An Update From Dismantle.us
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A pink and white logo featuring the words “Dismantle” and “Smith Law, LLC” in smaller print.
AN UPDATE FROM DISMANTLE.US
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WE’VE BEEN BUSY!
For the past 6 months, we have supported our community and protestors in the streets, without regard to their tactics.
What have we been up to?
- We fought for folks to be released at their first court hearing after arrest.
- We sued the City of Seattle on behalf of other protestors to argue that SPD should be prohibited from using CCWs outright, not just limited in their use. This case is still pending.
- We added another attorney to our team to work to get YOU your property back after seized by SPD.
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WE'RE REFOCUSING TO SUPPORT YOU BETTER!
As protests continue, and as the fight in solidarity for Black lives continues into the new year, we are making an intentional shift. We believe transparency is necessary so you know how dismantle.us is serving our community.
We have active cases in both state and federal courts, defending protestors against felony charges. As prosecutors begin to file charges against protestors from actions over the summer, we must create space to ensure we can adequately represent these folks once formally charged.
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Instead of appearing at the first court hearing when someone is arrested, we are focusing our support on individuals who have been officially charged in court.
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SO WHATS CHANGED?
Because we are not representing folks at first appearance, a public defender will be provided by the court for that hearing. NLG will still coordinate jail visits.
You should contact us if:
You have been charged with a protest-related offense, or you still have personal property that SPD has not returned to you.
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IMPORTANT REMINDER!
If you were arrested and released, that does not mean your case is closed. Your case is only closed if the prosecutor has decided not to file charges.
Most notices of charges will come through the mail, at the address you provided upon release.
If you were arrested and do not know whether the government has reviewed your case
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WE GOT YOU!
Dismantle.us is a project coordinated by a Black-owned, women run law firm. We prioritize representing those who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or have a disability because these folks often face the most serious consequences in the criminal justice system.
We appreciate your trust in us to fight for you in the legal system. We look forward to continuing that fight until all of us are free.
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Our protest defense work is funded entirely by donations, sourced from those who cannot support the movement in person. We don't want protestors to bear the burden of paying for our services. For this reason, we encourage folks in community to direct their resources to mutual aid organizations.
If you'd like to support our work as a non-protester, visit: www.dismantle.us
