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Paris Hearing Passed to Another Judge
Adam Hammond
Story Created:
Aug 7, 2009 at 8:54 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 7, 2009 at 10:21 PM CDT
Miriam Paris' attorney says she walked into the courtroom Friday ready to plea not guilty to charges she failed to restrain a dog and resisting an officer. "She's dissatisfied with the way the whole thing has been handled in general. It was really insignificant in our minds with what happened. There was probably a better way to resolve the issue rather than writing tickets and coming to court," said Paris' attorney Anderson Ramay.
To prevent a conflict of interest Judge Bobby Faulkner passed the arraignment hearing to another judge but isn't certain when of with whom the hearings will proceed.
It all started here on Suwanee Avenue May 9, 2009. According to police reports Officer Jon Wantz was called here to Paris's home on because Paris' dog was allegedly attacking a postal worker. Once he asked for her ID she said the police chief told her she didn't have to give it to him. Wantz says he then talked to Deputy Chief Carswell who said if the situation warranted a citation he should write one. Reports say she initially resisting the officer by walking in and grabbing her keys telling Wantz to move his car out of her drive way.
Protestors were on hand at Friday's arraignment saying she should apologize to the officer and her constituency. "For her to act that way just boggles my mind that she can't just stand up and show her support for him to apologize and take control of her dog and be done with it," said Brent McCleese.
Paris' attorneys say the charges should be dismissed because the situation doesn't support the citations.
