Dear friends,
I have another court date tomorrow in my ongoing legal case resulting from being arrested on prostitution charges in a sting operation by the Fremont Police Department. I've continued to look around for legal representation, and found an attorney who sounds competent and has experience with prostitution cases who is willing to represent me for less money ($1500 pre trial) than others I've talked with. However she cannot make it tomorrow. She would also still be expensive if we go to trial ($2000-$3000).
In my last appearance on January 13, I again tried unsuccessfully to get a copy of my police report. When I told the judge (Keith Fudenna) "I thought the defendant had the right to a copy of the police report," he said "that's incorrect." Apparently the mistake I made was saying "yes" when he asked me if I planned to hire an attorney, which caused him to disregard my subsequent statement that I wanted to represent myself. By representing myself, I will be entitled to a copy of the police report, and having seen the report, in a much better position to make decisions about my case.
So when I go in tomorrow, I am going to tell them I want to represent myself, and see what happens. I'm not sure there's that much more involved with the pre-trial process anyway, or that I have a great need for an attorney in this stage. If they don't offer me a good deal, and I decide to go to trial, I can still change my mind and hire an attorney at that point. While I think having an attorney with me might increase the likelihood of them offering me a good deal, they can offer me a deal at any time up to trial, so I'm not necessarily giving up that advantage by not having an attorney at present, and I will save money. Those of you who have donated to my legal defense efforts are welcome to have your donations returned if I do not end up hiring an attorney, of course. And (obviously) legal referrals for inexpensive or pro bono legal help are still welcome.
Meanwhile, if you can accompany me tomorrow to court, your support is as always very much appreciated. It could be interesting too, as I'll be once again "flying solo," and this time seeking to have that status made official -- which I understand the system tries to discourage. I'll be leaving San Francisco around 715 a.m. on BART, unless an offer of a ride is forthcoming.
If you want to get there on your own, the location is:
39439 Paseo Padre Parkway,
Fremont, CA
Department 602
(510) 795-2300
Fortunately the court is a short distance from the Fremont BART station (maybe a 10 minute walk). From BART, go out of the parking lot onto Walnut Avenue, and make a right. Pass Civic Center Drive, and the next big intersection is Paseo Padre Parkway. Make a left, and it's across the street about half a block down.
Yours in liberty,
<<< starchild >>>
P.S. - Please keep up the pressure on the Fremont officials to stop this kind of absurd prosecution, and if you haven't called or written (or did one but not the other), take a minute to do so. Thanks! (see info below)