Posted on 09/14/2002 9:36:52 PM PDT by Dog Gone
Even though charges have been dropped against people who were arrested in police raids last month, many have appeared in court for bail refunds and proof of their dismissal.
Gaulberto Gonzolez, who lives in Mission, showed up at Houston's Municipal Court at 11 a.m. Friday for his scheduled date, which was set when he posted bail.
"I'm never coming to Houston again," he said.
Last week, acting Police Chief Timothy Oettmeier requested the dismissal of trespassing and curfew charges against 298 people arrested in the parking lots of Kmart, Sonic Drive-In and James Coney Island on Westheimer.
"It started out chaotic, but I think we have it under control now," said Arthur Crumpton, senior assistant city attorney.
With people scattered all over -- some in the Valley, others in Port Arthur and even a few attending out-of-state colleges -- the city's legal department is trying to notify everyone by mail about the status of their cases.
Those who did not appear in court will get letters telling them their charges have been dismissed and detailing how they can get their bail back, Crumpton said. Most people posted $300 to get out jail.
Those who already have pleaded guilty can request that their convictions be thrown out.
Alex Revelo had to miss school to make his court appearance Friday.
"We didn't commit a crime," he said. "I hope they don't mess with us anymore."
Revelo claims if he did not have a lawyer he wouldn't know how to proceed. Randall Kallinen is representing him and about 20 others.
Kallinen said he was hoping to get a signed dismissal from a judge so he can file lawsuits, citing wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.
"All my clients' cases are in limbo," he said.
Crumpton, however, said it is standard procedure to provide a form stating the charges have been dismissed, which is what most people who showed up in court received.
"If they want a copy of the complaint or judgments signed by the judge, they have to order it," he said. "We don't routinely give citizens a copy."
Police officers targeting drag racing along Westheimer rounded up hundreds of people Aug. 16 and 17 and arrested them for trespassing.
Which is worse?Florida elections or Texas police roundups?
Why do I care?What is the difference?
man, I am tired of the innmates running the asylum!
Dismissal my butt, the charges had better be Exsponged
Even in my town of 60 thousand, the police will break up a large group of teenagers in a parking lot, even before curfew. After that, they get a ticket.
From what was reported, the cops went into the Sonic Diner next door to Wal-Mart and arrested people eating their dinner....
I'd say the cops should get the money docked from their paychecks. In fact, do it like boot camp, where if one screws up, EVERYBODY pays...
278 were arrested, 42 of those were under 18.
That is 85% were/are adults.
Since Houston isn't under martial law --at least i don't think it is, the curfew issue is so much bogus noise.
H-town taxpayers are gonna get a nasty tax bump next year.
Anyway, the police won't try that again for a long time!! My three brothers live in Houston.
Under 18, doesn't apply to minors accompanied by parent or guardian, and the ordinance only provides for a citation, not arrest.
The officers involved gots lotsa 'splaing to do.
That's one of the things that got many folks tick-off.
Not a one of the sergeants or patrolmen said "Wait a minute, this is not against the law" ...
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