It is unfortunate that in America being poor is a crime.

A year and a half ago I was

pulled over for a traffic violation in South Portland Maine. A police car had been following me for several miles and as I was going through a yellow light intersection they put their lights on. The officer accused me of being intoxicated, which I was not, and after asking me for my license and reg which I provided her (both updated and legal) she called for backup. Asked me to get out to run me through “some tests”. After I hesitated she reached into the van and forced the door open, her and her partner grabbing me.

I was thrown to the ground without any testing for intoxication or explanation of what was happening.

My van was searched and impounded and my dog was taken to a shelter.

I paid $260 bail, $175 to the impound lot and $50 for my dog, in addition to paying for a $5k lawyer, the day I was released from jail.

I didn’t ask for help then. This summer I spent mostly taking care of my dog post op surgery and did a few gigs but didn’t work as much as I normally

do as she became my priority and required a lot of care. My docket call was yesterday for the court case. The court decided not to dismiss it and I am being forced to take it to trial in order to clear my name and keep my license and insurance in good standing.

I have faith that a jury will see the video footage of what happened and I will be found not guilty. I was also charged with “resisting arrest” and “tensing up” in the police report.

Anyone with PTSD from sexual assault would understand my physical reaction to being grabbed through my window by two strangers.

Going to trial will cost me $5500.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you.