Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Oregon on September 10, 2012 at 6:13pm

I am so sorry for what you are going through, it sounds as if you have a whole lot on your mind. I think because I am new here I must've missed some previous posts or explinations of all that you have going on. I really would like to be helpful but I don't fully understand your situation.

Just wanted to send some positive thoughts your way to help you through what sounds like a very stressful time!

Permalink Reply by j serpentine on September 11, 2012 at 5:43am

Creating a story of what You have been going through sounds like a good way to heal yourself :) These sound quite rough experiences. I wish all the strength and love to you <3 

If I would do a video, I would use both talking and music. Do you have a friend to help you with shooting the video? Or do you have all the footage ready? 

I also get a feeling that you are quite confused from the accident. Have you talked to your friends or family about how you feel? I hope I'm not being too pushing :) this is just how your writing made me feel. 

Permalink Reply by j serpentine on September 12, 2012 at 4:48am

I guess I missed the point of your writing? I didn't realize that you are planning to defend yourself with the video in the court. Is that your plan? Sorry, I'm not a native English speaker so I might not understand everything.

StudentPermalink Reply by Nikita Stamm on September 12, 2012 at 3:59pm

This. THIS THIS THIS THIS! ^THIS RIGHT HERE^

I cannot even tell you, Swizzy Ape, how important it is to get a lawyer.  I had to hire one recently myself.  I got charged with animal cruelty (I'm not going to get into the circumstances, but believe me, it was completely ludicrous) earlier this year.  I thought I would not need a lawyer, and I went to my arraignment and my first pre-trial without one.  Since it was a misdemeanor, I was not required to have a lawyer - in fact, other than to say that I plead not guilty on both occasions, I was not even allowed to speak in my defense or tell my side of the story.  So, lawyer it was.  It was $500 to retain a lawyer for the pre-trial, and if it went to trial, then it would be another $1,000.  That's it.  Now, had I plead guilty, I would have had only a $350 fine, but there would be a nice blotch of my record for 7 years that said I was cruel to animals..

ANYWAY, my nice, badass lawyer did his lawyer thing and got the charges dropped.  Because he knows the law, and he knows how to argue.  And lawyers know the county and state prosecutors; they probably golf together.  Anyway, charges dropped, and because it never went to trial, only $500.  You need a lawyer.  They can probably get some of the charges dropped, or get you to go through a deferment program and driver's ed course, and maybe some fines.  Who knows, but they CAN work out a better deal than what you're proposing to do.  What you're proposing is just... don't.  It would be a really huge mistake.

Anyway, I'm very glad that you weren't killed.  Keep in mind that answering your phone isn't worth it.

Also.  Lawyer up!  (Hit the gym, delete facebook)

Permalink Reply by Japaneses Hornet on September 11, 2012 at 4:50pm

I would not go into a court room and try to justify my use of drugs with a video while defending myself. They are illegal, that's their focus, not that it helps you with your pain. I know you almost died and are pretty pissed they are sticking you with these ridiculous charges but, they are the LAW and what those mother fuckers say goes. I can not believe you went to court with it.... your crazy..... not meant in a bad way. so that's just my opinion. Good luck yo 

StudentPermalink Reply by Danielle Starshine on September 11, 2012 at 6:35pm

Get a lawyer. Not some public defender, unfortunately you are gonna have to pay if you want proper legal representation. A public defender is just going to have you plead guilty. Look on the NORML site to find a pro-marijuana lawyer in your area. You need to be as professional as possible if you want to beat the reckless driving and paraphernalia charges. Politeness and professionalism will really impress the judge. Going in there with a hot head isn't gonna help that. A video will do little to sway the judge, I'm afraid. I might write an essay detailing how the crash and pending charges have affected my health and well being with the guidance of my attorney if I were you. I hate that this happened to you, but you gotta use the system if you want to beat the system.

NEVER EVER EVER bring drugs to the courtroom!!!

StudentPermalink Reply by Tink in Tokyo on September 11, 2012 at 7:34pm

Personally, I don't think I would present a hoop video as a means of defending myself in court, but if you are going to then do it well.

KEY POINT:What is your main message? "Please don't jail me for this offence," "I didn't do it," "The law is unfair and I am protesting," "These charges are trumped up"? Whatever it is, keep your message in mind as you create your video. Think about it like an outline:

Main message

- supporting statement 1

- supporting statement 2

- supporting statement 3

Conclusion

And there's a structure for your video. Whether you use text or voice (or both) or music or silence is up to you. Whatever you think will explain your points most clearly will be best. Keep the whole video short and to the point. You can probably keep their attention for 60 seconds; not necessarily more.

Permalink Reply by Maryellen on September 13, 2012 at 12:36pm

"I love the feeling of being a story book character. In everyday life, there is a moment in time where I feel as if I'm living in a story. Like I'm stuck in a book and I work hard to make it end happily."
I think you need to analyze what you said right here.
This isn't a storybook and in the big picture lawyers,law officers, and judges aren't going to be sympathetic to your issues and injuries after watching a hoop video or listen to you try and defend yourself for something that you have to own. Own your life, mistakes, and ECT. If anything by trying what you've written in your post, they will think of you as an immatture confused child. Get a lawyer, or at least advice.