This is another one of those stories we hear so often, about someone who is shot by cops who then claim the motorist 'tried to run them down'. In most instances the motorist is simply slaughtered on the spot, with the shooting ruled "a good shoot" by the police department, thus justifiable. In this case the man, Vincent Arias, was shot by police and escaped, only to be turned in by his own wife, who was threatened with having her kids stolen by 'department of child services'. Arias was then taken to twin towers jail in Los Angeles and held there for almost two years, with the D.A. demanding over a million dollars bond to let him out. Arias was charged with two felonies in October 2004; attempted murder of a police officer and assault with a deadly weapon (his '94 Chrysler). After putting up with big bills and stall tactics by a series of unimpressive lawyers, Arias fired them all; and with the help of a black cellmate he befriended, used the law library and accumulated knowledge to represent himself. Offered a plea deal of 20 years by the D.A., Arias, who had been facing a minimum of 35 years for each felony, rejected their 'deal' and was aquitted on all charges by a jury of twelve people in August 2006.
A truly amazing story of grit, determination and success despite all odds. This video is a summary/ preview of the entire 3 part 30 minute interview with southern California resident Vincent Arias, which will be posted soon. I am proud to be friends with this man.
---- pro per
A term derived from the Latin in propria, meaning "for one's self," used in some states to describe a person who handles her own case without a lawyer. In other states, the term pro se is used.