September 15 Freedom Rally for True Justice, Part 2 the hearing

I walked through the doors with my belt, wallet, and phone in hand and went through the security without issue. I entered the elevator with a bit of hesitation as always, remembering that one time that I didn’t come back. That memory is permanently burned into my brain and every time I head upstairs, my fight or flight instinct goes on alert. I entered the 5th floor and saw a bunch of supporters already there. No lawyers had arrived yet. I spoke with Joe to confirm and he did. Chris Glew called shortly after to verify that the court was not open yet and told me that he had gotten a speeding ticket and would be there shortly. Allison was not going to be there bunt a substitute would also be there shortly. A bailiff came out of the courtroom and said that it was reported that one of us was taking pictures in the hall and everyone needed to show him their cel so he could check for pictures. None were found and we were allowed to enter.

Both sides of court were opened except the first 2 rows on the left side as per the court’s agreement with Cynthia Johnston. This was another demonstration of our thinking on our feet and affecting change. There were 6 bailiffs in the courtroom this time as contrasted with the usual 1 or 2. Heads were peering in from the back of the judge’s chambers including that of Judge Judith Meyers that had both signed the warrant and had issued the declaration in open court regarding the possible harm I had brought to the good patients of California. Of course she was also the one that imposed the 6 figure bail that caused us to drain the resources of some dear friends to keep me out of the twin towers. Prior to court being called to order, the house bailiff admonished us to keep quiet and not use cel phones. The usual. I was quickly ejected as I reached to hand a book to a spectator. I thought it kind of funny to be kicked out of court for the first time in my own case. (I’ve sat in close to 100 sessions both mine and in support of others) The attorneys both finally arrived and I was called back.

The prosecutor had filed several motions including one to suppress the AG guidelines, one to prohibit supporters from “influencing” the jury IE: wearing a ribbon or even attending the gallery in support. The judge had no problem with our presence in the courtroom or the ribbon at this time. He didn’t seem to be inclined to allow the AG guidelines to be presented. But nothing was in stone at this time. The real kicker was the motion to suppress our medical defense at all! The “state’s” position is simply that sales of marijuana are illegal. They don’t care about reasonable compensation, the state card, Ag guidelines or any of that nonsense. Again no ruling was made yet on this.

It turns out that the prosecution’s office turned over some discovery at the last minute and the judge is requiring statements from our witnesses as to what they are planning to testify. Although not requiring the same from the other side. Although I was unaware of it at the time a few of our support team were thrown out of the courtroom for looking at cel phones. As an aside, PLEASE don’t get thrown out of my courtroom!!!! It does not help especially once the jury is seated.
The matter of discovery and time of trial start date was discussed and since there are still some unresolved discovery issues the trial was put off till November 28 I took a while before I reluctantly agreed to once again waive my right to a speedy trial. I am growing weary of this and although many say that time is on my side, I doubt if any of them have tried to keep witnesses engaged for nearly 2 years. I understand why so many end up taking a plea deal. We left the courtroom went down the elevator and I saw that the rally had grown…….