Say Hello to the Arpaio 5. Click here for information.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Writing to Grace

So, it turns out that Grace is indeed in Estrella and not Tents. METERED postcards (in blue or black ink) can be sent to her. This can be done at the post office and then they deliver it. She can be reached at:

Estrella Jail
Sarah G. Daniels
Inmate # P717574
2939 W Durango St
Phoenix, AZ 85009


Here are additional guidelines from the MCSO website:

INMATE MAIL: All incoming mail, with the exception of legal mail, must be standard postcards.
This is to ensure the safety and security of jail facilities, inmates, and staff.
ACCEPTABLE STANDARD POSTCARDS
• Metered or Stamps are acceptable for postage.
• Minimum size requirements are 3.5 by 4.25 inches
• Maximum Allowable Postcard Size: 4.25 x 6 inches
• Written in blue or black ink only.
• homemade postcards are not accepted.
UNACCEPTABLE POSTCARDS
• Defaced or altered postcards
• No plastics or wrappings on postcard
• Postcards marked with paint, crayon or marker; or ink
(only black or blue ink is accepted)
• Postcards with labels or stickers
• Postcards with watermarks or stains
• Postcards with any biohazards, including perfumes or
lipstick
• Postcards depicting nudity, weapons, or gang references
• Oversized Postcards
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES Subscription publications must be purchased directly through a publisher.
Publications that may pose a threat to the security or safety of the jail or are pornographic are not allowed.
PHOTOGRAPHS Up to five photographs may be mailed to the jail (or dropped off in the visitation lobby) provided the envelope is clearly marked “PHOTOGRAPHS.” Photographs may not be larger than four inches by six inches. The inmate name & booking number must be written on the back of each photograph. Nothing else is to be written on the photographs. Photographs must be unaltered, and may not contain any adhesives such as stickers or labels.

I wouldn't chance using stamps despite what the website says, since they could just be trying to make it harder to contact Grace (but they obviously don't know us that well). I'd ask her in your first postcard about sending her photos and/or publications, if you wish to. Books can only come through Amazon (no resellers), Barnes & Noble, Borders. Just use the mailing address for the order. Additionally, there's always visitation as a means to contact her. At this point, I don't know what the guidelines are for visitation (or if they're making it harder to visit her). Otherwise, I don't believe it would be that hard to visit her.

http://supportgrace.wordpress.com/

Monday, November 22, 2010

Grace's Sentencing/Garyn and Claire's Trial

Grace's Sentencing

Grace went in for her sentencing hearing this morning surrounded by approximately 40 friends as well as family. She was given the agreed upon 30 days in jail from her plea deal of a class 6 felony for disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon, which starts upon her turning herself in at 5 PM today. After considering her involvement in the community and for social justice, the judge decided to give Grace 18 months supervised probation instead of three years starting today. She also still has the chance to get work release during the day, although it looks unlikely and wouldn't go into effect immediately. We'll post any information we get regarding her mailing address in the jail.

Garyn and Claire's Trial

A deal (not a plea) has been offered to Garyn and Claire where they will take their trial before a judge instead of a jury as a bench trial and in return have been offered a reduction for their felony charges down to misdemeanors. This means that even in the event that they are found guilty of any of their charges, they will not be facing any jail time. Their trial, which could be as short as one day, is scheduled to begin on December 13th at 201 W. Jefferson. We believe that it will be in courtroom 703 at 8:30, but we will post any changes if necessary.

In related news, Dane, who came up from Tucson and was arrested at the anti-Nazi rally in Phoenix and faces five charges, had court today as well. His case was scratched, which is fantastic news, although a scratch isn't a dismissal and charges could be brought back up within seven years. However, at the moment he isn't facing charges.

To keep up on Grace's situation and to find out how you can support her, she now has a website set up:

http://supportgrace.wordpress.com/

Friday, November 5, 2010

Grace's plea, jail sentence

Grace took the final plea offer of a class 6 felony: disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon (stipulated 30 days in jail). Her probation length will be determined during her sentencing which is on November 22nd, which is also the day she goes into custody.

Listen to a radio interview on The Debate Hour here.