Update from the AoTP Convict
(posted by Mona)
Some of you may have followed this post about my arrest for — like a ninny — buying pot from my violent, drug-dealer, genuinely criminal neighbors to call the cops on said neighbors. As the prior post relates, the results were not what I had in mind.
A local lawyer for whom I used to be an associate, god bless his heart, got me the best deal today likely to make it all go away — even with no priors, months of jail time were on the table.
The (shockingly literate) police report convinced, the judge, my lawyer and the prosecutor that I was not a druggie and that my real crime was vigilantism for trying to get the neighbors who have been harassing me arrested.
I have to pay court costs and $50 every time I see the probation officer monthly for the next six months — and oddly am enjoined for reasons I do not get from going to restaurants where alcohol is served. (Alcohol played no role in this matter.) Oh, and I may not purchase a firearm for the next half year.
Thank you to my one friend and reader who sent a substantial Paypal donation. I still have some income past due which ought to be coming, so should be ok, but at this point would accept any help.
Of course, even had I bought a joint merely because I enjoy them (which was not the case), this was an outrage.
The strip search, I still cannot get over that.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
and oddly am enjoined for reasons I do not get from going to restaurants where alcohol is served.
The evergreen default morals clause.
Oh, and I may not purchase a firearm for the next half year.
Well, it’s only six months, so that’s pretty light (for what they usually do). Needless to say if there were any justice, there wouldn’t even be that.
A local lawyer for whom I used to be an associate, god bless his heart, got me the best deal today likely to make it all go away
Amen. Good on him.
but at this point would accept any help.
I will see if I can scrounge up some cash for you. (I’m broke too!)
The strip search, I still cannot get over that.
I wouldn’t expect you to get over that. I am not sure what to offer here tho, except to say it’s abuse by the system, and some evil fuckers.
max
['Stay as cool as you can.']
October 10th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Thanks so much for the supportive comments, Max. But if you are broke too, I don’t want your $$. I’ll graciously accept it from those who can give without it pinching.
You do the same,and thanks again
October 11th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Mona,
I’m so sorry about this travesty! Being in one of my periodic attempts to wean myself from that most addictive of all drugs, Internetin, I didn’t read about your plight until just now.
Hang in there!
October 11th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Thanks DAR. I imagine that after I’ve dealt with the severe setback this whole matter caused to my already fragile mental health (anxiety disorders are real), my dedication to railing against the evil of the drug war will skyrocket.
But for now, I’m dealing twice weekly with my therapist getting over the whole awful event, most especially that dehumanizing strip search. I can understand that kind of protocol being necessary for violent criminals, but it surely is not indicated for a charge of possessing a single joint. It really does feel like like rape.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
{{{{Hugs}}}}, Mona. Presumably, you have my email if you need an ear.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Mona,
Please know that many of us are thinking of you in this difficult time. Thank you for the genuine contributions you have made to the online community; yours is a voice that is essential to our country today.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Thank you “bystander”and Jim White. You both know me from Glenn’s site, and he and I have discussed this by email. Unfortunately he was a bit overly optimistic is concluding this charge would be “nothing.” The prosecutor would not even reduce it to disorderly conduct. MI is Jesusland, at least in my very red county. They don’t care why you buy a joint, if you do, you are evil.
So now I not only have a record for the 1st time at age 52, I have to pay these absurd fees every time I meet with my probation officer, and if she wants me to pee in a cup for her, I have to pay for that as well. Never mind that I struggle to keep the electric bill paid.
October 13th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Mona,
hearing about this just knocked me for a loop! I am so sorry this had to happen to you. The strip search part of it just sounds like out and out intimidation to me, of course, as you know, I have some pretty big bones to pick with the police as well. OH isn’t very far from MI in lots of ways…..
Hang in there and know that I am keeping you in my thoughts right now. I hope you heal without too many scars.