Benefit Show for the Binghamton 9!

With the tough-line the DA seems to be taking at our pre-trial conference this week, it looks like those of us arrested in the police riot on Vestal Parkway in March are in for the long-haul; more hearings, more negotiations, maybe even a trial.

But it's also a time to celebrate! The semester is over, there's a resurgence of political activism in our community, and we're building new friendships & alliances!

In this spirit, 32 North will be hosting a folk show & fundraiser this Saturday night, featuring:

Dawn Michelle (of BPI fame)

Jordaan Mason (amazing canadian)

Whatever Jailer (of Oh! Map Records)

Euphemisms (oberiut publishing collective)

Donations for legal-defense (and musician gas money) is up to you. Cheap beers, good friends. Things will kick off 'round 9pm at 32 North St. E-mail Andrew.Epstein1@gmail.com for details or directions.

TODAY'S PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE

It appears as though the District Attorney will, at least for now, play a bit of hardball.

After meeting with both of our lawyers for about 30 minutes this afternoon, we were informed that most of us were offered a conditional discharge only if we plead guilty to a Class A Misdemeanor (for most it was obstructing a governmental administrator). If we were to accept this offer we would avoid a trial but have a permanent criminal record, a huge fine, an admission of guilt and likely be unable to pursue any legal action against the police department.

Two who were offered Disorderly Conduct charges with 40 hours of community service. Another got an ACD for DisCon and is, barring some community service, pretty much off the hook.

Not much is likely to happen until a second pre-trial conference at sometime during the summer, after our lawyers finally get their hands on our police records, videos and radio transcripts. Any trial probably won't happen until the fall semester.

We'll keep everyone updated. This will be a fight after all....