ACLU-NC Submits Brief in Support of Indybay's Bradley Stuart Allen and Alex Darocy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California filed a brief as amicus curiae, on May 3rd, in support of Bradley Stuart Allen and Alex Darocy’s motion to dismiss, pursuant to Penal Code section 995, pending before the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Cruz.

The 995 motion to dismiss, and a motion to dismiss for selective prosecution, were filed by Allen's attorney, Benjamin Rice, and Darocy's attorney, George Gigarjian.

The ACLU of Northern California writes, "Even if they are never convicted, forcing reporters to defend themselves at trial against unjustified felony charges can have a serious chilling effect on their willingness to cover controversial events and to express opinions about those events that the government may disagree with."

The ACLU of Northern California concludes, "The prosecution’s theories of liability for conspiracy to trespass and aiding and abetting trespass seek to punish Allen and Darocy for activity they engaged in that is protected by the First Amendment and the liberty of speech clause of the California Constitution. This type of prosecution endangers the freedom of the press by punishing journalists based on the content and viewpoint of the material they publish, by impermissibly burdening newsgathering, and by ultimately restricting the public’s access to newsworthy events. The Court should dismiss the conspiracy charges, as well as any other charges that rest upon an aiding-and-abetting theory of liability."

The following documents are published below (PDF):

1) Motion for Leave for Amicus Brief
2) ACLU Amicus Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss
3) Proposed Order re ACLU application to file amicus brief
4) Proof of Service - Signed

5) Allen and Darocy's 995 Motion to Dismiss
6) Allen and Darocy's Motion to Dismiss for Selective Prosecution