Archive for the ‘Colorado DUI Lawyer Articles’ Category
Plant Spirit Shamanism in the Amazon
May 7th, 2011 | 
Author: We are delighted to announce a new, dedicated programme enabling you to experience authentic Plant Spirit Shamanism and Ayahuasca Ceremonies in the hauntingly beautiful Peruvian Rainforest.
This event is focussed on healing and self-exploration, and offers a transformative encounter with the magical powers of Nature through the ancient rituals of the Amazonian plant shaman.
On this journey we provide the orientation, conditions, and support for you to experience authentic jungle medicine, to receive the healing and insights available from Ayahuasca, the legendary ‘vine of souls’, and to benefit from the wisdom and teachings of Master Shamans, the mystics of the emerald forest.
There will be eight Ayahuasca ceremonies during our retreat — more than any comparable programme – as well as jungle walks to meet the spirits of the plants, the opportunity to diet particular plants and absorb their curative powers, workshops on shamanism and plant magic, and the chance to work with shamans of the plant spirit tradition. One-to-one consultations and healings can also be arranged for you with these experts on healing and transformation.
We provide transportation in Peru to the Retreat Centre, accommodation, food, translation services, ceremonies, shamans, workshops, and ‘medicines’. All you need do is be open to this magical event and the changes it might bring to your life.
Our programme takes place at a jungle Retreat Centre an hour and a half’s drive from the town of Iquitos. The people who run this Centre are from the Shipibo-Conibo ethnic group and are renowned for their kindness and hospitality. Your stay at the Centre begins with a ceremony of beinvenida (“Welcome”), followed by a sauna to relax and purify you as you leave ‘the outside world’ behind. It ends with a ceremony of despedida, where you will be given a special ‘gift of power’ to take with you as you begin your journey home. Between these two events, you are offered a chance for personal transformation:
• An opportunity to take part in 8 traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies for cleansing, release, healing, and spiritual realisation
• Flower baths (limpia and florecimiento) to restore balance to the soul, and for “flourishing”: good luck and success
• Explore the rainforest with our shamans and guides and gain insight into the healing powers of Nature
• Learn the wisdom of Plant Spirit Shamanism in workshops led by Ross Heaven, author of the best-selling book, Plant Spirit Shamanism
• Diet plants which can help your unique quest to understand life and your spiritual mission
• Learn more about the rainforest through a jungle walk to the beautiful Agua Negra (‘black water’) Creek
• Deepen your knowledge of the plants though a visit to Pasaje Paquito, a treasure trove of medicinal remedies from all over the Amazon Rainforest
• Get to know the rainforest people and their spiritual universe through exhibitions of Shipibo arts and textiles
• Work with some of the greatest Amazonian shamans, who are experts on healing and masters of the plants, in authentic rituals and healings to help you on your journey
THE AYAHUASCA EXPERIENCE
Ayahuasca is the jungle medicine par excellence of the Upper Amazon. It is made from Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis Caapi) and the leaves of the Chacruna plant (Psychotria Viridis).
Both are collected from the rainforest in a sacred way and it is said that a shaman can find plentiful sources by listening for the ‘heartbeat’ that emanates from them. The mixture is prepared by scraping and cleaning the specially-chosen vines and adding the Chacruna leaves. The mixture is then brewed with water and reduced for several hours, attended by the shaman who sings his sacred songs (icaros) and blows his intention for healing (soplada) into the brew. When drunk in the correct ritual context, this mixture becomes a powerful ally that can help us step into the visionary world.
The ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in this way is as ancient as history itself. One of the oldest objects related to it is a specially-engraved stone cup, which was found in the Amazon around 500 BC, and proves that ayahuasca was used as a Holy sacrament from before the birth of Christ – at least 2,500 years ago.
The word Ayahuasca comes from two Quechua words: aya meaning spirit or ancestor, and huasca meaning vine or rope – hence it is known as the ‘vine of souls’. It plays a central role in the spiritual and cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Upper Amazon.
Integral to Ayahuasca ceremonies are the chants and songs of the shaman. These are known as icaros, and they direct the ceremonial and visionary experience. The shaman has specific songs for each person’s needs, the vibrations of which summon healing energies, and the words of which are symbolic, telling of the ability of Nature to heal. For example, an icaro may tell of the power of a sacred stream to wash away illness or uncertainty, or of brightly-coloured flowers to attract hummingbirds whose wings fan healing energies.
You might see such things in your visions. What provides the healing, however, is the understanding Ayahuasca brings of what is happening in your life, allowing inner feelings to unblock so that sadness, anger, and other negative energies are transmuted into ecstasy and love.
During this trip, you have the opportunity to drink Ayahuasca and meet its spirit, to watch it being made and learn how to do it yourself, and possibly even to gather the vine. Perhaps you may even assist our shamans in making the Ayahuasca brews you will drink during your stay.
FLOWER BATHS
Baths to restore balance and harmony to the soul are known of and practiced in many shamanic cultures (though it is an art we have lost in the West).
By cleansing, ‘flourishing’, and bringing a new sense of balance, the spirit and body are able to heal themselves. These baths call in the powers of our allies in Nature and prepare the ground for our healing.
They are prepared by Master Shamans, using specially-chosen plants and flowers — perhaps like those above — which create particular energetic and spiritual effects, to which is added cooling river waters. The mixture is then poured over the body (you don’t need to take off your clothes) as a blessing or even a baptism of sorts. Our shamans will provide floral baths for us as a means to heal, centre, and cleanse our spirits.
PLANT WALK
The rainforest is your playground and you are welcome to explore it any time. Included in this trip is also a special guided walk with our shaman and translator who will introduce you to some of the plants of the forest and explain their uses in healing.
WORKSHOPS
As part of your programme you are invited to attend Circle Meetings to discuss your ayahuasca experiences, and to clarify your insights. There are also explanatory seminars and workshops with Ross to put your experiences in context as they relate to Plant Spirit Shamanism.
DIETING THE PLANTS
The ‘Shaman’s Diet’ is a journey of self-exploration and discovery, bringing greater self-awareness and knowledge of the plants. It also enhances the Ayahuasca experience. Through the ritual exclusion of some foodstuffs and activities (which we will take care of for you) and work with a particular teacher plant (or plants), the diet enables you to ‘take in’ the spirit or essence of that ‘jungle doctor’ and initiate into its powers.
Ajo Sacha, for example, tunes you in to the reality of the rainforest, sharpening the senses and making you more ‘plant-like’. Because of this, it is harder for the animals of the forest to detect you and, consequently, it has been used as an aid to hunting for thousands of years. In the West, of course, with our ‘fast food lifestyles’, hunting is less important but, interestingly, Ajo Sacha is able to accommodate for this and to transform its powers. What makes it really useful for Westerners is its ability to help us stalk our ‘inner issues’. It is still the plant of the hunter; but its hunting grounds have changed.
Diets are not invented by shamans, but are given to them by plant spirits themselves. They involve a state of purification, retreat, commitment, and respect for our connection with everything around us. All of this will be explained further when you book your course and, for the plant spirit apprentice, is one of the most exciting parts of this trip.
The main plants we will diet are:
Ajo Sacha: For Luck in Love and Business
As well as its abilities in hunting, this is an important planta maestra (‘Master’ or ‘Teacher Plant’) in the initiation of Amazonian shamans. It brings inner strength, acuity of mind, and the ability to overcome saladera (an inexplicable run of ‘bad luck’), rid yourself of spells and evil magic, and enhance your powers of healing, as well as heightening your ’stalking’ skills, as mentioned above.
Pinon Colorado: A Defence Against Evil Sorcerers
‘Evil sorcerers’ are around us everywhere. Every time we get on the tube and sit next to someone who is radiating hostility because they’ve had a bad day, or argue with our wives, or have to confront our bosses, we expose ourselves to negative vibrations and bad energy. This has a real and physical effect, such as that sick feeling in our stomachs when someone verbally attacks us, and this energy can stay in our systems. Pinon Colorado is a defence against emanations like these, as well as more deliberate attacks by rivals, competitors, and black magicians in all walks of life.
Bellaco Caspi: For the Extraction of Virote (Evil Magical Darts)
While Pinon Colorado (above) is a defence against bad energy, Bellaco Caspi helps us remove this energy from our systems when we have already been exposed to it. Shamans see such energy (especially when it is sent with deliberate intent) as magical darts called virote. These stick to our energy bodies and can cause physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual harm unless they are removed. Pinon Colorado loosens these darts so our bodies can return to normal and our health is restored.
OUR SHAMANS
We work with a team of expert shamans who will be chosen according to the specific needs of our group. Among them are:
Don Emisael
A Maestro Esperitista and Palero Ayahuascero, don Emisael is a Shipibo shaman who was abducted by rubber barons to work in their plantations when he was a child. Through his experiences in the jungle and his work with shamans from many different traditions, he has developed an expert knowledge of plant teachers (plantas ensenanantes), vines (sogas), and perfumes like camalonga, agua de florida, and cananga, all of which have specific spiritual effects for “changing one’s luck” for the better. Don Emisael has studied with the shamans of the Shimaco, Bora, and Cocama tribes and knows the icaros of birds, plants, and waters.
Don Mariano
From the age of 15, don Mariano dieted many different palo maestros and plantas maestros (‘teacher trees’ and ‘teacher plants’). His icaros carry a beauty, sweetness, and relentless power that many find unparalleled in their ability to transform and transport the listener to other worlds of healing.
Don Cesar
A Cocama shaman, don Cesar receives and sings his icaros in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua, the ancient Peruvian language. He is a master of the songs of many different plants and power places.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
Our accommodation is in cabins, which sleep two people, and in the ‘casa grande’, a new and larger development which has a more communal feel to it.
Some ‘Ayahuasca tours’ offer single accommodation at a premium price and promote this as an advantage, but staying alone in the jungle during Ayahuasca ceremonies on a retreat such as this is not always recommended. Shared accommodation — which we favour – provides an opportunity to support each other, to share experiences, and to reflect on the information you receive during your ceremonies, which is usually the best approach. It also avoids premium prices.
All of our rooms are natural, comfortable, and feature ‘NO mod cons’! (i.e. TVs, satellite, phones, computer sockets, etc). This makes your experience as real and authentic as possible and assists the diet. You are able to feel the jungle around you, with no distractions which might get in the way of your spiritual journey: a true retreat.
Meals are eaten together in the main lodge, the traditional meeting place, and all food is natural, fresh, wholesome, and fully in keeping with the diet. On days when we drink Ayahuasca in ceremony, it is a traditional requirement of the diet that the evening meal is skipped. On all other days you will be served with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is included in the price of your retreat.
The Cost of This Shamanic Adventure Includes:
• Collection from and return to Iquitos
• Accommodation and food throughout your stay at Onanyan Shobo, fully in line with the shaman’s diet and the requirements of Ayahuasca ceremonies
• Welcome ceremony and sauna
• Farewell ceremony and gifts
• 8 Ayahuasca ceremonies, including materials and services provided by our shamans
• Workshops, plant walks, Circle Meetings, floral baths, and the other events
• Trip to Pasaje Paquito medicinal remedies centre
• Individual consultations with our shamans (But please note: if you require dedicated shamanic healing or advice, this is not included in the price. It can be arranged for you, however, at a small additional cost which is payable directly to your shaman and is not a specific part of this event)
To make an enquiry about this programme, please email kate@thefourgates.com and we will send you more detailed information.
Originally published here.
Ross Heaven
Posted in 
Speeding Ticket Victory, Traffic court Strategy and Tactics
Speeding Ticket Victory, Court Strategy, and Tactics
By
Charles w Ginsburg
Probably one of the most intimidating and helpless feelings I have personally felt is the thought of having to go to court to face the music. The thought of that was so impressive to me, I immediately sought out my legal options and found out things may not be as helpless and hopeless as I thought and that there were actually realistic and viable choices that I could make to get some soldiers on my side.
My first of three speeding tickets that I had received in Vancouver, Washington, a few years ago. The officer was on a motorcycle and stated he had my speed verified at 28 mph thru a 20 mph school zone, using LIDAR and he also stated he paced me with his motorcycle, verifying my speed with his speedometer on his bike. , The time was 7:31, on the first day of school. The morning school zone signs and lights said the speed restriction for the morning, was from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 am.
So within a matter of minutes I was looking at a pretty good chunk of change that I was going to have to fork out when I lost this case .In my situation I was not only looking at losing my license again, but many thousands in fines and court costs, lawyers fees, court costs, required traffic classes that I had to pay $80 bucks a pop for but also the cost of my insurance would at least double and I would have to get sr-22 insurance on top of that. Besides that I would be going to jail and may get my car impounded.
Years before I was stopped and sited for a DUI, hadn’t been speeding or any other traffic infraction accept 2 empty beer cans in the car and one in my hand, An officer, as fate would have it, just happened to stop at the same stop light I was at, he yelled out and said, “Mister if that isn’t a Pepsi you better pull over. . You can probably guess how that went. Beer in Washington and Oregon has 6.0 % alcohol in it by weight. They are very serious about open containers and driving under the influence up there. Needless to say it cost almost $4000 bucks, just to keep my cdl license and the warning that I should not even think of getting the slightest infraction for at least the next seven years. Well I was a few years short.
I told a friend about the situation and he said,”Charlie you got to fight this”! He had a magazine under his arm, leafed thru it and produced an ad for “speed ticket victory” At the time I had to send of for the cd, now I guess it’s available for immediate downloading online .
Within minutes after reading this info I felt like I had a real fighting chance and I could fight fire with fire and use the law to my advantage instead of getting legally stomped on and lose maybe as much as $6k to $ 7k.in lawyers fees, court costs, classes and maybe go to jail, lose my cdl, my job, my car, my low insurance premiums. Gosh I really felt like I had absolute hope.
I never really had much faith in mail order or computer downloaded items but boy did I find out how wrong I was. Heres what happened in court about a month later.
I joined about 50 other alleged offenders in the court room and the bailiff brought the court to order and the judge came in and took her seat. She called the first case and the clerk read the gals charges and the judge said Ms. Jones you plead not guilty, officer smith, her accuser, what happened on the date and time of the alleged offense? Well your honor the defendant was speeding doing 50 mph thru a 30 mph residential area, she was clocked my the pacing of my car behind hers for a distance of one block.
The judge then asked “Ms Jones what is your defense to these charges” Well your honor, I was sick with a fever on the day of the incident and I was going to the pharmacy to get my prescription and I was very nervous and just wasn’t aware of my speed, I also had to get to a restroom quickly because I had diarrhea all that morning and my kids were screaming in the back seat. At that point she started crying and faked a fainting spell in court. After the judge called a 5 minute recess to get the gal a drink of water and a sniff of smelling salts. She was returned to the court room and the judge asked “how are you feeling ms jones”, she said, “oh much better your honor, you are so kind”. The judge gave a small wry grin out of the side of her lips then said “are you ready to continue your defense”? Ms Jones said , “yes your honor, besides all I have presented to you before, I now ask that the court have mercy on me and please understand I wasn’t exactly in my right mind your honor, and that’s all I have to say, thank you so much for being so understanding.
The judge then said thank you so much for your compliments and observations of my understanding. How ever, Ms Jones, I must judge between you and the evidence given and evidence presented by the people of Clark County represented by Officer Smith. I do find, based on the preponderance of the evidence in favor of the people and find you guilty of the charges. You provided no evidence against the charges made against you. I sentence you to pay the fine for the charges in the sum of $500 dollars, which is 100 dollars less then scheduled fine, also $200 for court cost, because this is your third offence I suspend your license for 90 days and remand you over to the custody of the Clark county jail where you will serve 90 days in confinement. I do hereby suspend that sentence, in exchange for 90 days probation, with the understanding that I will not see you in this court again, can you give me that assurance Ms Jones, In a low whimpering voice she said yes your honor, I promise you wont see me again.
The next case was pretty simple, the officer writing the ticket didn’t show up and wasn’t represented, case dismissed. The defendant has a right to face their accuser.
The next case was similar to mine, a gal was doing 26 in a 20mph school zone.. The charges were read, the officer gave his testimony. She was clocked on Radar. She didn’t dispute or challenge the officers charges or the aspects of her ticket, what she did do, and got her efforts noticed, was to define mechanical problems with her speedometer and tire diameter which had caused her car to go faster than the speedometer read. She had the problems corrected and provided the judge with receipts and a written explanation of work that was done to correct the problems that were causing the false speedometer reading. The judge only charged her court costs, no fine, no points on her driving record. Now it was my turn.
I felt a amazing peace and confidence as my name was called and the charges were read. I knew if I was found guilty I was going to lose a lot of cash, a lot of work, my CDL license and possibly my freedom, not to mention a huge boost in my insurance premiums . However, I had so much confidence in the preparations I had made and the step by step procedure I would use and the awareness of any weakness in the peoples case, that I can honestly say I felt I had already won before I got there.
The officer completed his testimony and the judge said Mr. Bell you may now present your case. I started with an immediate attack, (the information from the internet said the best defense is a good offense). I immediately said in a forceful and loud commanding voice, “You’re Honor I respectfully request an immediate dismissal of my case on the basis of the officer’s mistaken determination of the time my alleged infraction occurred. The ticket states 7:31 a.m., I contend and will prove that the time was not even 7:28 am, a full three minutes before the school zone speed restriction came into effect…
The judge said proceed Mr. Bell. Your Honor may I question the plaintiff, Yes you may she replied, Officer Doof, are you wearing the watch that you wore at the time of my alleged infraction? Yes it is, he replied. may I inspect your watch officer Doof; it’s a very nice Rolex isn’t it ? Yes you may and yes it is. You’re. Honor may I approach the bench that you might also inspect this watch of officer doof’s? Yes you may. You’re Honor I would also ask that you inspect my cell phone time if you would, while I continue my questioning of officer Doof, sure, was her response.
Officer Doof, were the yellow flashing lights, flashing when you clocked me with you’re Lidar gun and also paced me with you motorcycle.. “well I don’t recall” was his response. I immediately pointed out to the judge ” you’re honor may I respectfully submit that not only were the lights not on, but the time was before 7:30 a.m. and that’s why they were not on, also your Honor, the officers watch was and is incorrect, please notice the time on officer doof’s watch, it is currently 2 minutes faster than the clock on the wall and faster than the time on my cell phone. My cell phone provider has their time matched to the exact GMT (Greenwich mean time) and the Atomic Clock in Denver, Colorado.
Because the speed in this area is determined by the time of day and that I was proceeding within the limits of the law at 7:28, I object to any further proceedings on the grounds that I am innocent of the charges, I respectfully request immediate dismissal.
After a good 2 minutes of silence, looking down and shuffling papers on her desk the judge asked, Mr. Bell, it is your responsibility to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are not guilty of the charges set against you, What proof do you have that the lights weren’t just burned out or there was some other faulty circumstance with the maintenance and operation of the lights? She leaned forward, looked over her bifocals and with that same wry grin at the corners of her mouth I had seen before, said “well Mr. Bell”? I asked, you’re Honor may I have a few minutes to consider my response to you’re question.
I was prepared because , I was instructed in the instructional cd I had received , ” don’t say nothing you can’t prove with original documentation”
She was up to something sneaky but I couldn’t figure what it was, what I had presented should have been enough to send me away free and clear. I got all my ducks in a row and proceeded. I did have a letter written from the supervisor of street maintenance and lighting in that area, that at that time and date, the lights, timers and electricity in the area were all working in proper order. When I gave the document to the bailiff I could almost see steam coming from the judges head and lightning bolts coming from her eyes. She read that document till I thought it was going to catch fire. After several minutes I saw that wry smile forming on the edges of her mouth again and her hand slowly moving to the gavel. She said , Well Mr. Bell , I commend you on presenting valid and laudable defense, however this document is not a original and therefore is nothing more than hearsay evidence, “I find for the…” “I OBJECT YOU’RE Honor”! it is a copy of his letter, he wouldn’t give me the original, however please look at the back of the letter, his secretary is a notary and she notarized and signed the document as well as the supervisor and myself. He has also in his own hand included his office phobe number if you had any questions concerning its validity.!
I could see the judge was noticeably irritated and was mumbling and grumbling and talking out of the side of her mouth at the bailiff.. After muffled conversation with the bailiff for some several minutes. She blurted out I will need a 5 minute recess in my chambers to call this supervisor and confirm this letter. “You’re Honor” I said. Is not the notaries mark valid enough? And if you need a phone please use mine, its right there on your bench. ” I do have a right to a fast and speedy trial, and efficient due process, don’t I you’re Honor?”
She was clearly enraged , her hair was disheveled as she called the number, and at the same time saying to me in an almost inaudible, low growl, ” you think you’re pretty smart don’t you Mr. Bell?” I replied “oh no Ma’am, With all due respect, I’m just trying to defend myself as best I can you’re Honor”! Nobody answered and the judge closed the phone and said here’s your phone Mr. Bell, and threw it to me. I think she was trying for my nose.
“
“Mr. Bell you have presented favorable evidence and I’ m now ready to rule, do you have anything further to ad?” Not really understanding that she was ready to rule in my favor, I very quickly blurted out, “Oh yes you’re honor, please consider these further points of contention”!
Officer Doof has stated he was certified and specially trained in the use of the lidar gun, yet he presented no documentation verifying that certification. Officer Doof stated he used the Lidar gun, yet he did not mention whether or not the gun had been calibrated and certified in the last two months as Washington law requires, or provide documentation of these facts.
“Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Bell, please move along”, she said, as she was shaking her wristwatch in her ear.
3. Officer Doof also alleges to have paced my car thru the school zone to verify my speed, yet he provided no documentation confirming his motorcycle speedometer had undergone a recent certification by the Washington state patrol, or provided documentation that certification had taken place in the last 3 months.
4.Your honor along with the fact that officer Doffs watch is fast and I was written a ticket 2 minutes before the speed limit changed. I respectfully submit that Officer Doof does not have a case against me, providing sufficient and tangible evidence. I therefore request an immediate dismissal of this case, and full relief from any and all court cost and fees related to this case. Also your honor I would also ask your consideration for recompense by the people, for my loss of wages for one day of work and fuel cost from my home and back, A total of $150.00, if you would find in my behalf.
The judge raised her gavel and said Mr. Bell the court finds for the defendant (me) on all counts. As for your wages and fuel, please be happy with your victory!! smack went the gavel and everyone in the court room , even the bailiff , broke out in cheers, laughter and pats on my back, as the Judge , with a smile on her face said, “Mr. Bell please get out of my court room”!
Originally published here.
charles belle
Speeding Ticket Victory, Traffic court Strategy and Tactics
Speeding Ticket Victory, Court Strategy, and Tactics
By
Charles w Ginsburg
Probably one of the most intimidating and helpless feelings I have personally felt is the thought of having to go to court to face the music. The thought of that was so impressive to me, I immediately sought out my legal options and found out things may not be as helpless and hopeless as I thought and that there were actually realistic and viable choices that I could make to get some soldiers on my side.
My first of three speeding tickets that I had received in Vancouver, Washington, a few years ago. The officer was on a motorcycle and stated he had my speed verified at 28 mph thru a 20 mph school zone, using LIDAR and he also stated he paced me with his motorcycle, verifying my speed with his speedometer on his bike. , The time was 7:31, on the first day of school. The morning school zone signs and lights said the speed restriction for the morning, was from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 am.
So within a matter of minutes I was looking at a pretty good chunk of change that I was going to have to fork out when I lost this case .In my situation I was not only looking at losing my license again, but many thousands in fines and court costs, lawyers fees, court costs, required traffic classes that I had to pay $80 bucks a pop for but also the cost of my insurance would at least double and I would have to get sr-22 insurance on top of that. Besides that I would be going to jail and may get my car impounded.
Years before I was stopped and sited for a DUI, hadn’t been speeding or any other traffic infraction accept 2 empty beer cans in the car and one in my hand, An officer, as fate would have it, just happened to stop at the same stop light I was at, he yelled out and said, “Mister if that isn’t a Pepsi you better pull over. . You can probably guess how that went. Beer in Washington and Oregon has 6.0 % alcohol in it by weight. They are very serious about open containers and driving under the influence up there. Needless to say it cost almost $4000 bucks, just to keep my cdl license and the warning that I should not even think of getting the slightest infraction for at least the next seven years. Well I was a few years short.
I told a friend about the situation and he said,”Charlie you got to fight this”! He had a magazine under his arm, leafed thru it and produced an ad for “speed ticket victory” At the time I had to send of for the cd, now I guess it’s available for immediate downloading online .
Within minutes after reading this info I felt like I had a real fighting chance and I could fight fire with fire and use the law to my advantage instead of getting legally stomped on and lose maybe as much as $6k to $ 7k.in lawyers fees, court costs, classes and maybe go to jail, lose my cdl, my job, my car, my low insurance premiums. Gosh I really felt like I had absolute hope.
I never really had much faith in mail order or computer downloaded items but boy did I find out how wrong I was. Heres what happened in court about a month later.
I joined about 50 other alleged offenders in the court room and the bailiff brought the court to order and the judge came in and took her seat. She called the first case and the clerk read the gals charges and the judge said Ms. Jones you plead not guilty, officer smith, her accuser, what happened on the date and time of the alleged offense? Well your honor the defendant was speeding doing 50 mph thru a 30 mph residential area, she was clocked my the pacing of my car behind hers for a distance of one block.
The judge then asked “Ms Jones what is your defense to these charges” Well your honor, I was sick with a fever on the day of the incident and I was going to the pharmacy to get my prescription and I was very nervous and just wasn’t aware of my speed, I also had to get to a restroom quickly because I had diarrhea all that morning and my kids were screaming in the back seat. At that point she started crying and faked a fainting spell in court. After the judge called a 5 minute recess to get the gal a drink of water and a sniff of smelling salts. She was returned to the court room and the judge asked “how are you feeling ms jones”, she said, “oh much better your honor, you are so kind”. The judge gave a small wry grin out of the side of her lips then said “are you ready to continue your defense”? Ms Jones said , “yes your honor, besides all I have presented to you before, I now ask that the court have mercy on me and please understand I wasn’t exactly in my right mind your honor, and that’s all I have to say, thank you so much for being so understanding.
The judge then said thank you so much for your compliments and observations of my understanding. How ever, Ms Jones, I must judge between you and the evidence given and evidence presented by the people of Clark County represented by Officer Smith. I do find, based on the preponderance of the evidence in favor of the people and find you guilty of the charges. You provided no evidence against the charges made against you. I sentence you to pay the fine for the charges in the sum of $500 dollars, which is 100 dollars less then scheduled fine, also $200 for court cost, because this is your third offence I suspend your license for 90 days and remand you over to the custody of the Clark county jail where you will serve 90 days in confinement. I do hereby suspend that sentence, in exchange for 90 days probation, with the understanding that I will not see you in this court again, can you give me that assurance Ms Jones, In a low whimpering voice she said yes your honor, I promise you wont see me again.
The next case was pretty simple, the officer writing the ticket didn’t show up and wasn’t represented, case dismissed. The defendant has a right to face their accuser.
The next case was similar to mine, a gal was doing 26 in a 20mph school zone.. The charges were read, the officer gave his testimony. She was clocked on Radar. She didn’t dispute or challenge the officers charges or the aspects of her ticket, what she did do, and got her efforts noticed, was to define mechanical problems with her speedometer and tire diameter which had caused her car to go faster than the speedometer read. She had the problems corrected and provided the judge with receipts and a written explanation of work that was done to correct the problems that were causing the false speedometer reading. The judge only charged her court costs, no fine, no points on her driving record. Now it was my turn.
I felt a amazing peace and confidence as my name was called and the charges were read. I knew if I was found guilty I was going to lose a lot of cash, a lot of work, my CDL license and possibly my freedom, not to mention a huge boost in my insurance premiums . However, I had so much confidence in the preparations I had made and the step by step procedure I would use and the awareness of any weakness in the peoples case, that I can honestly say I felt I had already won before I got there.
The officer completed his testimony and the judge said Mr. Bell you may now present your case. I started with an immediate attack, (the information from the internet said the best defense is a good offense). I immediately said in a forceful and loud commanding voice, “You’re Honor I respectfully request an immediate dismissal of my case on the basis of the officer’s mistaken determination of the time my alleged infraction occurred. The ticket states 7:31 a.m., I contend and will prove that the time was not even 7:28 am, a full three minutes before the school zone speed restriction came into effect…
The judge said proceed Mr. Bell. Your Honor may I question the plaintiff, Yes you may she replied, Officer Doof, are you wearing the watch that you wore at the time of my alleged infraction? Yes it is, he replied. may I inspect your watch officer Doof; it’s a very nice Rolex isn’t it ? Yes you may and yes it is. You’re. Honor may I approach the bench that you might also inspect this watch of officer doof’s? Yes you may. You’re Honor I would also ask that you inspect my cell phone time if you would, while I continue my questioning of officer Doof, sure, was her response.
Officer Doof, were the yellow flashing lights, flashing when you clocked me with you’re Lidar gun and also paced me with you motorcycle.. “well I don’t recall” was his response. I immediately pointed out to the judge ” you’re honor may I respectfully submit that not only were the lights not on, but the time was before 7:30 a.m. and that’s why they were not on, also your Honor, the officers watch was and is incorrect, please notice the time on officer doof’s watch, it is currently 2 minutes faster than the clock on the wall and faster than the time on my cell phone. My cell phone provider has their time matched to the exact GMT (Greenwich mean time) and the Atomic Clock in Denver, Colorado.
Because the speed in this area is determined by the time of day and that I was proceeding within the limits of the law at 7:28, I object to any further proceedings on the grounds that I am innocent of the charges, I respectfully request immediate dismissal.
After a good 2 minutes of silence, looking down and shuffling papers on her desk the judge asked, Mr. Bell, it is your responsibility to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are not guilty of the charges set against you, What proof do you have that the lights weren’t just burned out or there was some other faulty circumstance with the maintenance and operation of the lights? She leaned forward, looked over her bifocals and with that same wry grin at the corners of her mouth I had seen before, said “well Mr. Bell”? I asked, you’re Honor may I have a few minutes to consider my response to you’re question.
I was prepared because , I was instructed in the instructional cd I had received , ” don’t say nothing you can’t prove with original documentation”
She was up to something sneaky but I couldn’t figure what it was, what I had presented should have been enough to send me away free and clear. I got all my ducks in a row and proceeded. I did have a letter written from the supervisor of street maintenance and lighting in that area, that at that time and date, the lights, timers and electricity in the area were all working in proper order. When I gave the document to the bailiff I could almost see steam coming from the judges head and lightning bolts coming from her eyes. She read that document till I thought it was going to catch fire. After several minutes I saw that wry smile forming on the edges of her mouth again and her hand slowly moving to the gavel. She said , Well Mr. Bell , I commend you on presenting valid and laudable defense, however this document is not a original and therefore is nothing more than hearsay evidence, “I find for the…” “I OBJECT YOU’RE Honor”! it is a copy of his letter, he wouldn’t give me the original, however please look at the back of the letter, his secretary is a notary and she notarized and signed the document as well as the supervisor and myself. He has also in his own hand included his office phobe number if you had any questions concerning its validity.!
I could see the judge was noticeably irritated and was mumbling and grumbling and talking out of the side of her mouth at the bailiff.. After muffled conversation with the bailiff for some several minutes. She blurted out I will need a 5 minute recess in my chambers to call this supervisor and confirm this letter. “You’re Honor” I said. Is not the notaries mark valid enough? And if you need a phone please use mine, its right there on your bench. ” I do have a right to a fast and speedy trial, and efficient due process, don’t I you’re Honor?”
She was clearly enraged , her hair was disheveled as she called the number, and at the same time saying to me in an almost inaudible, low growl, ” you think you’re pretty smart don’t you Mr. Bell?” I replied “oh no Ma’am, With all due respect, I’m just trying to defend myself as best I can you’re Honor”! Nobody answered and the judge closed the phone and said here’s your phone Mr. Bell, and threw it to me. I think she was trying for my nose.
“
“Mr. Bell you have presented favorable evidence and I’ m now ready to rule, do you have anything further to ad?” Not really understanding that she was ready to rule in my favor, I very quickly blurted out, “Oh yes you’re honor, please consider these further points of contention”!
Officer Doof has stated he was certified and specially trained in the use of the lidar gun, yet he presented no documentation verifying that certification. Officer Doof stated he used the Lidar gun, yet he did not mention whether or not the gun had been calibrated and certified in the last two months as Washington law requires, or provide documentation of these facts.
“Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Bell, please move along”, she said, as she was shaking her wristwatch in her ear.
3. Officer Doof also alleges to have paced my car thru the school zone to verify my speed, yet he provided no documentation confirming his motorcycle speedometer had undergone a recent certification by the Washington state patrol, or provided documentation that certification had taken place in the last 3 months.
4.Your honor along with the fact that officer Doffs watch is fast and I was written a ticket 2 minutes before the speed limit changed. I respectfully submit that Officer Doof does not have a case against me, providing sufficient and tangible evidence. I therefore request an immediate dismissal of this case, and full relief from any and all court cost and fees related to this case. Also your honor I would also ask your consideration for recompense by the people, for my loss of wages for one day of work and fuel cost from my home and back, A total of $150.00, if you would find in my behalf.
The judge raised her gavel and said Mr. Bell the court finds for the defendant (me) on all counts. As for your wages and fuel, please be happy with your victory!! smack went the gavel and everyone in the court room , even the bailiff , broke out in cheers, laughter and pats on my back, as the Judge , with a smile on her face said, “Mr. Bell please get out of my court room”!
Originally published here.
charles belle
