Possession of a Firearm on School Property

[cogliostro713]

Originally Posted by TonyF

Let me ask again.

Did your case go to trial or did you plea bargain?

The reason I ask is because there are a couple of attorney's I can recommend and possibly another avenue but the fact that you stated you've attempted to retain an attorney to appeal your conviction and nobody will take your case leads me to two conclusions.

First is that of those attorney's you have approached, they must have concluded after reviewing your situation that there is a very low possibility for appeal.

Second is that you may not be telling us the complete story. I'm not trying to invade your privacy or publicly challenge your honesty but before I go to the trouble of contacting someone on your behalf, would it be too much to ask *why* you have not been able to find an attorney to appeal your case? And if you have, why did they turn you down?

Tony,

I plea bargained. I wanted to plead, "no contest" but was told it was either guilty or the ADA would push for maximum jail time. I'm 5'8" and weight 140 lbs. The LAST place I want to be is in jail. I have a girlfriend...I don't want to be someone's.

My inability to retain an attorney stems from my inability to pay for one. Since my arrest I've pretty much lost everything. To date I haven't made more than $18,000 per year. This month I made $1600. The convictions make me difficult to employ, to say the least.

Those attorneys I have spoken to have all said that the DA's office has the right to deny anyone ARD. My contention, however, is to deny everyone whose crime involves a gun - even those that are non-violent in nature is discriminatory. If the ACLU protects discrimination based on race, color, creed, etc. which organization protects us when its our Second Amendment rights are the basis for discrimination?

Additionally, many attorneys have openly stated that my arrest was far too "political" and the chance for a successful appeal is slim. Insofar as the "complete" story is concerned, I'm happy to elaborate a little later in the day, as I have to get back to work. More later...

Mike

[billamj]

Originally Posted by cogliostro713

Those attorneys I have spoken to have all said that the DA's office has the right to deny anyone ARD. My contention, however, is to deny everyone whose crime involves a gun - even those that are non-violent in nature is discriminatory. If the ACLU protects discrimination based on race, color, creed, etc. which organization protects us when its our Second Amendment rights are the basis for discrimination?
Mike

Actually, if the local office of the ACLU is following their stated goals, you should be able to get them to help you out. They claim that they are there to support civil rights, especially those recognized in the constitution. You could try them, of course I wouldn't hold my breath, but it would be interesting.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by cogliostro713

Tony,


If the ACLU protects discrimination based on race, color, creed, etc. which organization protects us when its our Second Amendment rights are the basis for discrimination? Mike

Try the Second Amendment Sisters Pennsylvania Their goal is to protect your second Amendment rights.

[cogliostro713]

Thanks - I'll contact them after work tonight.

[cogliostro713]

Originally Posted by billamj

Actually, if the local office of the ACLU is following their stated goals, you should be able to get them to help you out. They claim that they are there to support civil rights, especially those recognized in the constitution. You could try them, of course I wouldn't hold my breath, but it would be interesting.

I emailed them w/o so much as a reply. I even personally spoke w/ their legal chair, Vic Walczak, who informed me they don't get involved in Second Amendment/criminal issues.


Mike

[Siobhra]

Originally Posted by cogliostro713

I emailed them w/o so much as a reply. I even personally spoke w/ their legal chair, Vic Walczak, who informed me they don't get involved in Second Amendment/criminal issues.


Mike

When I needed them they did reply.

"No, we feel the Second Amendment has nothing to do with the rights of individuals".

[exceltoexcel]

Originally Posted by cogliostro713

Tony,
...which organization protects us when its our Second Amendment rights are the basis for discrimination?...

The NRA, did you contact them. There are plenty of organizations ot there that you can try.

[billamj]

Originally Posted by Siobhra

When I needed them they did reply.

"No, we feel the Second Amendment has nothing to do with the rights of individuals".

Why am I not surprised that their attitude is that of the Democrat Party? They make me ill. According to THEIR documents they are supposed to take all civil rights disputes, well this is one and they say pi%% on you. Is it any wonder so many people can't stomach them.

[cogliostro713]

Originally Posted by billamj

Why am I not surprised that their attitude is that of the Democrat Party? They make me ill. According to THEIR documents they are supposed to take all civil rights disputes, well this is one and they say pi%% on you. Is it any wonder so many people can't stomach them.

Amen to that brother. Their argument was that the issue was criminal in nature. In short, because I wasn't sueing the local courthouse because the Ten Commandments were displayed, I wasn't worthy of being represented. If you look to the organization's founder, he was quoted as saying that he wanted to see the destruction of the State, as well as the abolition of private property rights. Check out http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/ar...TICLE_ID=41751 for additional details.

M-