Posted on 08/21/2003 11:08:38 AM PDT by freepatriot32
La Plata County has not experienced the same problems as Cortez with lawyers toting guns into court. Nonetheless, there is an unwritten policy that lawyers cannot carry their weapons past the bar, officials for the 6th Judicial District said.
In the 22nd Judicial District, which covers Montezuma County, Chief District Judge Sharon L. Hansen redrafted an order limiting firearms within court facilities. The written policy is similar to one issued in October 1992. It was sent to District Attorney Joe Olt, advising him that he must use security lockers provided for firearms and knives.
Olt was in the habit of entering court to drop off his files, and then would lock up his weapons in the security area. Olt did not return a phone call Monday seeking comment about the new policy.
In the 6th Judicial District, it is common knowledge that lawyers are not allowed to carry guns into courtrooms, said Chief District Judge Gregory Lyman. He could not recall anyone carrying a gun into court.
There is a metal detector staffed by a La Plata County sheriff’s deputy that people are required to pass through before entering the courthouse, located at 1060 East Second Ave.
Deputies of the court are allowed to carry firearms in court, as are policemen and deputies in uniform called to testify, Lyman said.
In Colorado, district attorneys and assistant district attorneys are allowed to carry concealed weapons even without a concealed-weapons permit, said Assistant District Attorney Craig Westberg. But there has never been a problem with anyone in his office carrying a weapon to court, and Westberg said he doesn’t know anyone in his office interested in carrying a gun into court.
"There has never, to my knowledge ... been a need for the courts to establish a policy with respect to attorneys carrying sidearms," he said.
Steven W. Brittain, administrator for the 6th Judicial District, also said weapons in court haven’t been a problem. "We have never had to address it. The policy (in Cortez) was developed because the district attorney wants to carry a weapon in court. It’s not an issue here."
Olt said he understood the court’s concern and would comply with the request. he said. "Although we have the right to defend ourselves, I don’t think I’m going to force the court to accept my way of thinking."
He praised Hansen for her willingness to discuss the issue and also for providing security lockers for weapons.
Hansen said the policy is not a statute, and the stipulation does not apply exclusively to Olt.
Reach Staff Writer Shane Benjamin at shane@durangoherald.com.
and this moron
"I don’t think (Judge Hansen’s) reading of the law is correct, but it’s her courtroom, and I respect that,"
probably deserves to get shot if he doesnt think her reading of he law is correct CHALLENGE it dont just bend over and lube up
Becuase the prosecutors are agents of The Lords Of The State, while defense attorneys are agents of the peasants. Dammit, caste systems aren't just for India any more!
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