NoPush 0 #1 October 14, 2003 Hey all, I'm not a BASE jumper but I got involved helping a friend and the result was positive so I thought I would share. Info: Jumped off a structure structure security called Sheriff Sheriff held ground grew who radioed Jumper Jumper surrendered to protect ground crew and admitted Jump Charges: Rig confiscated - Not clear if it would be returned, most other BASE jumpers said no Trespassing - Misdemeanor - Max fine $1000, Max jail 6 Months County Jumping Ordinance - Misdemeanor - Max fine $500, Max Jail 6 Months Case Filed: Jumper admission Ground crew intentions Rig in possession as witnessed by Sheriff Rig confiscated as evidence Structure Security as Witness to Jump w/ rig Pictures of No Trespassing signs, structure, etc. Other misc. info DA Offer: Misdemeanor w/ $500 fine, 30 Days jail suspended in lieu of 1yr. Probation Community Service (don't remember how many hours) County Jumping Ord. Dropped Loss of Rig Action: Pled Not Guilty, Hired hot-shot attorney friend for $750 Result: Trespassing reduced to Infraction w/ $150 fine Guaranty by court and DA to return rig within two days of fine payment entered in the judgment County Jumping Ordinance Dropped $900 bucks, the rig, clean record.......money well spent. What seemed like a solid case by the DA against my friend got ripped apart by a good attorney. The whole thing almost got dropped but the plea bargain was too good to pass up and saved my friend from a second appearance two weeks later. Cool shits and giggles......... If you end up in a similiar pinch.......get a good attorney! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
554 0 #2 October 14, 2003 Just a little addition: Never sign a plea agreement without specifically stating that you will get your rig back when it's all over. The prosecutor will almost always go for it. Except in some national parks of course. Sometimes if you go to the prosecutor with a written deal in hand, they will accept your offer and you won't have to go to court and you won't have to get an attorney. If you don't think the deal is a good one, get a lawyer. just my 2 cents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #3 October 14, 2003 Nice...was that in Ca. ? Video ? Edit: Thanks. -- Hope you don't die. -- I'm fucking winning Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoPush 0 #4 October 14, 2003 I'll PM you the state....... edited to add......I don't want to share much more publicly as I'm not a BASE jumper and don't really know the rules to this forum or the BASE sport for that matter. I posted because I was surprised how every BASE jumper, or skydiver for that matter, had a different experience or opinion on how to solve the situation my friend found himself in. I thought the topic would spark some good info for all....... Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #5 October 14, 2003 is it ok to tell what the jumper's argument was to persuade the court into such a good deal for him? (I know having a good lawyer helps a lot in these cases, but what did this guy work off of?). That's a good story though! ps 750 is pretty cheap for a good lawyer! --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoPush 0 #6 October 14, 2003 Hired a good attorney local to the DA Admission was thrown out - You'll have to ask an attorney for the term they use Ground crew intentions are irrelevant Jumper Possession of the rig proved nothing Confiscated rig was just a rig if it could not be proven it was used on that jump Security could not describe jump point, rig color, jumper description at a distance, landing point, etc. Sheriff testimony offered no evidence as well Pictures of signs were irrelevant if they could describe how the jumper approached the site, were he was on take off and landing, etc. Nothing in the either charge spoke to the fait of the rig and it's return was the basis for the whole fight. Finally $750 is a great deal. We were quoted $1500 to $3000, so I asked for a favor......cheers to my attorney bud! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites