It Could Happen to You!

I spent 3 days last week at the King County Superior Court sitting as a juror of 6 in the trial of a 26-year old male. He was stopped on a dark, rainy night like the many we have here in Seattle for windows that were tinted too dark. It could have been a taillight or headlight that was out or not using a turn signal or any number of more serious violations. The trooper immediately smelled pot when the driver rolled down his window.

The 26 year-old was charged with a DUI. Combined Marijuana/Alcohol.

We gave our verdict of not-guilty (for a number of reasons I won't go into) coincidentally yesterday on the anniversary of the legalization of recreational marijuana. He got lucky though and I can imagine over the next couple of years the state will continue to struggle with how to manage this.

A few things I thought I'd share/remind for anyone who enjoys this freedom we've been given:

1. THC can impair you in ways unlike alcohol but equally dangerous for driving.
2. THC in the blood of someone who doesn't normally smoke can have a greater impact (i.e. if you visit WA to smoke and otherwise wouldn't be very careful!)
3. The effects of THC combined with alcohol can vary (like mixing any 2-drugs)
4. There are no truly reliable quantitative methods for getting a real-time measurement of THC in the blood.
5. Law enforcement in the state of WA requires a warrant for a blood test following a DUI arrest (at least for now).

I deny everything.

Seriously we should all remember it is the job of the STATE to prove beyond----depending on if it is a crime or a made up lower stand thing like a "infraction"---created to make the State's job easier---either a reasonable doubt, or a PREPONDERANCE of evidence.

THEY are not honest, they don't have to be.. Intimidation---threats--knowingly false , anything is fair--it seems..

But above all remember--they must do the work and PROVE not you admit...

Never admit a thing, NEVER.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Along with knowing your rights and speaking up when they're being infringed upon.

Gun owners need to remember that smoking dope is still a federal crime, and can be prosecuted (regardless of what that douche Eric Holder says).

If your state legalizes it and you enjoy it fine, but be aware you could potentially be federally prosecuted, found guilty, and loose your right to own firearms.

Quote
john vanlandingham
But above all remember--they must do the work and PROVE not you admit...

Never admit a thing, NEVER.

Best 50 minute lecture on why you should NEVER talk to the police.
Not just if you've been dong something that merits their attention, but ever.

Am I being charged? Am I being detained? Am I free to leave? I'm leaving.

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deaner
Am I being charged? Am I being detained? Am I free to leave? I'm leaving.

Those are all Correct Responses. "Gimme my Fuckin' Ticket an' get the Fuck out of my face, Motherfucker" is not...

---

Parfois, on fait pas semblant!

I am:
I know:
I am from:

Nobody.
Nothing.
Nowhere.

For the record.... I want to say that in the situation I referenced despite the verdict the trooper did a good thing for the community and the defendant.

1000 times yes. That vid on not talking to the police is worth watching multiple times. And if you can't, or you insist on talking, watch this vid also:

---

Kirk Coughlin
Woodbury, MN and River Falls, WI

Quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est.

That Chris Rock video is damn funny, and damn true. Sure there are some shit cops, but there are also douchebags that don't know how to be civil.

Love the Chris Rock video!