There is already a law that protects victims of graffiti. (Minn.Stat.
§617.90)<http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/617/90.html>
The army of lawyers were sought to bring suit against those damaging
property with graffiti. Up to three times the cost of removal and an
amount not exceeding $1000 from the parent or guardian of the person who
placed the graffiti on another person's property.
By taking legal action and winning damages in court against the
individual placing graffiti or their parent/guardian, the illegal
behavior will be diminished. The person who's property had been damaged
will be compensated.
It is essential that the enforcement moves out of the criminal court
(high burden of proof) and into the civil courts (lower standard of
proof). A City attorney representing the City can not represent a
private citizen. BUT, a private counsel attorney who represents the city
CAN also represent a private citizen. This private counsel attorney will
have access to the police and police files.
An officer can give testimony in civil court. Something to the effect of
"This graffiti in the photo is the signature style of a tagger/gang
member/juvenile/whoever known as 'X'." The judge awards damages. The
juvenile's parents have to pay to get the markings removed and have to
pay damages.
That is different than having to catch the person red handed.
Did I answer your question Mr. Mons?
Rick Mons wrote:
On Sep 5, 2005, at 10:02 PM, Scott Moore wrote:
· To recruit an army of lawyers who are willing and able to defend
victims of graffiti in the Lyndale Neighborhood
/snip/
A year of active solicitation has produced no attorney willing to
defend victims of graffiti in the Lyndale Neighborhood. Council
action is needed to recruit the attorneys needed to eradicate graffiti.
It's not clear to me how attorneys "defend" victims of graffiti -- can
you clarify?
Rick Mons
Shoreview - Tanglewood Area
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Scott Moore - 612.791.2333
Happy Accident Productions, LLC
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