Faraon,
I just cut and pasted this from another thread that I posted on today to answer your question.
According to california law I was allowed a trial by jury and that was the route I was going to take even had the Judge call for a jury. As I was sitting in the court house the Judge was telling me how to select a jury, I started to get a little over whelmed and really didn't think I would be able to do a good job at defending myself, I guess a little nervous too so I asked the Judge what would be my fine if I pleaded guilty he said $50. I asked him if it would be a bad mark on my clean record and he said not to worry because he was a Judge and he had worse on his record but it didn't stop him from being a Judge.
So the long and short I pleaded guilty and paid my small fine. In the process I was able to tell all in the court at that time to make sure to watch the Dateline that night and most their expressed that they would(facial expressions).
Even durring all the proceedings I was able to explain to the court alittle about what the Society teaches about person who disagree with them and How my family who are witnesses shun me for fear they would themselves be shunned if they were caught fellowshipping with me. Those in the court were shocked and I'm sure I had there sympathy.
At this point I just felt no real good would have been accomplished except slight embarassment to the 4 elders who exaderated, and lied on the police report.
Being I have almost Zero legal experience I figured what the hell $50. fine ain't nothing, and I was getting busy at my work so, I be back to that KH but next time with a group in case they try to push me around again.
They really must be very scared of me to call the Cops when I didn't do anything. They deffinitly know I'm not scared of them. Maybe that what got them so upset with me because I told them I won't follow their rules.
When they told me at my DF'n that I was not allowed to speak with the brother until I was reistated I told them "Lets see you try and stop me!" they got a little nervous. They are not used to haveing their authority in the Congregation challenged.