Seeking Witnesses: Sergio and Adams Arrests

Submitted by lizsavage on

This is an informal request to anyone who was at art walk last night. As soon as I found out about the arrests of Sergio and Adam I contacted legal and began the quest for information. This is what I personally feel comfortable releasing after discussing it with PR and other members of the media committee, and legal committee.

Adam: Not Updated on charges as time of article.

Sergio: Being charged with Lynching, being held on 50K bond, awating arraignment.

 

We would like those who witnessed this event to put a written statement down, and email them to occupylalegal@gmail.com

The legal committee, and the NLG are already looking into the arrests. please pass on this info!

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7 Comments

Sue Basko's picture

Reply to Brian

Submitted by Sue Basko on

Dear Brian,

I am not a criminal lawyer, but if I were, I would love to help.  Sergio needs an experienced criminal lawyer who knows the ins and outs at LA Court very well.  I am guessing he already has a lawyer.  But every lawyer needs witnesses.   

HOW YOU CAN HELP: In LIZ'S POST above, she gives an email address where you can send written accounts of what you saw.  If you were there and saw this happen, please be brave and volunteer.  It is the right thing to do.

CHARACTER WITNESSES:  It sounds like they are also looking for character witnesses, and it sounds like you would be right for this.  Please read Liz's post and offer your help.  it sounds like they need people for this right away to get his bail reduced.  

They are holding him on $50,000 bail, which is very  high for anything related to a peaceful protest.  A Judge is able to reduce this amount.  Your offering to be a character witness could be very useful in making that happen.  What a Judge is usually looking for is evidence of good character, ties to the community, etc.  You can just say what you said here, that he has done good work for the Collective U and that he provides a good service to many people.  That is very impressive in itself. 

 

Sue Basko, Lawyer

OCCUPY PEACE - Legal Info on How to Hold a Peaceful Protest or Occupation

 

Character Statements Too!

Submitted by lizsavage on

Thank you Sue! Yes we need character statements for Sergio's arraignment as well. Please send them to occupylalegal@gmail.com

Thanks everyone! Please think positive, and hope he gets a decent bail reduction so we can get him out. If anyone would like to donate to the Bail fund, it has its own link, https://www.wepay.com/donate/192938 which is seperate from the general fund.

 

My words represent myself and not Occupy Los Angeles. @lizsavage on Twitter

More Support for Sergio Via FB

Submitted by lizsavage on

"We are gathering letters of support for SERGIO to present to the judge when he is arraigned in order to argue for his release either on reduced bail or on his own recognizance. THE MORE THE BETTER!

If you would be willing to write a letter of support for Sergio, here is what it should include: (EMAIL IT TO ME at jbee84@att.net)

-Your relationship to Sergio, how long you've known him and in what capacity
-general good character reference, including specific incidents that demonstrate his character and why he is important to the community and should be released
-evidence of stability, roots in LA, commitment to things over time (this will help with arguing for reduced or no bail)

The letter can be addressed To Whom It May Concern. Also, this may be obvious, but the letter is meant to appeal to a judge so a focus on more mainstream aspects of Sergio's life and activites would be most helpful. Finally, hard copy letters with signature would be ideal and a few of us will be available to collect letters over the weekend, but emailed letters are fine too.

You can and probably should include some facts, such as when he was arrested, what the charges are, what the bail amount is, when he is expected to be arraigned (possibly Tues, but Wed also likely), and what his overall condition is . DO NOT include ANY information about the incident. This info should only be shared with lawyers

incident #120112005404 booking# 3011065 metro police station# 213- 356- 3446, his bail is set at $50,000 let's call and demand his bail be reduced and he be arraigned today if nothing else.
If you'd do it for me you should probably do it for him.

$50,000 dollar bail is excessive. If you want to help : Call the bail commissioner and ask that Sergio Ballesteros' bail be lowered. Collect: (213) 351-0311Toll Free: 1 (800) 773-5151Hours: 6:30 AM to Midnight...

PLEASE HELP OUT WITH THIS.. the MORE WELL WRITTEN LETTERS THE BETTER!"

-Posted on FB Via a Mutal Friend :)

My words represent myself and not Occupy Los Angeles. @lizsavage on Twitter

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