Almost a year later and my trial hasn't even been scheduled

[RagingInMiami]

In fact, the prosecutor in my case recently got fired for some http://carlosmiller.com/2007/12/27/why-didnt-anybody-tell-me-all-i-needed-to-do-was-donate-toys-to-charity/">mini-scandal involving the judge in my case.

And I recently got rid of my attorney when I sensed that he did not want to go to trial. He kept urging me to take a plea deal.

But he did depose three of the cops and they all contradicted themselves, as if they hadn't contradicted themselves in the original arrest report.

So I've talked to another attorney, but he wants $3,000, so I might end up defending myself. Yes, I know they say only a fool defends himself. But you know who came up with saying? A lawyer.

Once my ex-lawyer sends me copies of the depositions (along with his staggering invoice), I will prepare a letter to the State Attorney's Office, along with the depositions and my photos, asking them to drop this case.

If not, then I will seriously consider defending myself. I'm not even sure if I can get a public defender at this stage, but I wouldn't be comfortable with it because it seems like all they would want me to do is accept a plea deal, and that is out of the question.

So meanwhile, I've been using http://carlosmiller.com">the blog I created last year to keep up with the case to blog about anything and everything that interests me. I even got my own domain.

Other than that, I hope 2008 turns out to be a better year for me.

Happy New Year.

[NV Whino]

1. Rage on, Carlos!

[F.Gordon]

2. You've been in my thoughts

I too, would urge you to plea out. Did your original lawyer discuss the precedent that was set in Florida? A Case almost identical to yours. I know how important this is to you but I fear you'll lose. I hope I'm wrong.

I think you've already "won" by bringing so much needed attention to this issue.

Whatever. You do what you think is right. Just wanted you to know I've been thinkin' about you and wish ya' all the best.

Love ya' dude. Take care and have a great 2008!!

:hi:

[RagingInMiami]

10. I really don't think I will lose

I think once it goes before a jury, it will be an easy victory. It's just a matter of dishing out thousands to lawyers to make this happen in our democratic legal process.

[JeffR]

3. Happy New Year, Carlos

The wheels of injustice grind slowly, it seems. I really hope this all turns out well for you, but anything involving cops, courts and Florida makes me wary. I honestly don't know if a plea deal is a good idea; it depends on the deal, I guess.

At the minimum, a second legal opinion based on those depositions strikes me as a good idea, even if you don't retain ongoing counsel.

That aside, I'm glad you checked in. And one of these days when all this shit is resolved, I hope to log on and see a whack of new photos from you. Great parade shots on the blog!

[RagingInMiami]

11. A plea deal will be a loss for me

Because I could have easily accepted "time served" the morning I was released from jail and ended up nine misdemeanor charges against me.

Rather than thousands of dollars in debt and still be unable to say I am "not guilty".

[regnaD kciN]

4. Gee...

In fact, the prosecutor in my case recently got fired for some mini-scandal involving the judge in my case.

...I wonder which party they belong to?

[blueraven95]

5. Good to hear from you Raging...

I hope everything turns out in the best possible way!

Keep us updated.

:hug:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

6. Interesting. I wonder what Federal case law

is now about "the right to a speedy trial" and the violation of that right?

Could be an out.

[RagingInMiami]

12. One has to request a speedy trial

I was advised against it, which in hindsight, makes sense for a lawyer who is trying to extend his billing hours.

[priller]

7. Great to hear from you!

The country needs people like you, Carlos, with courage and determination. Our rights get chipped away little by little, piece by piece, unless we are willing to stand up against the steady erosion.

"Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -- James Madison

[Maestro]

8. Great to hear from you.

I was just thinking about you in fact since we are having the 2007 exhibition in GD. I hope your case does finally make it to court and I do hope that you find a lawyer willing to take the case for a reasonable fee. Good luck.

[RagingInMiami]

13. I've always been a lawyer at heart because I like to debate

My dad always said I should have gone into law school.

Part of me wants to accept the challenge of defending myself.

[Blue_In_AK]

9. Hi, Raging.

Thanks for the update.

[RagingInMiami]

14. Hi Blue

Looking back on it, the arrest really affected things in my life, which was one reason why I stopped posting on DU.

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year because my arrest was Feb. 20th.

[RagingInMiami]

15. Another Update:

One of the officers who arrested me was shot and killed Tuesday morning.

I posted about it in GD.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2638595&mesg_id=2638595

[Island Blue]

16. I have jury duty this week

and we just heard a case that happened almost three years ago. Good luck - I hope you don't have to wait that long.