It doesn’t look like nothing,” Steve countered.

           “Look, don’t you think a black eye is the least of my worries right now?”  Bucky said.

           That was a point that Steve couldn’t argue against and he nodded soberly, Bucky watching him closely and then saying, “It’s not good, is it?”

           “It’s still early,” Steve hedged.  

           “Don’t bullshit me,” Bucky said.  “We’ve never been that way with each other.”

           Bucky was right.  Ever since they were kids, they had always been honest with each other, even when it hurt.

           “It’s not good,” Steve said.  “They’ve put together a strong case.”

           “I didn’t do it,” Bucky said.  “You know that.”

           “I do,” Steve said firmly.  “But it doesn’t matter what I think.  I’m not in the jury box.”

           “So, what are we going to do?”

           “I think we need to bring in someone else,” Steve said.  “I was happy to look into this in the beginning, but we’re getting into deep water here, Buck, and we need someone who really knows how to swim.”

           “Okay,” Bucky said slowly.  “Who are you thinking of?”

           “Do you remember Peggy Carter?”

           Bucky laughed humorlessly.  “Your ex-girlfriend?”

           “That was years ago,” Steve said off-handedly. “And it doesn’t change the fact that she’s the best defense attorney in the city.”

           “Do you think she’ll take the case?”

           Steve let out a long breath.  “I’m not sure.  But it can’t hurt to ask.”

           Bucky leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.  “Your ex-girlfriend defending me for the alleged murder of mine.  And here I was thinking things couldn’t get stranger.”  

(Let me know if you want to see more!)   

[jewish-privilege]

A 27-year-old man who allegedly espoused white supremacist ideology online was arrested by the FBI and accused of plotting to bomb a synagogue in Colorado.

Richard Holzer had brought a knife and a mask to a motel room and was examining inert pipe bombs prepared by undercover agents moments before he was arrested late Friday [November 1, 2019], according to a criminal complaint.

...According to the complaint, Holzer talked about killing Jews in forums online and shared video of himself casing a synagogue in Pueblo. He described himself as a skinhead, and shared pictures of himself with other social media users with guns and knives alongside white supremacist symbols, the complaint says.

Holzer, according to prosecutors, wrote on one Facebook account: "I wish the Holocaust really did happen .... they need to die."

...The suspect, who does not yet have an attorney listed on his case, faces a maximum 20-year sentence if convicted of a hate crime, officials said.

Domestic terrorism and hate crimes have become a growing concern for law enforcement in recent years as a number of high-profile attacks have left scores dead across the country. Eleven worshippers were killed in October last year when a white supremacist opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Holzer first came on the FBI's radar after a tip in late September regarding comments he'd made online "of concern indicating a possible threat to the community," FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips said at a news conference.

...Undercover FBI agents approached Holzer online soon after the tip and were interacting with him as he allegedly plotted the attack on Temple Emanuel. In a meeting with three undercover agents at a restaurant in Colorado Springs last month, Holzer proposed using Molotov cocktails to destroy the Pueblo synagogue, according to the complaint.

...The synagogue has had security guards, though, for the past few years, after shootings in other places, he said, and a sign in front states it isn't a gun-free zone, Atlas-Acuña said.

...The temple is 119 years old and on the National Register of Historic Places, Atlas-Acuña said. It's never been closed for any reason, and services will be held as usual after this week's threat. 

Holzer allegedly visited Temple Emanuel multiple times after he hatched his plot with the undercover agents. On October 19, Holzer sent one agent a video of himself walking around the exterior of the synagogue and "commenting on various features of the building," the complaint says.

On the night of November 1, Holzer donned a Nazi armband and drove with an undercover agent to a motel. There, he toasted a "move for our race" and commented that the pipe bombs, which authorities said had been prepared with simulated black powder at the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, looked "absolutely gorgeous," according to the complaint...

---

From the Criminal Complaint: 

HOLZER recounted to the [undercover agents] that the year before...a “witch doctor,” whom  HOLZER had paid $70, held a ritual in front of the synagogue in Pueblo and put arsenic in the water.  HOLZER stated that the Synagogue was shut down for months after that and just recently reopened.  HOLZER stated that people got sick from the arsenic and that he did not know if anyone died but he hoped so.  HOLZER began talking about repeating the arsenic plan on October 31 of this year. He stated that his goal is to “make them know they’re not wanted here.”...He mentioned welding the doors shut and said he would be willing to put together Molotov cocktails.  HOLZER stated that he wanted to “vandalize the place beyond repair” and ideally force the city to tear down the building...Regarding the use of explosives,  HOLZER told the UCs, “I’m as down as everybody else is...I want something that tells them they are not welcome in this town. Better get the fuck out, otherwise, people will die.”  HOLZER complained that when he visits the Synagogue, “I see these little kike kids and they have their little toys, they have their ‘Jewla hoop’ shaped like a star.” ...

During the drive HOLZER was animated and displayed a Nazi armband. When they arrived at the motel, HOLZER addressed the UCs: “I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your time here tonight, I want to thank you for your utmost effort. Like, this is a move for our race. One of these days, we’re probably gonna do something where one of us, couple of us even, probably won’t come back.” HOLZER removed several items from a backpack he was carrying, including a knife, a mask, and a copy of “Mein Kampf.” ...  

HOLZER was arrested and transported to a police station where he waived his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with the FBI.  HOLZER admitted that he had been planning to blow up a Synagogue that night with the pipe bombs and dynamite... He referred to the plan as “my mountain” and to the Jews and the Synagogue as a “cancer” to the community. Although HOLZER stated that he had not planned to hurt anyone, when asked what he would have done had there been someone inside the Synagogue when he arrived that night, he admitted that he would have gone through with the attack because anyone inside would be Jewish.

[justanoutlawfic]

Coming Home: Chapt. 3

Summary: Emma is forced to stay in Storybrooke longer than expected and runs into some familiar faces...along with one she just can't recognize. 

Also on AO3/FF

Emma has only ever had three good father figures in her life. At least that she can remember. It’s more than a lot of foster kids might have had, she realizes, but in one way or another, they’ve let her down.

 There was the first dad she ever really had. The father that fostered her for three years. She can’t remember much about him except that he smiled a lot and they’d get bear claws every Saturday morning. At least towards the end of her stay with the Smiths, which was where she got her old last name. She changed it not long after she left the Nolans and found herself living on the street. An older boy told her a different way of looking at “The Ugly Duckling”. The duck became the swan, because she believed in herself. Emma supposed she could believe in herself too.

 There was Bill, when she was around 12 or 13, the years all start to blend together. He took her to a father/daughter dance at her middle school. He and Katie were going to take her on her very first vacation: a camping trip. Her foster brothers, their biological sons, were going to come along. Then Lily had to go and ruin all of that. The way Bill looked at her and said that she had put “his children” at risk. She realized he was never going to love her the same way he did Max and Zach. He hadn’t even fought for her when she ran away.

 The last was David. She had been with him less than the Smiths, but longer than Bill and Katie. For seven months, she had a home. David had promised her that he was going to be her forever father. After Jerry Smith, it was a promise she treasured. And then after David, it was a promise she never really believed again. She didn’t understand how he could go from playing with her, teaching her how to make cookies and checking for monsters in her closet…to just letting her slip away.

 Emma dealt with Henry at the beach. The kid was messed up, there was no doubt in her mind about that. He resented Regina and Emma felt for him, but she also knew that was his mom. They needed to work out whatever issues they had. Henry kept trying to insist his life sucked but Emma struggled with feeling for him. He had a mom that had called the police the minute he went missing. A mom that genuinely seemed to miss him. Regina and Henry were going through a rough patch, but they were going to be okay.

 It broke her heart to watch him forlornly walk into the house, but she knew just as she had 10 years ago, that it was for the best. Regina looked at her skeptically and Emma couldn’t blame her there. This was the second time her kid had run off in 24 hours and Emma had been the one to show up with him. She said her goodbyes and climbed into her bug, fully intending on heading out of Storybrooke and back to her life in Boston.

Until her bug stalled in the middle of Main Street. Which, like her former foster mother, hadn’t changed a bit.

 Billy, the mechanic, came fairly quick once Emma got the number from the waitress at the diner. His news, however, wasn’t as bright.

 “I’m a bit backed up,” he said. “I’m not going to be able to get to this for a while.”

Emma groaned. “You have got to be kidding me. I’m trying to get out of town. I’m not even from around here, what am I supposed to do now?”

Billy gestured behind him to the inn. “There’s a bed and breakfast? You could stay there.”

Emma shut her eyes, tipping her head backwards. She supposed she didn’t have much of a choice. “How backed up are you?” She asked.

“A week.”

“Of course. And you’re the only mechanic in town?”

“This is Storybrooke.”

“Right.”

 Emma turned around and headed towards the bed and breakfast. She hadn’t ever had a reason to stay there during her first go around in Storybrooke. She did happen to know the owners. If they remembered her, was going to be another question.

 Emma walked inside and up to the front desk. No one was around, at least not at first. Suddenly, she could hear arguing coming down the stairs. Yup, that was familiar. She remembered once asking Mary Margaret and David why Ruby fought so often with her grandmother, but they never had an answer.

 “I should have gotten out of this town when I had a chance!” Ruby yelled.

“I’m sorry my hip replacement ruined your travel plans,” Granny called back. She saw Emma and her entire demeanor changed. “A guest. My, we don’t get many of those.”

Emma arched an eyebrow. “You don’t?”

“No.” She scurried behind the desk. “It’s just you?”

“Yes. I’m looking to stay about a week.”

“Sounds perfect. Would you like a forest view or a square view? Normally there’s an upgrade for the square, but I can waive it.”

Emma couldn’t help but smile as Granny frantically busied herself behind the desk, looking for her ledger and a pen. It was clear she didn’t recognize her yet. “The square is fine.”

“You look familiar,” Ruby piped up. “But I haven’t seen you in a while.” She looked a bit closer. “You’re not…you’re not the kid that Mary Margaret and David fostered way back when, are you?”

Emma cringed at the mention of Mary Margaret and David. “I am.”

“Wow. I can’t believe it’s you.” Ruby looked her up and down. “You’re…you’re so grown up!”

“Yeah that’s what happens when you get forced out of town.” Emma turned away from Ruby and back to Granny who had the book open once again.

“What was your last name again, sweetie?”

“It’s changed, actually. Swan. Emma Swan.”

An unfamiliar accented voice spoke up from behind them. “Emma.” She turned her head and found a shorter man with shoulder length brown hair, dressed in a fancy suit. A cane was clutched in his hand. For the life of her, Emma could not place his face. “What a lovely name.”

“Thanks,” she replied, not knowing what else to say. Emma was one of the most popular baby names out there, not like it was something more unique. Yet, the man just kept smiling at her. It was starting to creep her out.

Granny reached out past her holding a wad of cash. “It’s all here,” she said firmly, though Emma could tell her usual demeaner was cracking.

“Yes, of course it is, dear.” He accepted the money and placed it into his jacket pocket. Then, he turned to face Emma. “Enjoy your stay…Emma.”

 He slowly walked out of the inn, making sure to look at each and every one of them as he did. The door shut behind him with a ring of the bell above it. Emma finally got the nerve to speak to Ruby again.

 “Who was that?”

“Mr. Gold.” Ruby shuddered a little, watching behind the curtain as he walked away. “He owns this place.”

“You mean the inn?”

“No,” Granny looked deeply afraid. “The town.”

 Emma tilted her head and more memories began to flood back. She vaguely remembered a Mr. Gold working with her former foster parents towards the end of her stay in Storybrooke. He was an attorney, they told her and would be helping them adopt her. That obviously hadn’t happened.

 She shook it off, not wanting to keep thinking about the past. “Can I get the key to my room, please?” She asked. “It’s been a long day.”

******************************************************************************************

Emma woke up the following morning, slightly forgetting where she was. For a minute she expected to be back in her Boston apartment with the calligraphy painted front door. Instead, she had a lumpy mattress under back and a scratchy blanket over her body. She climbed out of bed and walked to the window, not caring that she was just in a white tank top and her underwear. On the streets below her, the town was aflutter with people heading to work and school. She cracked her neck, trying to get the pressure of the awful night from out of her.

 Before she could text her boss to let him know she’d be out of commission for the week, there was a knock at the door. Heading over, she opened it hesitantly to find Regina Mills on the other side holding a basket of apples. This town was too strange for her liking. Had it been that way when she was little?

 “Did you know that the honey crisp tree is one of the most vigorous apple trees?”

 Emma tilted her head. It was too early and she hadn’t had any coffee or cocoa to deal with this agricultural lesson.

 “It can survive temperatures as low as 40 below and keep growing,” Regina prattled on. She gave Emma a soft, yet firm smile. Emma suddenly realized she wasn’t here to give her gardening tips. No, this was a threat. “It can weather any storm. I’ve had one I’ve tended to since I was a little girl. And to this day, I have yet to taste anything more delicious than the fruit it offers.” She plucked an apple off the top and offered it to Emma, who slowly took it.

“Thanks,” she said, giving Regina a weird look.

Regina extended the basket to her. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy them on your drive home.”

“Actually, I’m going to stay awhile.” Regina blinked several times in under two seconds. “My car broke down and you only have one mechanic. He said it’s going to take a week.”

“Oh.” Regina loosened only slightly. “With all due respect, Miss Swan, I do think it’d be best if you stayed away from Henry during this time.”

“With all due respect, Madam Mayor, your son’s the one that sought me out. I have no intentions of further complicating your lives. I just want my bug fixed so I can leave and get back to my life.”

 Regina didn’t look so convinced, but she nodded nonetheless.

 “I do have him in therapy, you know.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Henry. The situation is under control. I know what’s best for my son.”

Emma hadn’t planned on questioning Regina’s authority, but she could tell the woman was clearly afraid she was. “You’re his mom,” is all she said in response.

“Yes. I am.”

 Regina walked away, taking the rest of her apples with her. Emma sighed and took a bite of the one she left behind. At least she got a free breakfast.

***************************************************************************************

Emma didn’t know what else to do with her morning, so after grabbing a cup of coffee from Granny’s she decided to take a walk.

 The town really was the same. None of the shops had been updated in the past 23 years. The people all looked the same for the most part too. It was like they all drank some version of spiked water or had great deals with plastic surgeons.

 Or Henry’s theory about them all being cursed by Regina is true.

 Emma rolled her eyes. There was something weird about the town, but magic wasn’t it. Fairytales, wishes on shooting stars, she stopped believing on all of that ages ago. Henry was still a kid, it was cute that he thought that his school teacher was Snow White. Maybe less cute that he viewed his mom as the Evil Queen but what pre-teen didn’t at times?

 As Emma rounded the corner to go off Main Street, she found herself walking to the house where she had spent most of her time in Storybrooke when she first lived there. The big blue house with the wraparound porch. There had once been a yellow and white bike, that David helped her learn to ride. Mary Margaret’s garden was long gone. Her old foster mom’s station wagon and David’s truck weren’t in the driveway, instead replaced by two Volvos. She had seen Mary Margaret’s car at the school, so was there a chance that they no longer lived there?

“I had a feeling I might find you here.”

 His voice was soothing, like warm water. She didn’t want to turn around and see his face. She tried to block out the memories, just as she had over the years. Yet, the most prominent one floated up. The two of them sitting in front of the TV, wearing matching jerseys and yelling at it at the top of their lungs. She had tried her best to learn everything about football and had probably failed. She mostly liked the snacks that David made before the games and the way she could curl up against his chest, most likely falling asleep. It had been the first way they could truly bond after she came to live with them.

 “What, you’re stalking me now?”

“We were afraid last night that you left, that we missed our chance. Then word got around town that you checked into the inn last night. We had some hope.”

“My car broke down, just waiting for it to be fixed.” She suddenly had a weird feeling. “Did you mess with it?”

“No, no. I wouldn’t do that. I wouldn’t put you in danger. All of that, was just one big coincidence.”

 For some reason, Emma believed him. She slowly turned around, forcing herself to look at the man she had once called “Daddy”. Like everyone else in the stupid town, he looked exactly the same. Blonde hair, blue eyes and a bit of fuzz around the cheeks. It used to scratch her when he gave her a kiss, but she never complained. He even still dressed the same, just like Mary Margaret. David wore a blue flannel shirt and some jeans. His badge stuck out over the pocket of his pants, showing off that he still held the same career.

 David’s eyes glistened at the sight of her and she almost had to look away again. “Mary Margaret was right, you’re all grown up now. I don’t get how that’s possible.”

“It’s been 23 years.”

“I just…I didn’t think that much time had passed. In my mind, you’re still 5 years old and we’re going out for ice cream after school.”

Emma didn’t smile at the memory. “I told your wife what I’m going to tell you. I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Mary Margaret and I aren’t together anymore.”

 That’s one thing that changed.

 She remembered looking through David and Mary Margaret’s photo albums, more specifically their wedding one. Mary Margaret always looked like a princess to her. She even wore a tiara. In those seven months she spent with them, David and Mary Margaret had probably been the healthiest relationship she had seen until Bill and Katie. They laughed together, they kissed and went on the occasional date night. The two were always saying “I love you”. To Emma at that age, it was like being fostered by a fairytale couple. The way they looked at each other as if they were the only two in the room. It made her feel safe somehow.

 Now it was like all of that was taken away, on top of their happy family.

 “Well that’s…too bad.” She wanted to ask why. She didn’t get how two people that in love didn’t work out, but she didn’t want to feel even more involved in their lives. “It still doesn’t change what I said.”

“Stay in Storybrooke, Emma.”

“I’m here for the week until my car gets fixed.”

“Stay longer than that.”

“Why do you even care?” Emma threw her hands in the air. “You two gave me away and then couldn’t even be bothered to say goodbye or explain why to me.”

“It was a complicated situation. We wanted to but social services…”

“No, that’s bullshit. You two were just two more people in my life that let me down.”

David let out a disgruntled sigh. “If that were true, then why would we be here fighting for you Emma? Why would I be trying to get you to hear us out when you clearly hate us? For God’s sake, I was your father…”

“I don’t know! Maybe you have some weird guilt! Maybe you think it’ll get Mary Margaret to talk to you! What I do know is, you’re not my dad, David.” She fixed him with a look. “You made sure of that.”

“Emma, we lo….”

Emma stormed away, not letting him get another word out. She didn’t want to hear it.

 She didn’t want to hear that they loved her. Because what did it matter? They had just let her go in the end.

[eclecticminded]

Separated

anonymous asked: I just love everything you write! ❤️ Can you do something where the reader is married but things are doing really bad with her husband and after one more huge fight, she ends in a bar and meets Rafael/Sonny/Peter (your choice, I’m fine with any of them :p) and he becomes her boyfriend? Just pretty damn good sex at first but he becomes jealous and wants her all by himself :) is that okay to you? Looooove!!!

Thank you so much! For this story I picked Peter, I hope you enjoy!

During your separation you meet Peter Stone.

Warnings: Sex, alcohol, and food mention. Cursing.

Tags: @southsiderepresent @glimmerglittergirl @madpanda75  @southern-magnolia @katmstanton @esparza-army @sweetsummertime99  @obfuscateyummy @lifeisbetterwithbarba  @lyssa1385  @hux-me-up   @bowieisawizard @sleepylunarwolf @mrsrafaelbarba anyone else ask!

Also I have a Kofi (link in blog description) if anyone wants to donate!

In the process of separating from your husband, you had agreed to split time at the house. One week he’d get the house and one week you did until other arrangements could be made. You tried to make things work, you really did, but he made it so damn hard. It was one fight after another, him putting you down even as you tried to reconcile. During your third week with the house, he decided to be his usual asshole self, and brought his one night stand back. He claimed he “forgot” it was your week but you knew better; he just wanted to hurt you. And it had.  

 So maybe that’s why you were at a bar you’d never heard of in lower Manhattan. You wanted to forget about this awful night before you had to find somewhere to sleep. Wanted to strategize filing for divorce. That was definitely why when a good looking stranger slid up next to you, you let him order you another drink. You wanted to feel something again. Be appreciated for once.

 “Hi, I’m Peter and you look like you need another,” he had a megawatt smile that made your stomach fill with butterflies. You hadn’t felt that in a long time, your plan was already working.

 “Y/n. I thought I was doing a good job hiding it,” you tucked your hair behind you ear, “Thank you.”

 “Wanna talk about it,” Peter seemed so sincere you wanted to pour your heart out to him, “A pretty lady shouldn’t be drinking alone on a Friday night.

 “You don’t want to hear about my divorce,” you nervously laughed and sipped at your drink, your soon to be ex hadn’t called you pretty in years.

 “I do if it will make you feel better,” Peter motioned for you to follow him. Without hesitating you followed him to a secluded corner where he gathered together some folders.

 “Working,” you teased and sat next to him.

 “Always,” he sighed, “But let’s talk about you.” Peter listened while you lamented over your failed marriage. Listened to how you married your high school sweetheart and you wished more than anything you hadn’t done it. All the marriage brought you was heartache. Your husband became disenchanted after the honeymoon and soon after you fell out of love with him. You wanted kids, he didn’t. He wanted you to stay home and wait on his every whim, but if you didn’t work no bills go paid. You were miserable for years, finally putting your foot down when he cheated with his secretary.

 “His secretary? Are you kidding me,” Peter rolled his eyes, “That’s so cliché.”

 “I know! Found them in our bed,” you finished your third drink and relaxed into the chair.

 “That’s not right,” he leaned back too, your knees touched, “Why haven’t you filed for divorce?”

 “I’m scared honestly,” you shrugged, “He has a temper. He’s never hit me…but ...”

 “And he’s at your house tonight,” Peter raised an eyebrow, becoming more concerned by the minute.

 “Yup,” you popped the p and leaned your head on his shoulder. This random stranger you’d know for an hour made you feel more comfortable and safe than your husband ever had. Showed more concern for you than he had since before you got married.

 “Do you want to go back to my place? I can sleep on the sofa,” he was such a gentlemen, and it made your heart soar.

 “I will go back to your place on two conditions,” you sat up and nodded matter-of-factly.

 “And those are…” he trailed off, both confused and intrigued.

 “If you are so willing,” you rested your hand on his knee, “I would like you to hold me.”

 “And your second condition,” Peter took your hand in his and kissed it.

 “Kiss me good night,” you smiled sheepishly, “I haven’t been kissed goodnight or held in years. And you listening to me, truly hearing me, it reminded me how much I missed connecting with someone on that level.”

 “I agree to both of those conditions,” Peter waived the waitress over and paid the tab, “Let’s go.” In the back of the Lyft to his place, your hands intertwined like they’d done it a million times before. When he kissed you sweet and slow time stopped and stood still. You’d forgotten what this felt like, being close to someone that desired you as much as you desired them.

 “You played for the Cubs,” you marveled at the memorabilia that covered the hallway walls leading to Peter’s bedroom.

 “I did,” he chuckled, “You a fan?”

 “Not big into sports, I’m a baseball and football widow, “you rolled your eyes, “but I understand them enough.”

 “Fair enough,” Peter handed you a shirt and sweats, “the bathroom is through there,” he pointed to a door back in the hall and you went to change. By the time you’d haphazardly brushed your teeth with a finger and toothpaste, Peter was changed.  You put your clothes in a pile at the end of the bed and hesitated by the bed while he brushed his teeth.

 “Ready for bed,” he kissed the top of your head.

 “Mhmm,” you didn’t move, “Peter?”

“Yes beautiful,” his pet name made your stomach swell with butterflies again.

 “I don’t want to have sex tonight,” your eyes widened and you started to back pedal, “I mean I want to have sex with you. Just not tonight. Fuck, why did I say anything.” You hung your head.

 “Hey hey,” Peter lifted your chin, “I didn’t expect anything. Cuddles and goodnight kiss remember?”

 “You are too good to be true Peter Stone,” you rose to tip toes and kissed his cheek.

 “Come on, let’s go to bed,” he half carried you to bed and plopped you down while you giggled.

 “I surrender,” you threw your hands up and he laid down facing you after turning the light off.

 “Shit I have to put my phone on the charger,” you started to get back up.

 “Already did it,” Peter pulled you back down.

 “You’re amazing,” you settled back in.

 “Goodnight beautiful,” he kissed you again, sweetly but with hints of passion.

 “Goodnight handsome,” you rolled over and he pulled you tight against his chest.

 Two months later you were out to dinner with Peter. Your love affair started out innocently enough, cuddles and kisses. But the sex, dear gods above the sex. You’d only ever had sex with one person and he was awful at it. Peter did things to you you never knew possible. You experienced orgasms so intense and brought each other such immense pleasure in and out of the bedroom; it was like you were making up for lost time.  Neither of you could keep your hands to yourself, and Peter couldn’t believe how good you were at blowjobs.

 Peter was laughing at something you’d said when your ex barged into the restaurant.  You saw him shove past a waitress and you tensed up, Peter followed your eyesight and stiffened. He’d seen your ex before but they hadn’t formally met, now was a good a time as any it seemed.

 “What the hell bitch,” he growled at you.

 “Did you follow us here,” you tried to get him to quiet down and sit. He’d followed you before and you’d neglected to tell Peter as to not upset him.

 “I tracked your phone,” he shoved your hand away when you offered him a seat, “What the hell is your problem?”

 “Hey, just calm down,” Peter tried to defuse the situation, “let’s sit down and talk about this. I’ll order you a drink.”

 “Stay the hell out of this,” he growled, “this is between my wife and me,” he snatched your wrist and Peter saw red. Peter ripped your ex’s hand away and gathered his shirt in a fist in one fluid motion. The spot where you were seated was secluded enough no one really saw. The waitress he had shoved did, but she thought it was karma.

 “I’m an assistant district attorney, you really want to do that in front of me,” Peter’s voice was low and calm, he didn’t raise his it once. What a nice change of pace from your ex-husbands constant screaming and belittling.

 “Sorry man,” he jerked away and fixed his shirt.

 “Tell her you’re sorry, not me,” Peter pointed to you.

 “Not happening,” he barged off, “We’ll talk later.”

 “Peter,” your face was set in stone and unemotional, you were shutting down, “can we please go to your place?”

 “Yes, let me pay the bill,” he rushed off and was back by the time your jacket was on. The ride to his place you laid on his shoulder in silence. Neither of you spoke until you were in pajamas and sitting on the sofa.

 “I don’t want to share you with anyone,” Peter was first to go, “Least of all him.”

 “You don’t have to anymore, not that I’ve been seeing him or anything” you fiddled with the edge of the cushion, “I filed today. That’s why he’s mad.”

 “You did,” Peter kissed you excitedly and all your anxiety melted away at his touch. It was a nice change of pace from the flinching you did when your ex would touch you.

 “Yeah I did,” you giggled, “Should have a court date soon.”

 “I can expedite the process,” Peter started thinking, “Did you call the lawyer I told you about?”

 “Yes, she says you’re even now, whatever that means,” you shrugged.

 “Before I was an ADA I handled her son’s case pro bono. That’s why you don’t have to pay,” he squeezed your hand.

 “Thank you,” you kissed his knuckles, “always taking care of me.”

 “That’s what I’m here for,” he smiled.

 “I don’t have anywhere to stay,” reality started to settle in, “He’s mad I filed before him, and he’s bound to be angry and lock me out of the house.”

 “You could always live with me,” Peter rubbed his head, “You’re here most of the time anyway.”

 “Could I really,” you excitedly launched into his arms.

 “Yes beautiful,” he kissed your forehead, “on two conditions.”

 “Go on,” you giggled, that was your running gag now.

 “First condition, I’m getting you a restraining order first thing in the morning. And I’ll have some friends of mine come with us to serve it and get your stuff,” he leaned back so he could see your face.

 “That would be amazing thank you, second condition,” you held up two fingers.

 “Be my girlfriend. Officially,” Peter turned a light shade of crimson.

 “I thought you’d never ask,” you kissed him, letting the last bits of stress between your bodies melt away.

 “Didn’t want to risk scaring you off,” he chuckled.

“Not possible. You are so good to me, what did I do to deserve you,” you snuggled into his embrace.

 “It’s simple, you were born,” Peter tucked a blanket around your bodies and clicked the TV on.  So this is what a healthy relationship felt like. You could get used to this.

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 16/1/2020

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Thursday January 16th, 2020. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN)

MURDER PLOT REVEALED – Fidel Nkomo Alleyne and Malissa Carla Griffith made history in the High Court when they became the first accused to plead guilty to murder under the amended Offences Against the Persons Act 2018. This afternoon the confessed murderers took responsibility for the shooting death of 22-year-old Lamar Carter which occurred between February 9 and 10, 2015. They will however not be facing the death penalty even though the amended legislation at section 2 of Cap. 141 stipulates that punishment for a person who commits the offence of murder may be liable on conviction on indictment to (a) suffer death or; (b) imprisonment for life. For Alleyne, of No. 116 Denton Road, Grazettes, St Michael and Griffith, of Rochester Way, Grazettes, St Michael, their murder pleas mean they will not face the death penalty as their matter has been classified as a non capital murder. Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Blackman in accepting the pleas on behalf of the Crown in the No. 3 Supreme Court before Justice Carlisle Greaves explained that he had discussed the case with the Director of Public Prosecutions Donna Babb-Agard, QC. “We both agreed that this is the type of murder in accordance with No. 32 of 2018 which amended the Offences Against the Persons Act Chapter 141. As it relates to punishment at Section 2 Subsection 1 we are both agreed that this matter does not attract the death sentence. I think that should settle our position in relation to punishment on that matter,” the acting Deputy DPP revealed. He then revealed to the court what occurred before Carter, formerly of Spring Farm, St Thomas, was found dead in a car at Lancaster, St James. Blackman told the sitting that Carter and Griffith were involved in a “troublesome” relationship. Investigations showed, that Griffith suffered physical abuse at Carter’s hand and would discuss the abuse with Alleyne with whom she eventually also had a relationship. During one of those discussions Griffith indicated that she wanted Alleyne to do something for her. “Based on the statements and police investigations, Griffith really wanted Alleyne to permanently take care of Carter,” Blackman said. Investigations showed that the two planned to lure Carter to an area on the premise of conducting “certain business”. Griffith furnished Alleyne with Carter’s number and arrangements were made for the parties to meet in the area of Bagatelle, St Thomas. Carter borrowed a friend’s car to get to the area while Alleyne met him armed with cable ties and a firearm. They then left the area and while travelling along a road in St James, Alleyne ordered Carter to stop and get out the car at gunpoint. A confrontation followed and led to Alleyne hitting Carter with a stone. Alleyne then overpowered Carter, bound him, placed him in the trunk of the motorcar and drove off. He stopped the car again when he heard a cellular phone ringing. “When he went to the trunk and opened it, the obvious happened. Carter bolted and Alleyne gave chase, aimed the firearm in his direction and Carter was shot. Alleyne then took Carter from the area . . . placed him inside the car and drove off.” At one point Alleyne sought the help of a relative on what to do. “The plan was to purchase some gasoline and light the car with the body and dispose of whatever evidence there was.” However police on duty approached Alleyne and his relative while they were checking the source of scraping sound coming from the car. They drove off after being questioned but one of the officers realized that the substance which he had seen on Alleyne’s pants appeared to be blood and the police gave chase. The two were able to evade the cops. Alleyne was later caught at the Grantley Adams International airport where he was about to purchase a ticket to New York. Acting Deputy DPP Blackman explained that during that deadly incident Griffith was in Guyana, which was part of plan. She was detained on her return to Barbados and interviewed. A postmortem attributed Carter’s death to a gunshot to the head, he told the court. The prosecutor also disclosed that while police discovered physical evidence during their investigations, the gun was never found. Alleyne told police he lost the weapon during his escape. (BT)

PLOT TO MURDER LOVER – Frustrated with the abuse sustained at the hands of the late Lamar Carter confessed murderer Malissa Carla Griffith told her friend Fidel Alleyne the deceased “liked to buy weed” and “anybody can catch Lamar like that”. That evidence was revealed today as Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Blackman detailed the facts of Carter’s shooting death, which occurred between February 9, and 10, 2015 moments after Griffith pleaded guilty to murder in the High Court. Griffith, of Rochester Way, Grazettes, St Michael, was 25 at the time. In a statement to police she revealed that she met Carter in 2010 at a cock fight in St Thomas. They exchanged numbers and she “started to fall in love with Lamar”. They eventually entered into a relationship but things “started to go downhill” during the second year. “Every time I attempt to leave the relationship Lamar would put a black handle knife to my throat and tell me that I can’t leave him. I was afraid of Lamar.” She also alleged that Carter beat her three times when they took a trip to Canada in 2013. “I started to get frustrated and wanted to leave the relationship  . . . sometimes I would tell my friend Fidel Alleyne . . .  Fidel would often tell me to leave out Lamar,” the statement said. Griffith further revealed that in December 2014 they got into another argument and “he slap me in my face twice and shocked me with a black taser”. She relayed that incident to Alleyne telling him that she wanted to be happy. “Fidel told me not to worry that just now I will be happy.” She subsequently travelled to Guyana in January 2015 to purchase clothes and informed Carter during a conversation that she might be pregnant. “He told me to do what I want to do. I got so vex and curse Lamar . . and blocked his number”. According to the statement read by the prosecutor, Griffith got in contact with Alleyne the following day and told him she was vexed with Lamar and frustrated and that “I wanted him out of my f****** life and that I wanted him dead.” “My head was so offset that I told Fidel that Lamar like to buy weed and tell him anybody can catch Lamar like that and gave him Lamar’s cellular phone number.” The statement continued: “I messaged Fidel the Sunday and ask him if he collect my money and do the things for me. All he reported and say was that he going to make me happy.” Griffith said she was informed by a friend on February 10, 2015  that Carter had been killed. “I did not believe him so I messaged Lamar’s [relative] and she told me Lamar was dead. Griffith will know her fate when she reappears in the No. 3 Supreme Court before Justice Carlisle Greaves on Friday, January 31. Her attorney-at-law Angella Mitchell Gittens waived a request for a pre-sentencing report. Her bail was revoked today and she is now on remand at Dodds. (BT)

CONFESSED MURDERER SAYS HE WAS SO BLINDED, HE DID NOT KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG – Fidel Nkomo Alleyne told police he was “so blinded by love” for his co-conspirator that he took the life of 22-year-old Lamar Carter back in February 2015. Alleyne, of No. 116 Denton Road, Grazettes, St Michael made the confession to police when he dictated a statement on what led to Carter’s shooting death between February 9 and 10. Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Blackman gave the details of that statement taken on February 11, 2015 moments after Alleyne pleaded guilty to murder in the No. 3 Supreme Court before Justice Carlisle Greaves. Reading the statement Blackman said Alleyne told police that his co accused Malissa Carla Griffith, who today also pleaded guilty to the same murder, confided in him about a year before that Carter “does abuse she” and she had to visit a health facility on many occasions. The statement said that after discussing the situation with Griffith several times, she ask him if he could help her. “I ask how? She say like do he something.” However, he kept putting if off, following months of conversations about what he was do . “I was so in love with she that I was blinded by love of what is right from wrong. Finally we come to a decision that the best time to do it would be when she was out of the island,” the prosecutor revealed to the court. Despite this he told police he tried to avoid the situation for weeks while Griffith was overseas but she kept calling asking ‘when I gine do it?’ He finally responded ‘tomorrow’, meaning February 9, 2015. “She told me that if I don’t do it, we friendship over. I did not want to lose her friendship because she is the only thing I have gine on in my life right now,” the statement read by Blackman said. “I was just suppose to beat up on he.” Alleyne and Carter later met at the Bagatelle roundabout. “I get in he car and we drove a little way down the road and I pull out my gun and I tell he to get out the car . . . He ask me what gine on and I tell he this is a robbery. We start to scuffle and I tried to subdue he. He went down on the ground and I pulled the trigger and the gun went off hitting he head,” Alleyne said in the statement. He said police later approached him but he subsequently drove off. He later realised the police had on the flashing lights but he did not stop. During that time he apologized to his relative for getting him involved. They evaded police and got out the car on a hill and ran across a pasture. It was at that time that he lost the gun. He then took back roads, changed clothes, and contacted his relative to find out whether he had gotten home and messaged Griffith. “She asked me if I do the thing and I tell she ‘yes it turn bad’. She asked me what I do with the phone and I tell she I left it in the car. She tell me I is a c***. I tell she you believe I do that fuh you and all she could tell me is that I is a c***.” Griffith then told him that she was returning to the island the following day and she would “link up”. But he borrowed a suitcase and sweater from a friend, went to the Grantley Adams International Airport and purchased a ticket to New York. “I tell myself that if the police hold me I gine confess,” the statement said. Alleyne returns before Justice Greaves on Friday, January 31 for sentencing after his attorney-at-law Andrew Pilgrim, Q.C. waived the request for a  pre-sentencing report. Alleyne’s bail was revoked today and he was remanded to HMP Dodds. (BT)

TWO CHARGED WITH ROBBING KFC – Investigators of the Royal Barbados Police Force need an “unfettered chance” to find the other suspects connected to the Kentucky Fried Chicken (Barbados) Limited robbery, Magistrate Douglas Frederick today said as he remanded two men charged with the offence to Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds for the next 28-days. Junior supervisor at the fast food franchise Alvin George Chung, 36, of Searles Plantation, Christ Church and Noel Lionel Taylor, 42, of Galloway Lane, Waterford, St Michael will be housed at the St Philip jail until February 12. The duo is charged with robbing Llewelun Walthrust, on December 31, 2019, of BDS$69, 881.68 and US$1,259.50 belonging to the KFC. Police say the robbery took place at KFC’s corporate offices located on Hincks Street, St Micheal around 10:40 a.m. The charge is indictable and as such the accused could not enter pleas. Sergeant Krishna Graham objected to bail on the grounds that police were still on the hunt for two other persons and there were fears that the two men would interfere with investigations if released at this time. The prosecutor also submitted that society needed protection from the accused as she informed Magistrate Frederick that Taylor is alleged to have committed the crime while on bail for a pending matter. But in arguing for her client’s pretrial liberty, attorney-at-law Angela Mitchell-Gittens while conceding that Taylor was on bail said the matter was two years old. The lawyer added that her client reported for his court hearings whenever he was required to do so. She urged the court not use the pending charge “to his detriment” given the time span between the two allegations. Regarding the fact that police were still searching for other suspects Mitchell-Gittens stated that the objection had a “shelf life”. She also revealed that Taylor had been in police custody for the past 13 days describing it as “an inordinate” amount of time for a person to be held. “I do not know how it will benefit Taylor . . . the fact that these persons are being sought should not affect his right to his liberty.” “The protection of society is a serious matter but persons are charged, not convicted . . . . At this stage what they have is an allegation. Even though the charges are serious they are not so serious that bail can’t be extended even further,” Mitchell-Gittens submitted. Kaviar Callendar is legal counsel for Chung. He echoed the senior lawyer’s arguments for bail but went on to inform the court that his client was before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court with a clean slate as he was not known to any court in the jurisdiction. Callendar noted that the objections aimed at protecting society were “premature” at this stage as the public had “nothing to fear” from Chung given that the charge against him was at this time, a mere allegation. Urging the court to exercise its discretion in granting his client bail, Callendar informed the magistrate that Chung was a father of an eight-year-old and played an active role in his life. He however, admitted that the one “aggravating” feature was Chung was employed as a manager with KFC and given the complaint, would be out of a job. Magistrate Frederick acknowledged the “good points” coming from both sides but also noted that police investigations were still active. “We still have to give the police an unfettered chance at finding these people. But this [objection] has a shelf life. It will be difficult for you to get bail,” he said before remanding the two accused. (BT)

LEGALISE SAME SEX MARRIAGE - It is “unfortunate” that well-known public figure and political consultant, Peter Wickham could not be married in his country of citizenship, a regional gay rights advocate has said. Maurice Tomlinson, a Jamaican working closely with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to have the country’s sodomy laws struck from the Offences Against the Person Act is challenging the Mia Mottley administration to go the distance by not only legalising same-sex intimacy, but marriage as well. “Many people have said that we should just do decriminalisation first and then do marriage equality as has happened in many other jurisdictions. My position is that there is no need for the Caribbean to proceed in that way. There is clear evidence that neither decriminalisation, nor marriage equality harms the society,” said the Jamaican advocate. “They actually help the societies because for one thing, Caribbean people will now be sure that their partners are with them because they want to be. Partners of the opposite sex will not just be with them because societal pressure forces it,” noted. Over the weekend, Peter Wickham married his partner of ten years in Strasbourg, France witnessed by friends and family. The event has become a talking point for many on social media since it was reported in the local press. But according to Tomlinson, quite a few of “us” have been married outside of our jurisdiction. “This is very unfortunate considering how we as Caribbean people view family, weddings and marriages. This means that many of our family members are denied the opportunity of partaking in these joyous occasions because of our restrictive laws. But the sheer sadness is just one aspect of our reality,” he said.  In fact, Tomlinson, who is married to a man and splits time between Canada and Jamaica, has urged the Barbados government, to move as swiftly on gay rights issues as it has with the ban on single-use plastics and marijuana legalisation for certain purposes.  In addition to his argument on human rights, Tomlinson says the move would allow more homosexuals to come forward for treatment with issues like HIV. He argued it would also help to address issues relating to immigration, taxation, property and inheritance, allowing tourists to have the same protections under spousal laws as they have in their own jurisdictions. This he claimed was preventing Barbados and many other regional countries from taking advantage of almost two billion dollar global LGBT-tourism industry. “If for example a tourist falls sick at the hotel and they go to the hospital, the other partner would be a legal stranger under our laws and couldn’t make any decisions for them,” he explained.  Tomlinson, who believes one day very soon, Barbados will have no choice but to adjust its policy believes when that day comes, there will be further implications for other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. He explained: “The absence of the recognition is in direct violation of the convention which opens us to sanctions from the Organisation of American States, but it will also create complications if Peter [Wickham] or someone in Barbados wants to have their marriage recognised under the convention. “If they relocate to another Caribbean country and their family wishes to join them, then those relationships must be recognised by those Caribbean countries or they would not only be in breach of the Inter American convention, but also the CARICOM Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, because the CARICOM treaty provides for the Right of Establishment including bringing your family, and I cannot see how the CCJ would find in any other way,” Tomlinson contends. Government has not responded to the challenge to Barbados’ buggery laws lodged by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), which for Tomlinson represents an admission that those laws are indefensible. He added that after conversations with representatives from the IACHR the deadline had been extended in early 2019 but expired at the end of the year. “Because the Caribbean has the dishonour of having the last remaining anti-sodomy laws in the Western Hemisphere, and Barbados’ life imprisonment is by far the worst penalty, the court is very interested in taking up this matter so I expect it will be prioritised and expedited,” he said. (BT)

PATH TO CITIZENSHIP FOR WEALTHY – Government is building a new immigration platform to allow high-net-worth individuals who want to reside and invest in Barbados to get permanent residency status and ultimately citizenship. Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson said Cabinet recently approved the new immigration policy which would make it easier for those who want to invest in Barbados’ economy. “Cabinet has approved that persons who fulfill that category, similar to Canadian immigration and some other countries, we will allow them permanent residence in this country, and after being here as an ordinary resident for three years out of five or six years following that, to become citizens of this country,” he said. Speaking to members of the media at St Alban’s Primary where he delivered remarks to students during a special presentation today, Minister Hinkson noted that the change in policy was a significant undertaking because of the need to give persons such as high-net-worth individuals “a psychological feeling” that they are part of Barbados and can commit to help build this country. “We can’t do it with the population that we have now, in terms of building this country and moving us to the next level, which is the vision of the Mia Mottley administration. We have to look to open up our country a bit more to people who can be productive. “Now we are not talking about people who are going to be a security risk, or people who are criminals or who would be looking to bring drugs and create havoc in this country because obviously we have security testing and scrutiny to ensure that we get the best of people,” he said. “We have a lovely country here to offer and these are people who would be able to build businesses in Barbados to create employment. These are people who will buy properties in Barbados and obviously to buy properties you will need to employ people who are in the construction industry. “We need to build capacity and to increase our population with productive people and this is going to happen in a way by building platforms to attract both CARICOM citizens and also people from outside of CARICOM who are willing to help build our country,” Minister Hinkson added. (BT)

FIREMEN TO GET STATE OF THE ART STATION – The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) will be headquartered at Prince Road, Pine, St Michael, on the same compound as the CXC buildings. This announcement came from Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson who also told journalists today that the proposed state-of-the-art facility will replace the Probyn Street Bridgetown headquarters earmarked for demolition. After that takes place, he said, some firefighters would be relocated to a temporary fire station at Prince Road while others would be accommodated at the Worthing, Christ Church, and Arch Hall, St Thomas, stations. “Arrangements are being made to retrofit a building in the same compound as the proposed new fire station in Prince Road. The building is managed by the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Maintenance. But that building has to be refurbished. The Barbados Tourism Inc. is facilitating and providing funding for this. “But we are also looking in the longer term while the construction of the new fire station takes place, at the British American buildings in Upper Collymore Rock, St Michael. But again that building would have to be refurbished and retrofitted to accommodate a temporary fire station on the first and second floors,” he said. Following Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s announcement that the fire station and nearby old NIS building at Fairchild Street would be demolished to accommodate the Golden Square Freedom Square, it was reported that firefighters were unhappy with a relocation to outfitted containers at Bay Street. However, Minister Hinkson put this down to the firefighters not being aware of planned developments. He explained that the containers were an outpost for firefighters carrying out inspection and other duties in the City to relax and take a break. “The executive of the Fire Service Association is involved and has been kept abreast of these developments and my understanding is that they are satisfied that the best is being done and they don’t have any issues,” Hinkson said. The Home Affairs minister said the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has agreed to fund the construction of the new station for which the survey plan was recorded at the land registry last week. He explained that the Ministry of Housing was now preparing a paper outlining further details for the proposed fire station which is to be presented to Cabinet for further approval. “Ultimately we will ensure the improvement of the fire service’s framework and what we offer to the people of Barbados. We do not know when a natural disaster will come, but we have to be prepared for it. “I can assure you as Minister of Home Affairs that we are creating the environment for the improvement of the Fire Service both in terms of infrastructure, development, training, and administration,” he added. (BT)

POLICE BAND SOS – After 130 years, the future of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band is being threatened by a lack of fresh blood, a member of the police high command has warned. But Deputy Commissioner of Police Oral Williams’s suggestion that Government lower the age for entry into the police cadet corps from 16 to 14 so as to replenish numbers, was met with scepticism from the minister for the police – Attorney General Dale Marshall. Marshall was present as Williams spoke at a medals ceremony to mark the band’s anniversary at Prince Cave Hall at the band’s headquarters, the St Cecilia Barracks at District ‘A’ complex on Station Hill. Directing his comments to the Attorney General, Williams said: “Like the general force, this institution is short-staffed. “The situation I am told has nothing to do with the non-existence of applicants ready to join the institutions. Currently, we have no cadets on our premises.” “The previous practice of bringing staff in at age 14 was based on the principle of being able to bend the tree while it is young. “As it stands now we have to wait until age 16 and then until age 19 in order for them to become a constable. “This state of affairs must change if the band is to survive and perform the way where we are internationally recognized.” The Deputy Commissioner revealed that in the meantime, stop-gap measures have had to be employed in order to ensure the band’s continued survival while making it clear that this state of affairs was untenable. Williams said: “I have had discussions with the management of the band and made suggestions to avoid a diminution in sound quality and performances occasioned by the sparsity in numbers, at least for the short term. “We can’t afford to do business as usual and lose this institution.” As he followed Williams with his own speech, Marshall gave an assurance that the issue would be addressed but expressed doubt about lowering the recruitment age for cadets. He declared that that police band was too vital an institution to lose, as it remains one of the key examples of the softer side of policing, one that is loved by all Barbadians. Marshall said: “Even when some members of the public seem to be losing respect for police officers as they do their jobs in enforcing the law, everybody in the police band is loved by the public. “It demonstrates the other side of policing, outside of the show force and apprehending criminals. “The side that the Royal Barbados Police Force band represents is an equally important side.” (BT)

BLUE ECONOMY BIZ START UP REVEALED – Turning sargassum seaweed into bioplastic and fish offal into fuel are among four maritime industry startups to receive backing from the United Nations Development Programme, the UNDP has announced. The ventures were unveiled at a UNDP blue economy accelerator lab’s Blue Tank session at UN House. During the Blue Tank, eight innovators pitched their concepts to a panel of judges who provided them with feedback. In the end, four of them were selected for “blue lab funding”. The quartet of startups selected receive funding of up to $30,000 (US$15,000), were Bio Plastic Creation, focusing on making biodegradable products from sargassum seaweed and cassava starch; Bajan Digital Creations Inc. which focused on coral reef mapping using underwater drones; Ten Habitat, which focused on developing a traceable fisheries brand; and NRG, which will develop biogas and fuel from fish offal.  The blue lab is part of 60 UNDP global accelerator labs working to reimagine development in several areas for the 21st century, according to UNDP officials. The lab for Barbados is focused on the blue economy and is aimed at supporting innovative solutions to some of the problems. Magdy Martinez-Soliman, UNDP resident representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, gave the participants the assurance that they would receive the necessary backing throughout the life of their projects. He said while there was a need for fresh ideas, he believed some old concepts could be dusted off and tweaked in order to solve some of the region’s problems. Adding that Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean could come up with their own solutions by creating a “culture of innovation”, Martinez-Soliman said the blue economy was one area that could do with some innovative ideas. Ahead of the presentations, he said: “I do think business-as-usual has a place in some sectors of the industry.“I think that repeat of tested and travelled pathways have a place and can be presented as an economically viable alternative. “So I don’t see it necessarily as something that is wrong. “But I do value it as something that is wrong in the knowledge management sector. “In the knowledge management sector, the new idea needs to supersede the old idea. “The new ways of doing things need to somehow get rid of the old ways that are obsolete, and that is why our blue lab encourages innovation.” Martinez-Soliman said the UNDP was keen on providing support for local, grassroots innovators because it believed that the power of local knowledge is important to developing solutions to “intractable problems”. It was last year that the UNDP Blue Lab issued a call for solutions in November last year. After receiving 35 proposals, officials then narrowed down to eight. During Monday’s session, all the groups were given five minutes to make their pitch, which was then followed by questions from the audience and the judges. Nikola Simpson, head of Exploration for the Blue Lab UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said she was pleased with the steps being taken by local authorities to develop and protect the blue and green economies. She said the UNDP was also pleased about the new initiatives that were being developed by the young people in the Blue Tank “We are really excited about the level of innovation that we are seeing from innovators within the region,” she said. Pointing out that the region depended heavily on the blue economy for a lot of its revenue, she said all residents had a key role to play in protecting it. Simpson also gave the assurance that all the project concepts would be monitored and evaluated carefully by both the innovators and the UNDP. (BT)

WEIR: FARMING, TREE PLANTING CONFLICT RIDICULOUS – Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir has rushed to the defence of the National Tree Planting Project, dismissing as bordering on “ridiculous” farmers’ concerns of trees taking up valuable pasture lands for their livestock. Outcry emerged after it was announced that substantial grasslands at Hope Plantation, St Lucy are to be used as part of the ambitious exercise to plant two million trees across the island by the end of 2020. Weir told Barbados TODAY that he failed to see the farmers’ complaints as there is no arrangement for anyone to use the lands at Hope Plantation. He said: “I don’t know of any farmers’ concerns because no one has approached me. “Secondly, I don’t know of any farmer whose rights have been infringed upon at the Hope Plantation because those lands have been identified for a major project by the Ministry of Education. “The fact that a farmer has been using the Hope Plantation to provide grass or hay for other farmers, would mean that the farmer must demonstrate that he has a legitimate right to do so in terms of an agreement.” The Minister said the issue was brought to his attention by head of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul. Weir pointed out that through Paul, an invitation was extended to farmers to come to his office and discuss any concerns that they may have about the tree planting exercise. But, he said, no farmer has so far taken up the offer. Weir declared: “I extended that invitation to the farmers and no one has come to me to complain about how the tree planting exercise was affecting them. “I also spoke to James Paul and I told him to inform the farmers that they can come to me if they have any concerns because we are a Government about empowerment, not disenfranchisement. “I am yet to hear from any farmer that feels like there is a threat to his or her existence by way of the tree planting exercise. “There is a systematic way that the tree planting exercise is being done, so I don’t see how it is going to affect farmers. “There are distances between the trees, and you can still get the hay if you need it. Equally, there are alternative lands that can be used. “You can’t complain about access to lands when there is no arrangement in place. This is Barbados and we must have discipline in this country.” Weir suggested critics needed to familiarise themselves with the project before they start “accusing Government wrongfully.” He assured farmers that the tree planting initiative will not interfere with farming, noting that intercropping was an available option. “Farmers can still plant crops such as legumes and peanuts between the trees. “So, I do not see a major issue. The last time I checked, one could still plant things like yam and potatoes under trees. “So, the whole notion that farmers would be impacted, is a conversation that borders on ridiculous.” Paul suggested the BAS backed the livestock farmers’ concerns. He questioned where Government would find the land space to facilitate a project of this magnitude. He told Barbados TODAY: “Farmers have been coming to me with concerns about where Government is going to plant all of these trees. “Even the number that they are talking, which is a million to two million trees, we have to ask ourselves how they are going to accomplish this when some of this land is farmland. “It may be grassland, but it is still farmland and we have to ask ourselves if this number of trees is really realistic in the context of the Barbadian land space. “From the way I see it, they are compromising the ability of farmers to use the land to plant on or use it for grass for their animals. “We need to know how much more grasslands have been identified for this project because it makes no sense that one would use agricultural land to do it.” (BT)

GOVT TURNING BACK ON SMALL MARIJUANA FARMERS – Government is using liberal policies on marijuana to secure economic opportunities for the rich, while denying small farmers a stake in the billion-dollar industry. In the process the Rastafarian community is being disrespected, according to Democratic Labour Party (DLP) President, Verla DePeiza. While large investors line up for grower’s licences permitting them to plant cannabis for medicinal purposes, DePeiza fears government’s five-acre allotments represent a deliberate attempt to exclude working-class farmers.  “The ordinary Barbadian does not have access to that quantity of land for that piece of legislation to have any meaningful impact in their lives. Once again it is relegating our people to be workers for others instead of creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and that is why I registered my objection to that piece of legislation,” DePeiza recently contended. Despite the objections, Minister of Agriculture, Indar Weir yesterday revealed the first licences would be issued no later than the beginning of February. When pressed on whether the average citizen would be able to afford a medicinal marijuana licence, Weir replied: “Frankly, I don’t know what the average man means; the average man cannot invest in Coca-Cola.” Meanwhile, DePeiza argued this was not the only instance in which government appeared to be uncaring on the issue of marijuana. She also accused authorities of marginalising the Rastafarian community in the way it constructed the Sacramental Cannabis Bill tabled in Parliament late last year which allows marijuana use only in the precincts of their place of worship. “Again, how that piece of legislation is scripted pits them directly against the church, directly against people who are in the illegal drugs trade, pits them directly against the code of society and they very rightly have rejected it,” DePeiza stressed as she backed The Ichirouganaim Council for the Advancement of Rastafari (ICAR)’s decision to blank the bill. “It has no meaningful application in any event if you tell them that they have a constitutional right and then you seek to hide them off from everybody else. You are creating an ‘us against them’ situation once again. It makes them outcasts once again. We have to find ways to deal with difficult questions. Difficult questions must be faced head-on and I am not satisfied that we have gone in the right direction under this administration in terms of rectifying the wrongs,” the DLP leader said. And, as the government prepares to distribute the marijuana cultivation licences, DePeiza, a long-time advocate for marijuana decriminalisation, has asked government to move more speedily to pardon those Rastafarians criminalised by the previous system. She also warned that numerous young people have gravitated to a life of crime after convictions for possession of small quantities of cannabis has left them with blemishes on their criminal record. “Unwittingly, we have set a significant portion of our young people outside of society. Not just by the use, but by the fact that if they receive a conviction, they can no longer get a police certificate of character and cannot find meaningful employment on the right side of society. That immediately puts them at cross purposes with society. They are immediately out of contemplation for any legitimate job opportunities and that is one of the first paths to crime,” DePeiza contended She added: “Because we have ostracised them for years, we know how it has impacted on the Rastafarian community. I have put my neck on the line since the 1990’s campaigning for the decriminalisation of marijuana precisely because I observed how it separated young people, not that only young people use, but they tend to be the ones who get caught.” (BT)

CITY SHELTER NOW OPEN, GREETS FIVE – First five then eight people have spent the first two nights in the City’s first purpose-built homeless shelter since the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness officially opened its doors on Spry Street. The association’s president Kemar Saffrey said five men slept at the shelter on Monday night, and about eight people, including women, were there the following night. And people are already showing interest in the shelter’s services, he reported. Saffrey told Barbados TODAY: “It is yet early and people are still finding out that the shelter is now open, but we are seeing that growing interest. “The numbers picking up and people are calling. “Since Monday, we find that the guys coming to register early in the day to come back the night but sometimes they don’t turn up because they may be out late working for people or doing something else and when they finish they may think it is too late to come, but we would try to accommodate some of them.” The shelter opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. until the following morning when breakfast is served. He pointed out that while most people seeking to use the shelter are from St Michael and Christ Church, the Alliance to End Homelessness’ has been working with a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who would be able to use the shelter for their purposes as well. Saffrey said: “We have been out on the road on Monday and Tuesday letting our clients know that, yes, we have opened officially. “The first night my office team went home as late as 11 o’clock making sure that everything was in order. “So we are in our early days yet and we have been working hard to ensure that people are comfortable when they get here.” The shelter is equipped to accommodate 90 persons per night, according to Saffrey. He added: “The important thing is that even if one person sleeps a night, that is one person that we know that we took off the streets and we feel good about it. “Before, there was no other place that these people who we consider to be homeless could go, but now they do. “And we are seeing homelessness from different perspectives. We are seeing fire victims who have nowhere to go, and we are seeing men living on the streets. “We are seeing women with nowhere to go and we are seeing men coming out of jail and have nowhere to go. “So we know that there are people who will need to use our shelter and we are just asking Barbadians for their continued support and to help anyhow they can.” The alliance president also issued a reminder that the shelter was not intended to be a residential centre, but rather a place where people sleep at night. During the day, the shelter’s staff would be available to provide those in need with the necessary tools for their reintegration into society, said Saffrey. (BT)

LAWRENCE T GAY CLOSED FOR REST OF THE WEEK – The Lawrence T. Gay Memorial Primary School will remain closed for the rest of the week while the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training looks for an alternative venue. The school, which is located at Spooner’s Hill, St Michael, was closed today and Ministry officials met with staff to hear their complaints and concerns. Officials also met with representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations. The latter Ministry continued investigations in the surrounding community today amidst complaints by staff and students of itchy skin and burning eyes. This will be an ongoing exercise.  At the conclusion of all meetings, Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Santia Bradshaw, agreed that the school would be closed for the next two days and her Ministry would again engage the services of REA Environmental International to monitor and conduct air quality tests at the site.  This requires samples being sent overseas.  Over the next two days, the Ministry will investigate possible locations to house the 496 students and staff of this school, starting with the Class 4 students.   Identifying a location requires space for school furniture, adequate bathrooms and serving area for lunch and security. There is also a need to transfer furniture and materials from the school to the new site and securing insurance for the duration of the occupation of the site. Officials from the Ministry of Education will address parents of the school at a planned PTA meeting tomorrow, Thursday, at 5 p.m. at the nearby Grace Hill Moravian Church. (BGIS)

There are 351 days left in the year Shalom!  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps #bajannewscaps #newsinanutshell

[olboypacman]

2. What is Justice? (Finale, A Cry For Justice)

A Few Months Later, The Day of The People of New Jersey v. Frank Castle

****

“Funny seeing you and the rest of the gang here, Chuckles.”

“Jason. You’re looking well.”

A tense silence manifests itself between the factions of the leather clad couple of Jason Todd and Komand’r and the Titans dressed in their civilian attire.

“Sister.”

“Kori. I see Victor’s holorings still have their uses. But, tan’s a bad tone on you, sister dear.”

“Why you-“ Kori lunges at her sister but is held back by Victor.

“OK,” Said Cyborg, “this is more awkward than I thought it would be. I’m taking Kori into the court room, gonna find us some seats. Who’d a thought this trial would’ve attracted so much attention?”

He heaves the Tamaranean over his shoulder as he walks through the door. She’s spouting off her objections to her treatment in Tamaranean, as she pounds her fists Victor’s back.

“I’m gonna join Cy- I mean Vic. You guys look like you got some stuff to catch up on.” Said a fair skinned, blonde-haired, green-eyed Changeling. “See you guy in court!” He said as waived off the others, following Cyborg.

Raven shrugs her shoulders at the people remaining. “Wait for me Gar.” She intones, coming up the rear.

“Komi,” says Nightwing, “was that really necessary?”

Blackfire gives him a look of mock innocence, “What? I’m telling the truth.”

“Blackfire,” said Jason, “let me talk with Dick alone. Find us a spot will you, cutie?”

“Fine, Jay. I’ve got you.” She pecks him on the cheek, as she makes her way into the court room to find her and Jason some seats.

“You and Blackfire. A part of me may have saw that coming-“

“Grayson,” interrupts Jason. “Is Bruce here?”

“Yeah. Alfred’s here. Babs is here. Tim’s here. Even poor Harley is here. Everyone is here. Are you planning on saying hi to anyone?”

“I’ve said all needed to him or anyone a long time ago.”

At the implication of Jason’s words, Dick sighs and says, “He never would’ve done it. None of us would’ve. For what it’s worth, he’s sorry and he misses you. And despite our recent history, I miss you too. Your family-“

“Stow it, Dick. The fact that it took some cop to do what needs to be done tells me what kind of family I’ve got. Give my love to Babs. Enjoy the trial.” Said Jason, as started to make his way into the court room.

“Wait. Why did you bail out Frank Castle?” Asked Dick.

“Honestly? I wanted to meet the man ballsy enough to properly avenge his family.”

****

“All rise!” Commanded the bailiff as the judge made his way to the bench.

The older, bald, caucasian judge, clad in the dark robes sits and bangs his gavel getting the attention of the full court as everyone present takes their seat.

He creases his brow, as if he’s making eye contact with everyone in the court.

“I know we have a lot of people here today, but I’d like to remind everyone here today we are in a court of law this day. A man is being tried for his alleged crimes and recommend all out bursts be keep to a minimum. With that being said, let’s get started with our opening statements.” The judge motions to his left, “Prosecutor.”

The prosecutor stands upon being beckoned by the judge. He’s small slip of man dressed in a cheap beige suit with an even cheaper haircut. He smiles condescendingly at Frank, practically assured of a conviction as he begins his opening statement.

“What is justice? We in the DA’s office like to define it as set system of right and wrong. Of showing those who break laws there are set consequences for what you do. Today we are here to prosecute Frank Castle for the crime of murder of the Joker in the first degree. We will prove that he did so maliciously and with no regard for our system of justice. And I would like to remind the court that the people of New Jersey are seeking the maximum conviction of life without the possibility of parole.”

A hush goes over the court as the mousy prosecutor finished his opening statement.

The hush turns into murmur as they seemingly wait for something to happen.

The judge bangs his gavel once more to bring the hush back to the court room.

“Mr. Castle, I understand you’ve waived your right to attorney. As a result of that it’s up to you to state the basis of your defense or to counter point anything said by the prosecution in your opening statement.”

Being addressed, Castle rises from his seat and says gruffly, “I decline to make an opening statement, your honor.”

A murmur goes over those present in the court and the judge bangs his gavel again to gain control of the court.

The prosecutor’s sneer returns to his face.

The judge takes a moment to take in his appearance.

Castle’s dressed in a black suit coat with matching pants and tie, with a white shirt underneath the coat. The whole ensemble looks like it’s seen better days, as littered with wrinkles and is poorly creased. There’s a look in defeat his eyes and looks like her hasn’t shaved in a while.

He’s a man whose already been beaten, dressed for a funeral for the fight of his life, thinks the judge.

“Both of you, please approach.” Commands the judge, addressing Castle and the prosecutor.

“Mr. Castle,” said the judge in a low voice, “how prepared are you for your defense?”

“I just thought to show up, your honor. Everything else is formality at this point.” Responded Frank.

“Mr. Castle, I’m telling you this for your own good, but do you recognize without a proper defense you maybe damning yourself to a guilty verdict and consequently to whatever fresh hell I’d imagine a waits a police officer in Blackgate. Yes, Mr. Castle, recognize that my power as a judge won’t save a violent offender from a super max prison, first offense or not.”

“Whatever happens, I’m consigned to the worst of what may come to be.” Said Frank.

“Then why show up at all? Your absence today would’ve defaulted a guilty verdict.”

Frank shrugs his shoulders, “Then that would’ve cost the guy that bailed me out a half a million dollars. I couldn’t in good conscience let him lose that kind of money on my say so.”

The prosecutor attempts to contain his laughs, as the judge shoots him a look of annoyance at his outburst. “You will respect this courtroom, prosecutor.”

“I’m sorry, Your Honor,” he said as he tried to stow his laughs. “This going to be my easiest conviction yet.”

“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, counselor.” Said Castle.

The prosecutor sneers and says, “Unless you know something I don’t, I expect a guilty verdict in less than a few hours, Castle.”

“Enough,” interjects the judge, “let’s get this case underway.” He said, dismissing them.

The judge bangs the gavel again to bring the noise of court down that came up as he was addressing the prosecution and the defense.

“Prosecution, your first witness.”

****

The prosecution had gone through about half a dozen or so witnesses of the police and EMTs that were on the scene of murder. Most testimonies were very brief and consistent outlining what happened that night a few months ago.

To no surprise to the judge and the prosecutor, Castle, acting as his own defense, had opted not to question one witness.

The prosecution had just dismissed the most recent witness, the officer who had been headbutted by The Joker.

No one even bothered to check if Castle had any questions for him, taking ques from earlier.

“The State of New Jersey would like to call Commissioner Gordon to the stand.” Said the prosecutor.

Gordon stands from his seat among the spectators. He makes his way to the stand, dressed in his signature tan overcoat, off white dress shirt with a black tie, light brown pants and black shoes.

He takes a seat on the stand and is sworn in as the prosecutor waits, sneer still on his face.

“May the witness state his name for the record,” said the prosecutor.

“James Gordon,” was the response.

“And what is your profession, Mr. Gordon?”

“I’m the commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department.”

“Do you recognize that man over there?” Said the prosecutor, pointing at Frank Castle.

“Yes, that’s officer-“ Gordon stops himself, running his hand through his white hair in frustration. “Frank Castle.”

“Do you know what Mr. Castle’s vocation was until recently?”

Gordon hesitates for a moment, glaring at the prosecutor, his mouth forming a grim line. “He was an officer under my command in the city’s police department.”

“Do you know what Mr. Castle is accused of?”

“Yes.”

“And can you state what Mr. Castle is he accused of, Commissioner?”

“Murder in the first degree. He’s accused of killing The Joker.”

“And you were there on the night in question, correct?”

“Yes, I was.”

“Well, from what you saw can you tell me what happened?”

“It happened pretty fast. I was speaking with Batman, then I heard one shot and a few officers fingered Castle as the shooter pretty quickly. Joker was already down with one in his chest before I could get eyes on the situation. Castle then fired 3 more shots into The Joker, another to his chest, one to his throat, and the last one to the head, before any officers could get to him. About 4 or 5 officers’ dog-piled him before he can shoot another round off, and that scuffle didn’t last long. He gave as soon as he was tackled.”

“So, you saw him kill the victim?” Asked the prosecutor.

“Yes.”

“Was Frank Castle within his right to execute the victim the way he did? Within his duty as sworn officer of the law?”

"I speak from someone whose family was a victim of the Joker, hell I was a victim of him my damn self. What Officer Castle did, who’s to say it was wrong? Really? I mean after what he did to my girl Barbara, I can't say I didn't think about pulling the trigger myself."

“That’s interesting Commissioner, I had no idea that the police department condones the cold-blooded execution of detained criminals.“

“I didn’t say that!” Interrupts Gordon.

“Well it’s no surprise. You condoned the actions of the Bat-family in our city for years, and they done nothing to stave off the rising crime and supervillains that plague our fair city.” Said the prosecutor, as he raised his voice. “Why not execute them all? It’s only the natural progression of things under your command, right commissioner?”

“No that’s not what I’m saying!”

“Then answer my question Commissioner Gordon; was Frank Castle within his right or his civic duty as an officer of the law to execute the victim?”

“No.” Said Gordon, defeatedly.

“Nothing further.” Said the prosecutor, as he makes his way back to his seat.

“Does Mr. Castle have anything for the commissioner?” Asked the judge.

Frank stood from his seat, scratching his unshaven scruff. “How’s Babs?” Asked the former police officer.

The court erupted into a roar at the question.

“ORDER! ORDER!” Yelled the judge as he banged his gavel. “Mr. Castle, the court room isn’t the social hour. Do you have questions to defend yourself, to rebuttal anything the prosecution established to the court?”

“No, your honor.” Said Castle simply.

“Thank you for your testimony here today, commissioner,” Said the judge.

“The prosecution would like to call one last witness to the stand, Frank Castle.” Said the prosecution.

The court erupted once more.

The judge banged his gavel again to quiet down the court.

Castle makes his way to the stand.

He’s then sworn in.

“Can you state your name for the record.” Said the prosecutor, as he approached the stand.

“Frank Castle.”

“What is your vocation?”

“Former officer of Gotham’s police force.”

“Former,” repeats the prosecutor. “And can you tell the court today what caused you to lose that position, which coincides with what your accused of today.” Said the prosecutor, emphasizing the word, ‘accused.’

“You read the reports and statements, councilor. You tell me.”

“Answer the question, Mr. Castle,” commands the judge.

“Shooting and killing the Joker.”

The prosecutor clicks his teeth, as if processing what was just stated.

He walks back to his table, producing a picture.

The councilor walks back to stand showing a picture to Castle.

“Do you recognize this man, Mr. Castle?”

“I do.” Said Castle simply, as the prosecutor showed the picture to the court.

“That is James Irons, an alleged associate of the Falcone crime family.”

“And what is your history with, Mr. Irons?” Asked the lawyer.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Oh?” Said the prosecutor, facetiously. He goes back to the table grabbing several pieces of paper stapled together. “In my hand I have a formal complaint filed with the Gotham City police department against Mr. Castle on behalf of Mr. Irons. The complaint being brutality.” He hands it off to the jury, for them to verify it for themselves.

“And what is the point of this?” Asks Castle.

“I believe the phrase your looking for is, ‘objection, on the grounds of relevance.’” Said the prosecutor, arrogantly.

“Watch your tone counselor, but Mr. Castle does have a point. To what relevance is this to the court?” Said the judge.

“I’m only trying to establish to the court a history of Mr. Castle being less than kind to detained suspects. A history that started only after his family was allegedly killed by The Joker.” Said the prosecutor.

“You son of bitch-“ Frank growls as he lunges at the prosecutor and another ruckus stir occurs as he does.

The judge bangs his gavel, to regain control of the court. And the bailiffs are able to restrain Frank before he can get to the prosecution.

“Order! Mr. Castle, you are to control yourself, councilor, please do your best not to badger the witness, or I will hold you both in contempt.”

The prosecutor obviously frazzled by having Castle jump at him, straightens himself out. “As I was saying I’m simply trying to establish to the court a history of misconduct towards already arrested suspects, a history that started,” the prosecutor hesitates as Castle scowls at him, “after the untimely death of his family. As a matter of fact, I have 5 or 6 similar complaints against Mr. Castle over the last few years. So, what were those brutality cases, Mr. Castle? Working up your nerve to kill? Some measure of revenge until you found your desired prey?”

Frank sighs, then goes to answer. “If you saw what Irons did to his wife, you would’ve done the same thing. As far as the others,” Frank paused, a far away look in his eyes, “I don’t know. Things have been difficult since my family was killed.”

“That does not excuse an officer assaulting a person that’s already been arrested. It certainly doesn’t excuse you killing a detained suspect in cold blood.” Responded the prosecutor, he starts to walk back to his table, apparently finished questioning.

“Cold blood,” laughs Frank. “That was the hardest decision I’ve made since they died.”

“What?” Said the prosecutor.

“You’ve been needling witnesses all day to paint as some kind of monster. And all day I’ve listened to you corner my former colleagues and commanding officers to confirm it so. Who am I to deny what you want?” Said Frank sarcastically. “Killing the Joker wasn’t something that came to me easy. I thought about it for a long while. When I finally decided to go through with it, I waited years for my opportunity. Waited for something, anything where I can come across that piece of shit. A transport detail, a detail guarding a door as he’s being interrogated. Literally anything. My opportunity came that night a few months ago. The city’s resident so-called hero had just subdued The Joker and all nearby cars were ordered to report to scene. I happened to be assigned to guard him with another officer while we waited for a high-security bus to come cart him off. I lucked that officer I was pared with was very antagonistic and he managed to get himself hurt leaving me all alone with the Joker. I was unsure now that the time had come to actually go through with it. When I questioned him why he attacked the civic center, his answer steeled my resolve. My only regret is that I didn’t get to empty my entire clip into the son of a bitch. Is that what you wanted counselor?”

“That’s it,” replied the prosecutor simply. “Nothing further.”

“I, um,” said the judge. “The jury maybe excused so they may deliberate.”

****

The court reconvened after only 30 minutes of deliberation.

The judge once again bangs his gavel to quiet the court once more.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?” The judge addressed the foreman.

“We have reached a unanimous verdict, your honor.” Said the foreman.

He unfolds the piece of, containing said decision.

“We, the jury, find Frank Castle on the charge of first-degree murder, not guilty.”

At the rendered verdict, the court erupts more riotous than before.

The prosecutor is beside himself at the decision.

He’s yelling and ranted animated in his position at the court, mutterings of ‘mistrial’ and damnings of fifth amendment rights.

The judge is just as animated, banging his gavel attempting to regain control of the court room once more.

“Order! Goddamnit! I will clear this courtroom! Order! Order!” Yells the judge.

The court begins to simmer down at his threat. He chuckles and goes on to say, “Not guilty. Huh. Oh, well. The State of New Jersey would like to thank the jury for their service today.” He then turns his attention to Castle. “So much could be said to you, Mr. Castle. You avoided the obvious despite the overwhelming evidence against the contrary.”

“I’m just as surprised as you, your honor.” Replied Frank.

“Indeed. Mr. Castle, I wish I can say justice, as I understand it as an officer of court, was dispensed. Had it been so, you probably never would’ve been in front of me in this capacity. Commissioner Gordon’s baby girl wouldn’t be in a wheelchair. You would still come home to your family every night. Hell, that can be said of countless families across this city of ours, cause The Joker would’ve been locked away for a long, long time. But it hasn’t. Furthermore, I wish I could pat you on the back for a job well done. I wish I can tell you that-a-boy. I wish I could tell you your wife and children could rest easy now that that piece of shit is off the streets. But again, because of my station I can’t officially. Mr. Castle, the jury has given you your life back. Congratulations. Case dismissed,” he said, banging his gavel.

****

It had been a fight out the court room, as more than a few reporters had managed to find a seat during his case. He had to fight even harder on the courtroom steps, as there were reporters from every newspaper and news station trying to get a quote for this story.

Showing he still had allies in the police station, Commissioner Gordon and few other officers had formed a makeshift human barrier around Castle as they pushed their way though the throngs of journalists.

As they make their way to the parking deck, a well-built clean-shaven, red-haired man in a navy-blue suit is waiting for them. He’s standing by the rear door of limousine. Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the gentleman actually is dressed in a military officer’s uniform.

The man then makes his own way toward Frank Castle and his escorts.

“I can take him from here, boys.” Said the man.

“Mind telling us who you are.” Said Gordon.

“Captain Rick Flag, United States military. No need to be so defensive,” said Frank, defusing the tension between the police officer’s and the man. “I served with him in the marines. He stayed with military, I decided to go into law enforcement.”

“If you say so Frank. Listen, if you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me.” Said Gordon, extending his hand to Frank.

“Thanks, Commissioner,” replied Castle shaking hands with Gordon.

The officers and Gordon leave Flag and Castle alone to catch up. “By the way, its Colonel these days, Frank,” said Colonel Rick Flag, extending a hand to greet his old comrade.

Castle scoffs at the Colonel, “Look at you. So, what do want, Rick?”

“I’ve got someone who wants to talk to you. I know with, recent developments you’ve found yourself with a lot of time on your hands, old friend. She’s in the limo, follow me.”

Flag leads Frank to the limo. Upon reaching it, he opens the door, beckoning him to enter.

Frank passes the threshold, fixing himself into a plush leather seat as Flag closes the door.

Sitting across from him is a heavy seat African American woman.

She’s sloshing ice around in quarter filled glass, with an amber liquid inside, alcohol presumably. She’s dressed in a blue suit jacket and pencil skirt. Her hair is incredibly short, styled in a mini afro. Her dark-brown eyes bare a seriousness mirrored in the expression on her face.

“Mr. Castle,” she said, “what do you know about Task Force X?”

[tylerallenlawfirm-blog]

What Happens If I Waive My Right to an Attorney?

When you are accused of a crime, the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution give you the right to have an Arizona criminal defense attorney. These amendments are rooted in the idea of fairness and are a key pillar of the U.S. justice system. However, these rights can be waived by a defendant. The Fifth Amendment's Miranda rights, for example, give you the right to have an attorney and to also have that attorney present at the time of police questioning. If you choose to waive this right, then Arizona police can interrogate you and use what is said against you.

Tyler Allen Law Firm, PLLC 4201 North 24th Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-456-0545 https://www.allenlawaz.com/

[freelancesumandas]

How to speed up your divorce in Texas

Houston Family Law Lawyer: Nobody wants to go through a divorce. You may find yourself wanting to separate yourself from your spouse due to arguments, anger, violence, lies and any number of other bad and intolerable offenses but nobody wants to have to go through months of a divorce case to do so. A magic wand that could be waved that results in the divorce would be much preferable. However, that is not reality and the law in Texas has certain requirements that must be met in order to get a divorce.

Just because a divorce is necessary should not and does not mean that it will have to take an exceptionally long time for it to be completed. This should come as a welcome relief if the length of the process that you are about to undergo has been a concern of yours heading into the case.

Today’s blog post from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC will center around the subject how to speed up your divorce case as much as possible. While you do not want to miss anything important in your case you also do not want to delay the process any amount more than necessary. I will note that some of you reading this blog will not be able to have the short and sweet version of a divorce that I am about to lay out in this blog post. That’s ok. You want a divorce done well that protects your and your children’s rights- not a short divorce that ends up hurting you in the long run.

Keep in mind that “speed up” is a relative term

The fastest you can likely get a divorce in Texas is sixty days. From the date that you file your Original Petition for Divorce to the date that the divorce can be granted by a judge, you are looking at a two month time frame. The reason for this waiting period is to give you and your spouse an amount of time to truly consider whether or not a divorce is right for you. You may be surprised to learn that I have had many clients who have used this time period to reconsider divorce and attempt a reconciliation. I hope the same will be possible for you, but statistically (from my experience) this is unlikely.

Your judge can decide to waive this sixty day waiting period if he or she believes that your situation merits doing so. If your spouse have been convicted on a crime of domestic violence against you or someone in your household, for example, then the judge may choose to waive the sixty day wait. Again, this does not happen often (thankfully) and therefore you should fully expect to wait your sixty days before getting a divorce in Texas.

The purpose of this blog is to help you to get your case done in as close to sixty-one days as possible. You may not hit the nail right on the head but I believe that with planning and some forethought you can get it taken care of will minimal delay.

What needs to be in placed for you to get a divorce

At a bare minimum you and your spouse must have two things in place in order to get a divorce: proof that one of you provided sufficient notice to the other that a divorce has been filed in Texas and there must be a written agreement that shows a settlement of the issues related to your case. The written agreement is typically called a Final Decree of Divorce and contains provisions related to a division of your marital estate as well as a breakdown of the rights, duties, visitation times and possession details associated with your children if you have any.

Notice and Service of your Original Petition for Divorce

Family Lawyer in Houston: Notifying your spouse of your Divorce Petition having been filed does not mean driving to her house and tapping her on the shoulder to let her know that you have filed for divorce. I mean you must provide her with legal notice of the divorce. This is an entirely different subject altogether.

Legal notice means either having your spouse waive their right to be personally served with the divorce papers or going through the process of actually legally serving him or her. A waiver of citation allows you to not hire a private process server or constable to formally serve your spouse with your divorce petition. A waiver provides sufficient proof to the judge that your spouse has been legally notified of your divorce. Keep in mind that your waiver must include provisions as set forth in the Texas Family Code and must be signed in front of a notary in order to be considered legally valid.

When a waiver is not an option you must serve notice upon your spouse. Usually waivers work when your divorce is relatively “open and shut”. If you and your spouse are not on speaking terms or have huge areas of disagreement in one area or another of your case then you can bet that a waiver is not an option for you all.

As I mentioned earlier, the typical method for serving your spouse with notice of your divorce is via a process server or constable. These folks will pick up your divorce paperwork at the courthouse and go out to your spouse’s home or business and physically hand the paperwork to him or her. Once this is completed your process server will complete the paperwork stating the date/time/location of service and will return it to the court. This proof of citation will be filed for your case providing proof that your spouse has indeed been served with notice of this divorce case.

Your spouse is told within the paperwork that he or she receives that there is a limit of twenty days (and a few extra in most cases) to file a response or Answer to the Original Petition for Divorce. If he or she fails to do so then a default judgment can be taken against him or her. A default judgment is a finalized judgment from the court that can be obtained without additional notification to your spouse.

Look at your circumstances to determine if a sixty day divorce (or something close) is possible

Once you and your spouse are both aware of the divorce then you can move ahead to determine whether or not a relatively quick divorce is possible. You can make this determination by reviewing the circumstances and issues apparent in your case. If you all are in agreement on virtually all the issues of your case then you may be looking at a quick divorce. However, if you have a lot of issues that are unresolved then a longer, more detailed divorce is likely necessary.

From my experience it is issues related to children that tend to slow down a divorce- with good cause. Your children are the most important aspect of your life and it will be no different in your divorce. If you and your spouse, for example, are not in agreement on which one of you will be caring for the children on a primary basis then this is a disagreement that is essential to any divorce case. Child custody, child support, the division or rights and duties and other issues are all inherent in a divorce case when minor children are involved. If you and your spouse are nowhere close to an agreement on these issues then you have no realistic chance at a sixty day divorce.

More information on how to obtain an efficient and quick divorce in tomorrow’s blog post

Family Lawyers Houston: To learn more about how you and your spouse can avoid a long and protracted divorce please come back to our blog tomorrow in order to read more. If you have any immediate questions please consider addressing those to the attorneys with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. We offer free of charge consultations six days a week with one of our licensed family law attorneys. Scheduling a consultation is easy, fast and can help you to problem solve and think through many issues associated with your case ... Continue Reading

[lenadaigle-blog1]

Story of My Life

When I got a phone call from my ex-boyfriend telling me that there was an Alaska State Trooper at his house looking for me, I told him I had no reason to worry, and to tell him where I was. I had just gotten back from McDonald's when the trooper knocked on the door, he told me that he was investigating a theft case and wanted to ask me some questions about the trailer that I just sold, I told him that I had found the trailer at the transfer site and it was in really bad shape,so I took it home and made it my project and after 2 years, I managed to get it to work properly enough to where I can sell it, he took down a couple notes and asked for my contact information, in case he had more questions and left. About 15 minutes later I hear a knock on the door, and it's the trooper, he informs me that he was placing me under arrest for theft and placed me in handcuffs, and took me out of the apartment into the hallway where he begins to search me with no female officer present, no other officer present at all, as if me getting arrested wasn't enough, while he was "searching" me, he brings his hand from behind and rubs it along my vagina, I was terrified!! And that's not all, as I am being booked in at the jail, I told the nurse what had happened, she pretended she didn't hear me, I told a guard what the trooper had done and her response was " I would not get your hopes up on thinking anything will be done about it, no one cares, the trooper will probably get promoted". Determined to get someone to listen to me, as soon as I was put in a holding I called my mom and told her to take some of my money that I had left with her, and pay for an attorney to come to talk to me about my charges and about getting sexually assaulted. Finally after what seemed to be an eternity, I was told I had an attorney visit, I told him how I got the trailer, and that I had gone into DMV earlier that day to see what I needed to do to get a surety bond because the trailer had sold and I didn't have a title for it, he looks at me sympathetically and tells me that he can represent me, and that it would cost 10,000 dollars maybe more, and as for the officer sexually assaulting you, there isn't much that can be done, it's your word against his, infuriated, I told the guard I was done. The following day at arraignments, the judge order that I be placed on an electronic ankle monitor through Alaska Pretrial Services and order a 20,000 dollar unsecured appearance bond, a 20,000 dollar unsecured performance bond and placed me on house arrest, I am only allowed to leave my residence for court, meetings with the public defender that was appointed to represent me,and regularly scheduled Dr appointments. All this for selling a trailer that I had found at the dump, I had 8 charges against me, 5 of which are felonies, and that's not even the worst part, it gets better. 

When I got arrested on February 7, 2018, I had 2 cases open 4FA-18000012CR and 4FA-18-000034CR, I was released from jail on 2-12-18, the following day there were 2 arrest bonds added to run concurrently with 4FA-18000034CR. On February 15 two Alaska State Troopers came to my apartment and asked if they could ask me a couple of questions, I told them to call my attorney and shut my door, they knocked a couple of minutes later and when I opened my door, they took my picture and arrested me, and when I asked why I was under arrest, they ignored me, I was fuming. What's more, February 15th is the day of my preliminary hearing that was ironically vacated for the obvious reason, but here's something really interesting, 2-15-18 is also the day that I was indicted on all of my charges. I spent a couple hours in jail and was released, on my release papers, it said that the charges were dismissed. 

Since March of 2018 I called and left several voicemails, that never got returned and sent my attorney, the public defender who was appointed to represent me over 50 emails asking, or I should say begging him to please get my conditions of release modified, also giving him a detailed timeline of events important to my case. When he did file for bail hearings so my conditions of release could be modified, he wasn't present at my hearings, and the public defender that was sent to fill in for him, managed to get my conditions of release more strict, not only that, but I also had a 5,000 dollar failure to appear bench warrant issued for my arrest because my attorney did not notify me of the bail hearing the state had requested. In addition to that, during my omnibus hearing, my attorney didn't even know that one of my cases had been closed for almost a month because again, he was not present at the hearing when the case was closed. But here's the kicker, the charges from the case that was closed, ended up in my open case, when in court the judge dismissed the charges and closed the case. Astonishing, isn't it? 

I told my attorney that I did not want my right to a speedy trial waived and that I would not be making any deals, and what happens, he waives my right to a speedy trial and starts negotiating a plea deal with the DA. And because he was confident that I would accept a deal, he didn't bother to do any investigation into my case, and when I told him that I wanted to go to trial, he got mad at me and told me that I would lose, I was shocked. 

I found out from my attorney himself, that he is neighbors with the Alaska State Trooper that arrested me!!! After finding this out, I start to send emails to everyone, including the director of The Public Defender Agency, and I have yet to get a reply from anyone, the bar complaint that I filed did me absolutely no good. 

During all of this, I find out that the state pulled witnesses out of their asses to testify against me at the trail. And my attorney did nothing to find out where these people came from and were still trying to convince me to accept a deal from the state. The Friday before my trial was to start was the first time that I spoke to an investigator about my case, and she wanted me to get ahold of witnesses and have them call her before the end of the day, it was then when I realized that I was just a paycheck for my attorney and that he did not care what happened to me, and that he assumed I was guilty the entire time. During my trial, I found out that the gentleman that bought my trailer was close personal friends with the Alaska State Trooper that arrested me, so not only was the trooper neighbors with my attorney but best friends with the person that purchased my trailer. 

That's only the beginning.