• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

** Legal Defense fund for Skidmark **

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Legal Defense fund for Skidmark -

Several weeks ago Skidmark took a notion to drive to Williamsburg from his home near Richmond, thinking that he'd take the scenic route to enjoy the fall color in the leaves along the James River. His leisurely trip was interrupted at the Surry ferry crossing; a private contractor working for VDOT to "ensure security" ordered Skidmark to get out of his car, instead of asking if he could look inside the vehicle as he is supposed to do. Perhaps the "security" contractor noticed Skidmark's GSL and VCDL magnets on the rear of the car.

Skidmark asked the guy what authority he had for ordering him out of his car instead of simply asking him to pop the back open so they could look inside. The guy refused to answer that question, and simply reasserted his demand that Skidmark get out of the car. Skidmark elected not to take the ferry, and went to the turn-around point where he had a conversation with the "security" contractor's supervisor. When Skidmark asked him what authority the first guy had to order him out of the car, the supervisor basically called Skidmark a liar and told him that what had just happened never did happen. Skidmark pointed his finger at the supervisor, punctuating the word, "you", and said, "You don't know, you weren't there."

The supervisor took the finger-pointing as "a threat" and ended up calling the Sheriff's office. Now, Skidmark was openly wearing his Rohrbaugh 9mm at the time, but never made any reference to it during the course of these events. A deputy showed up after a while and interviewed everyone else who was involved before getting around to talking to Skidmark. By now, Skidmark had parked and locked his car, and was never "operating a motor vehicle" during the time the deputy was present. The deputy demanded that Skidmark produce a driver's license. The deputy threatened Skidmark with unspecified criminal charges if he failed to produce the driver's license as ordered. Since Skidmark was not in, or even near, a car, he declined to do so, orally identifying himself by giving the deputy his name and address.

At no time did Paul gesture towards, touch, mention, or make any reference to, his handgun.

The deputy demanded that Skidmark produce "paperwork for that gun". Skidmark asked what "paperwork" the deputy was referring to and was told "We want to make sure that gun is legal."

After finally getting the deputy to state that he was not detained and was free to leave, Skidmark got in his car and left. No attempt was made to stop him or to place him under custodial arrest for any offense.

Much later, having arrived back at home in Chesterfield County, Skidmark was placed under full custodial arrest by five deputies from the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office (who even brought their K-9 unit along). These men cuffed Skidmark, put him in the back of a cruiser and took him to the Chesterfield courthouse where he was fingerprinted, photographed and took him in front of a magistrate. There, Skidmark learned that he had been charged with obstruction of justice and brandishing a firearm. (Obviously, if either of these charges had been legitimate, Skidmark would have been arrested on the spot.) Skidmark had to put up a sizeable cash bond in order to secure his release, because the magistrate in Surry County had specifically marked the misdemeanor arrest warrants to prohibit release upon recognizance or by issuance of a summons. They clearly wanted Skidmark to have to go to jail pending trial.

Several members of this Forum attended the first hearing in Surry to set the trial date fully expecting both charges to be nolle pros'ed. We were not allowed in the court room – the hearing was CLOSED. Trial was set for Jan 4, 2011.

Let me consolidate this for you – Skidmark "brandished" his finger and didn't produce his papers on demand. He thought he had the situation resolved, but apparently underestimated the deputy's determination to punish him for contempt of cop – the "we can do this the easy way or the hard way" type of thing.

Like a lot of us, Skidmark is not in a position to comfortably afford the needed representation on his own. Something I think that the deputy was counting on – what they don't understand is our collective resolve.

Accordingly, we are setting up a legal defense fund for Skidmark and hope that many of you will contribute and plan to attend the trial. The following from his attorney:
Skidmark's Legal Defense Fund
Anyone wishing to contribute should send a check to:

Virginia Legal Defense
P.O. Box 100
Broad Run, Va. 20137


Checks should be made out to "VLD Attorney Escrow", with a notation on the memo line that it's for Skidmark (Paul Henick). Just writing "Henick" will be sufficient. All such checks will be deposited into the attorney-trust account on Paul's behalf and as his property; anyone who does so should understand that this is not tax deductible, and that it's an irrevocable gift to Paul. If there's money left over at the end of all this, it will go to him.

....................................OR

Send your contributions via PayPa


Be sure you click the PERSONAL tab, and then click the GIFT button, This will eliminate PayPal taking a cut of your contribution.
  • I see this as an attack on all of us and we cannot let it go unanswered.

  • I am shocked that a problem like this exists in my state.

  • I am appalled that Surry has proceeded with it.

  • I am angry and determined to do what I can.
 
Last edited:

peter nap

Accomplished Advocate
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
13,551
Location
Valhalla
,I posted briefly about this earlier. Because Skidmark wasn't sure what his attorney wanted, I deleted it immediately. In the two minutes that the thread was visible, two members contributed to the fund.

If two of us can do it in two minutes, I certainly hope the rest will shoot a box less of ammo and at least kick that amount in.

There is constantly talk here of defending our rights. Well this is the most blatant abuse of rights I've seen.

Many of us know Skidmark. The rest have benefited from his research and wisdom on this forum. While he may seem abrupt to newcomers, those of us that know him see a very different person. One that has a heart of gold and has given much more than most to the gun community.

Hopefully, we can give some back now, both in monetary support but also moral support.

Being arrested for just being a law abiding Citizen who exercises his rights, is a stressful thing. It doesn't bother criminals but plays hell with honest people.
 
Last edited:

kwikrnu

Banned
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
1,956
Location
Brentwood, Tennessee
If he has a carry permit are they going to try and revoke it?

"The sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth may submit to the court a sworn written statement indicating that, in the opinion of such sheriff, chief of police, or attorney for the Commonwealth, based upon a disqualifying conviction or upon the specific acts set forth in the statement, the applicant is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or negligently to endanger others. The statement of the sheriff, chief of police, or the attorney for the Commonwealth shall be based upon personal knowledge of such individual or of a deputy sheriff, police officer, or assistant attorney for the Commonwealth of the specific acts, or upon a written statement made under oath before a notary public of a competent person having personal knowledge of the specific acts."
 

palerider116

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
572
Location
Unknown
This is from the ferry's VA.gov website:

What can I do to make things move more quickly?

We encourage passengers to arrive early, be patient with the security officers screening vehicles, and be prepared to open trunks and enclosed containers when selected for screening. Security officers will work to make the screening process move as quickly as possible.

What if I refuse to be screened?

All passengers must consent to security screening to board the ferry.

What are you looking for?

  • Unaccompanied baggage or packages
  • Explosives and incendiary devices
  • Hazardous materials
  • Items that could result in significant loss of life, environmental damage, or a disruption to the transportation system
http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown-faqs.asp

It would be helpful to see the criminal complaint that was filled out. Also, who's name is on the warrants? Is the deputy from the ferry, the supervisor from the ferry, or someone else? Depending who's name is on the warrant (it should be on the left side approximately 1/3 of the way from the bottom), it will explain a great deal.
 

user

Accomplished Advocate
Joined
Feb 12, 2009
Messages
2,516
Location
Northern Piedmont
... It would be helpful to see the criminal complaint that was filled out. Also, who's name is on the warrants? Is the deputy from the ferry, the supervisor from the ferry, or someone else? Depending who's name is on the warrant (it should be on the left side approximately 1/3 of the way from the bottom), it will explain a great deal.

The brandishing charge was made by the contractor's supervisor; the obstruction charge was made by the deputy. What do you make of that?

By the way, can I talk you into sending money?
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
snip.........It would be helpful to see the criminal complaint that was filled out. Also, who's name is on the warrants? Is the deputy from the ferry, the supervisor from the ferry, or someone else? Depending who's name is on the warrant (it should be on the left side approximately 1/3 of the way from the bottom), it will explain a great deal.

Any and all such questions will default to user who is Skidmark's attorney, for reasons that should be obvious.

The primary point here is to make all aware of the situation and encourage everyone to rally to the cause.
 

palerider116

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
572
Location
Unknown
Much later, having arrived back at home in Chesterfield County, Skidmark was placed under full custodial arrest by five deputies from the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office (who even brought their K-9 unit along). These men cuffed Skidmark, put him in the back of a cruiser and took him to the Chesterfield courthouse where he was fingerprinted, photographed and took him in front of a magistrate.

Unfortunately Chesterfield is sucked into this because Surry issued warrants, and without a doubt, informed Chesterfield that Skidmark was armed with a weapon. They were just doing what they are required to do by law (18.2-475 & 18.2-476 & 18.2-469).

A FOIA request for the CAD report or CFS for Chesterfield would be beneficial. It would show what information was relayed to them by Surry.
 
Last edited:

ChiTown

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2010
Messages
12
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Unbelievable!!! I can't believe that this has happened. I guess Surry County didn't have anything else better to do. What ever happened to "land of the free"? We will keep Paul in our prayers.
 

palerider116

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
572
Location
Unknown
The brandishing charge was made by the contractor's supervisor; the obstruction charge was made by the deputy. What do you make of that?

By the way, can I talk you into sending money?

Brandishing: The deputy didn't find probable cause for the offense. Under 19.2-81 subsection G, the deputy would have had legal authority to effect the arrest. The criminal complaint filled out by the contractor's supervisor would shed light on what was conveyed to the magistrate.

Obstruction of Justice: I'm going to throw a flag for contempt of cop because at no time did the deputy place Skidmark in investigative detention for any crime. Secondly, it appears from Grapeshot's post that there really wasn't a crime being reported. It probably fell under the catch all "disorderly conduct/civil disturbance" category. I would do a FOIA request for the 911 recording, the CAD/CFS report, and the clearing notes from the deputy (assuming he has an MDC/MDT). The deputy's criminal complaint (if Surry requires their LEO's to fill out the form) would explain what the deputy conveyed to the magistrate.

If the two criminal complaints do not rise to the probable cause of the two offenses, I would recommend complaining to the Virginia Supreme Court (here is the link: http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/mag/home.html#complaint )
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Sorry to hear about this. I guess they will find out that he's not a pushover. I'll be glad to help.

Skidmark is well educated in the principles and extremely dedicated to the cause - we have all benefited from his council.

Rally 'round the flag boys and girl's - now is the time to show our resolve and help set this right.

This a CALL TO ACTION for one of our own. The trumpet has sounded!
 

kimbercarrier

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
721
Location
hampton, Virginia, USA
Skidmark is well educated in the principles and extremely dedicated to the cause - we have all benefited from his council.

Rally 'round the flag boys and girl's - now is the time to show our resolve and help set this right.

This a CALL TO ACTION for one of our own. The trumpet has sounded!

Grape that's one of the reasons I want to help. I know he's done a lot for us and will continue to do so.
 

palerider116

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2010
Messages
572
Location
Unknown
Obstruction of justice tends to be a catch all code for police officers, but there is a two prong test to be used:

1) What is the justice process at that moment in time? (i.e. is there a criminal matter being investigated and if there is, what is it?)

2) Is the person actually obstructing justice (preventing the officer from discharging his duties) or just not cooperating?

It appears that the deputy appears ill acquainted with the VA code. He decided to confirm this with swearing out a warrant.
 

HeroHog

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
628
Location
Shreveport, LA
This chaps my tail to no end! I hope that Skidmark gets enough hide out of this to live out his remaining years comfortably or at the least buy a NICE new Van!

Skidmark, I am back home in Louisiana and still as poor as a church mouse but if there is ANYTHING I can do, you just let me know!

UNbelieveable! :banghead::cuss:
 

Dreamer

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Messages
5,360
Location
Grennsboro NC
Has the Paypal account been set up yet?

I'm a ramen-eating grad student, but I'll GLADLY scrape something together to donate to Skid. He is one of the most honorable, upstanding, and GENUINE people I've ever met, and I'll do anything in my means to help him out on this one...
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Has the Paypal account been set up yet?

I'm a ramen-eating grad student, but I'll GLADLY scrape something together to donate to Skid. He is one of the most honorable, upstanding, and GENUINE people I've ever met, and I'll do anything in my means to help him out on this one...

Hopefully will be done during the day tomorrow - will want separate bank account.
 

eye95

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
13,524
Location
Fairborn, Ohio, USA
When you get the PayPal set up, I will send a contribution.

I'd love to see us set up a war chest for such defenses and the ensuing civil suits. I would regularly contribute to such a set-up. In time, with civil suits, it could become self-sustaining--at least until rogue LEAs and DAs get the message to leave LACs who carry alone and the civil suits dry up.

BTW, I am pissed.

On edit: Did skidmark have a recorder? Where it is lawful, everyone needs to carry a recorder. When I OC in pubic, mine is always running. It helped me get my last LEO encounter on tape.
 
Last edited:
Top