Free the People Project

Free the People Project What is FTP2 ? The Free the People Project is a community-driven response to the problem of mass incarceration in King County. Bail = Ransom

Bail is ransom.

What we do:

We show up to support the community and to hold judges and lawyers accountable for what they do in court. All too often judges and prosecutors make decisions when nobody is looking - and there is nobody from the community to hold them accountable. This lack of accountability leads to more BIPOC, low-income, q***r and disabled folks in jail, often while merely accused of a crime. Tha

t’s where we come in: no longer will judges and prosecutors hold our fellow community members in jail without first bearing witness to the community support for the accused person in the courtroom. What we’re here for:

The Free the People Project works to:

(insert art object / bullet point from web person) Show up as a community to support our community behind bars, until they get free. (insert art object / bullet point from web person) Bring to light the way racism, classicism, and colonialism intersect in systems of incarceration, specifically as it relates to continue to maintain behind bars BIPOC community members. (insert art object / bullet point from web person) Build with community members affected by the criminal legal system to address abuses and gain more access to legal knowledge. (insert art object / bullet point from web person) Expose community members not affected by the criminal legal system to the unseen ways the system dehumanizes accused people and reinforces systems of oppression. Once arrested, a judge determines if if an accused person is released, or will have to pay money to get out of jail, while their case is pending. If a judge releases someone on their promise to show back up, it is called “PR”, i.e. Personal Recognizance. A judge can also set a bail, i.e. amount of money that must be paid by the accused person to get out of jail. If a person is unable to pay the full bail amount, they contract with a bondsman to post a “bond” - this requires the accused person to t put up 10% of the bail amount in cash and have some collateral (house, car, etc.) to ensure the bondsman covers the cost in case the accused person does not appear in court in the future. What about changing the law? Every state is different, but here in Washington state the law makes clear there is a “presumption of release.”

This means that the law directs the judge to release an accused person without bail unless there is a likelihood that they (1) will not return to their next court date, (2) will interfere with witnesses, or (3) will commit a “violent crime” in the future. The law is already on our side – we need the judges to follow it! What happens when nobody is watching

“My name is Jena Domach, I am a proud, Black 25-year-old mother of a beautiful six-month-old son. I have been the victim of the judicial injustice when it comes to bail. It wasn’t just me that suffered from the cruel systematic proceeding of the courts but my family as well. When the court wrongfully set my bail at $30,000, I was kept away from my family, my child. I suffer the trauma of being arrested every day and not released on my own personal recognizance. I wasn’t a “flight risk” but a Seattle resident. Not a “threat to the community” but a phenomenal member to society. To the system all you are is a statistic to the already biased members that “uphold the law.” I saw firsthand white defendants receive a lower bail from the judge. I saw the prosecutor argue against Black defendants’ release and not object to a white defendant’s release argument. This is where you come in. By coming to court and openly observing judges they are put on notice that the community is watching and are less likely to stray from the law or participate in racist or problematic behavior. You can learn about the legal system, hold judges accountable and help free the people!”

We would love to see you in the courts! / Join Us / Get Involved! (whatever web person thinks)

10/30/2020

Misdemeanor Calendar:

#1 Latinx person accused of hit & run, driving on a suspended license and violation of a court order. Prior bail ($15,000) was forfeited. Judge reverses forfeiture and reinstates bail at $7,500

#2 Latinx person failed to appear at hearing. PR'd

#3 Matter Stricken

#4 Latinx person accused of DUI. PR'd

#5 White male failed to appear at sentencing. PR'd

#6 Accused person not brought down from the jail. Guards told Public Defender they refused. Hearing set over.

10/29/2020

Felony Calender

#1 Multiple defendants were released, motion to not file charges at this time, put on conditional release
#2 Asian Man, Attempted Assault in the 2nd degree, domestic violence, #3 Asian Man, Felony Harassment Charge, Domestic Violence, both were not released
#4 Latinx male, charged with three counts of child molestation, released with promise to appear for next hearing. 250,000 bail
#5 Black male, one count of felony harassment, pushed for misdemeanor charge by defense but was still charged with felony harassment, bail was set $ 20k
# 6 White male, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Released on his promise that he will appear

10/22/2020

Felony Calendar:

#1 The prosecutor declined to file at this time but may bring charges in the future. This means the accused person was arrested, taken to jail and held only to have the prosecution decide not to charge them...yet.

#2 a date is set for arraignment for the next person. He is given paperwork in English despite Spanish being his primary language and the fact he is utilizing a Spanish Interpreter.

#3 Black Male accused of Felony DUI and violation of a no contact order. Bail set at $150,000

#4 White male, out of custody, given court date for arraignment

#5 Black Woman held on an Assault 3 and Assault 4 charge. PR'd, NCO with Swedish medical

#6 Black Male accused of misdemeanor harassment, no recent criminal history, no violent history, prosecution alleges he is a "threat to community".
"I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt" says the judge. The legal presumption is release.
No contact order issued.

3 more people were arrested, put in jail, held until the hearing only to be told the prosecution will not file at this time but may in the future.

#7 Black Male accused of vehicle theft. Judge states "airing on the side of release due to COVID," but "he has a recent pending vehicle theft" imposed $10,000 bail.
Defense clarifies pending charge does not qualify as "interference of justice" unless convicted presumed innocent

#8 Black Male accused of Robbery ($500), kidnapping (not letting people he was hanging out with out of the car) and a hate crime (despite the survivors statement that they did not believe that he harmed her friend because she/the witness was trans).

#8 judge finds probable cause for Robbery, unlawful imprisonment (instead of kidnapping) and a hate crime.
"Particularly concerned about allegations here", bail set at $200,000

#9 Black Male accused of possessing a stolen vehicle. No allegations of violence, has no conviction history, has 2 FTA's from a pending case. $10,000 bail set.

#10 white male accused of drive by shooting and reckless endangerment.
No crime history, 1 FTA, PR'd, ordered to surrender fi****ms.

#10 judge notes relied heavily on the fact law enforcement does not oppose release, though that was not a factor that was relied upon for the young Black men held on bail for nonviolent charges

10/21/2020

Misdemeanor Calendar:

#1 man required to get electronic device to ensure he does not consume alcohol. He is required to get device on his body by Friday

Prosecutors are not pursuing charges at this time on 8 people, who were arrested, taken to jail and held. The prosecution may bring charges, if they choose, at a later date.

#2 on calendar, Latinx person held in jail for failing to attend a review hearing. PR'd but must install Ignition Interlock Device on vehicle within 5 days.

#3 woman held on DUI, PR'd required to install an Ignition Interlock Device before the prosecutor's office decides whether or not they will arraign her.

#4 Black male held on a warrant, PROSECUTOR asks for judge to reduce bail. Judge maintains bail at $50,000

Judge notes how strange it is to be in a completely different room.
Feels very "out of context".

#5 Man held for Failing to Appear at last court date PR'd.

#6 Man held on DUI allegations PR'd, required to install Ignition Interlock Device before being charged

#7 man held in jail, brought to court room only be told, charges are not being filed at this time, he will be released but may be charged in the future.

#8 Jail guard told Public Defender man who is paralyzed from the waist down was in the infirmary so he wouldn't be in court, later the guard told PD the man refused to come down. Judge notes FTA.
FTA's are often used as evidence that the accused person is a "flight risk" and thus should stay in jail.

10/21/2020

Felony Calendar: 4 matters "stricken" meaning these people were arrested, taken to jail, held only to have the prosecution choose not to pursue charges at this time. They reserve the option to bring charges at a later date.

#1 Man accused of Robbery and Unlawful Imprisonment held on $50,000 bail, violation of a deferred judgment stated by judge as part of why unlikely to follow court orders.

#2 White male, with private attorney, is accused of DV Assault, DV R**e, DV R**e Child, DV Assault Child, possession minor p**n I and minor p**n II. Accused violated protection order.
No Contact Orders, required to surrender weapons, watch program for devices $200,000 bail set

#2 continued: the prosecution had asked for $2million, the defense for $200,000 so bond could be posted.

#3 the accused not present in court said to be "not appropriate for court" according to jail staff. Bail hearing will be tomorrow.

#4 woman "medically unavailable" but in custody, probable cause found for Robbery and Unlawful Imprisonment. Bail hearing will be tomorrow.

#5 Man held on bail, released because state declined to file.

#6 Black Male accused of Possesion of a stolen vehicle and obstruction. Held on $20,000 bail. Judge states likely to fail to appear based on September failure to appear.

#7 Black Male accused of felony DUI, court states accused violated court conditions and imposed bail at $75,000 bail.

#8 Black male accused of possession of a stolen vehicle. Court does not find probable cause based on possession of a filed key with no other facts tying him to the vehicle.

3 people "refusals" meaning the jail staff told the court they said they wouldn't come down for court. Probable cause determinations are made in their absence.

10/08/2020

Felony calendar: The prosecution starts by reading a long list of people who were arrested, put in jail and now will be released because they are choosing not to file charges but reserve the ability to file in the future.

White male accused of r**e and molestation of a child. No criminal history. Unlike yesterday with a different judge but similar facts the man is held on $200,000 bail.

#2 on the calendar accused with no criminal history PR'd, required to abstain from alcohol.

Black male accused of Assault. Facts suggest it may have been self defense, man is houseless and dealing with trauma. Held on $100,000 Bail.

#4 Woman of color accused of possessing a stolen vehicle PR'd on the condition that she not have contact with her co-defendants.

PC found for Black woman accused of Robbery II for allegedly took someone's phone out of their hands. State asks for $75,000 bail. Woman PR'd.

10/08/2020

Misdemeanor calendar: 3 cases the prosecutor declined to file. These people were forced to endure the violence of being arrested and processed into the jail only to be told go home now and stay on the look out for mail in case the prosecutor decides to file charges.

Next person on the calendar accused of a DUI, will be required to sign a declaration of non-driving or to install an ignition interlock device before he is even formerly charged. PR'd.

Next person refused to come down from the jail but told his attorney to waive his speedy trial rights. Judge accepts attorney's representation of clients desire to waive speedy trial and continues case

Another decline to file.

10/06/2020

Morning Misdemeanor Calendar: Several matters stricken. All people (6) not held on other felony cases were PR'd!

Felony Afternoon Calendar: 12 people stricken from the calendar.

$75,000 bail for black woman charged with bank robbery. The robbery occurred WITHOUT a weapon. The judge says violence is inferred when a person slides a note to a teller that they are robbing them. Judge says based on this they present a violent threat to the community

Black mother asks for her son's release without bail. Man in custody but not in court (possibly in the hospital). Man was shot, drove to the hospital, allegedly hit a person in a crosswalk on way to hospital, didn't know, person died.
$200,000 Bail

Protestor arrested for "possession of an incendiary device". Defense challenges probable. Arrest report does not say what object arrestee allegedly had. Judge finds no probable cause for device. Finds probable cause for "resisting arrest", released without bail.

Protestor alleged to have committed arson. Judge finds probable cause for Arson II for allegedly throwing a firework in a Starbucks, where police state they witnessed a separate (presumably more serious) incendiary device thrown in by a different person. $75,000 Bail imposed.

Black Male alleged to have "illegally possessed a firearm", based on it being found under his (a passenger) seat in a car he did not own.

$50,000 bail imposed

White Male (or white passing) alleged to have strangled wife after shooting weapon out the window. Wife wrote statement that she is scared for his release.

Judge imposes $50,000

10/01/2020

#1 on the calendar, Black Man charged for stealing a lighter, yes a lighter that would cost less than $2.

Pled out...

A person previously held on bail (yesterday) released on promise to appear. out of state charges that were non-violent, with no failure to appears (FTA's) do not overcome the presumption of release, do not establish risk to community or likely to fail to appear at next hearing.

#3 on the calendar, person picked up on warrant for FTA, previous court date cancelled due to covid. Court quashed all warrants and PR'd

#4 Accused person PR'd, required to install ignition interlock device even though the prosecution has not yet decided if they are filing charges.

#5 on the calendar the accused person was arrested, jailed and then the state did not hold a hearing and has 3 years to file charges.

10/01/2020

#1 in the calendar, accused person is held on other charges so would not be released even if PR'd. Defense asks for "minimum bail" so that accused can receive credit for the time he is in jail. If PR'd on this case accused would not receive credit for this case. Minimum bail set.

3 cases dismissed- all three accused waived extradition to other states.

The next person refused to come down from the jail. Judge gives them a FTA (Failure To Appear). If an accused person has many FTA's a judge interprets that as an indication that a person is unlikely to come to court and is used to hold a person in jail pending trial.

Judge notes next person appearing before the court has been released on home monitoring from other charges, person is released without bail in this case.

Next person is being held on other charges, $10,000 bail imposed.

Next person's identity in question. No previous WA criminal history. Prior history in another state non-violent, no FTA's noted. Judge imposes bail stating concerned about the person not coming back to court, says bail can be revisited at next hearing.

The next person is a refusal to come down from jail. Again an FTA is noted despite the person being in state custody.
..and another person refused to come down from the jail and is given an FTA.

Another person refused to come from jail, this time the attorney notes that the person is paralyzed from the waist down and the process of coming to court is extremely painful. The person is given an FTA.

Next person was arrested on a warrant for failure to come to court in July. Their initial hearing was in April but was cancelled due to COVID, they never received notice of the next hearing. Judge PR's.

Defense asks to set a bail hearing from KCJ to RJC so that two separate cases can be tracked together. Judge state's it would be more efficient if cases tracked together but is unsure if other court will hear the case.
Sets hearing in other court.

09/24/2020

#1 & #2 on the calendar were stricken.

This means two people were arrested, taken to jail, processed through a violent, dehumanizing system, only to have their case put off the calendar.

The prosecutor CAN and frequently will file charges in the next three years.

#3 the accused person was given a failure to appear. He was in jail and the jail would normally bring them to court but the prosecutor filed the case under the wrong name. This could have severely impacted him in the future. He had to fix the prosecutors error from jail.

#4 another decline to file. Another person processed through a violent system, life disrupted, only to be told, wait and see for the next 3 years.

#5 ...and another decline to file.

09/24/2020

#1 on the calendar, accused has been found "not competent to stand trial" in another matter, accused will be held until this judge reviews the public defender's request to apply that finding to this case as well and release the accused.

#2 on the calendar, accused refused to come down from the jail for the second time.

People have reported the process of coming to court from the jail as difficult.

#3 on the calendar, the accused is released without bail.

While waiting for the rest of the bail calendar we observed a plea deal for reckless driving. The accused utilized a translator for court. He had served 233 days while awaiting trial only to take a plea.
The deal was for time served. 233 days is a long time.

#4 Probable cause is found on the word of king county sheriff despite a lack of detail about where the alleged crime took place. Accused is PR'd.

#5 accused held in king county jail refused to come to court. Prosecutor asks for a FTA (Failure to Appear) for the record. Judge denies request and sets new court date for next week.

#6 prosecution declined to file charges. They have 3 years to change their mind on this misdomeanor.

Address

Seattle, WA
98104

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 12pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 12pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 12pm
Thursday 8:15am - 12pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Free the People Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Free the People Project:

Shortcuts

Share

Category