01-11-2006, 06:42 AM
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#1 |
| Have crayon, will travel. ModeratorPWCToday.com Is My Home Away From Home
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: #1 Most Violent City In America!! Age: 40
Posts: 2,408
| Jet Ski ban on trial---(Maine)
Quote:
BELFAST (Jan 10): Mark Haskell of Camden has spent more than $20,000 in legal fees to contest what will likely be a $100 ticket for riding his personal watercraft on Lake St. George.
Haskell is determined to test a state law banning Jet Skis and other personal watercraft on certain lakes in Maine. The first part of that test occurred Tuesday afternoon, when Haskell and his supporters offered testimony that supported overturning the ban.
Haskell flouted a personal watercraft ban in Liberty last summer when he drove his Jet Ski on Lake St. George over the busy July 4th weekend. He wanted to attract attention and he did: A game warden issued him a ticket for violating the law.
Haskell hired a lawyer and rallied support from personal watercraft enthusiasts, including those working to overturn PWC bans in other states. He arrived at Fifth District Court this morning with his lawyer, Michael Kaplan, personal watercraft industry representative Ralph Pears, and Sanford resident, Robert Creteau, who operates a PWC on a Maine lake similar in size to Lake St. George.
Due to lack of space at District Court, the trial was held Tuesday afternoon in the Superior Court building in Belfast. Haskell, Creteau and Rears provided testimony, but the case was left open for 45 days so the court could hear additional testimony from state game wardens and PWC supporters, according to Haskell.
Haskell said the presiding judge told him that Haskell and his attorney would have an additional 30 days to provide a concluding statement, and the district attorney would have another 30 days to review all documents and respond.
Representatives from the Office of the Attorney General have stated in the past that they will review all documents related to the case.
When it is time for Haskell to submit a plea, he plans to plead not guilty. “I’ll appeal if I’m found guilty,” he said.
Haskell said he left the courtroom optimistic. “The judge made a statement that he believes that this is a matter of law,” said Haskell. “That made us feel good. This may go to the next level.”
Haskell said he has not asked for, or accepted, outside contributions toward his legal fees.
“I received a $2 hat when I bought my $13,000 Jet Ski,” he said. “And a siphon hose worth about $7.95.”
When asked how much money of his own he would spend on the case, he was unsure of the answer. “I don’t have a clue,” he said. “ I’ve spent a substantial amount, and I am committed at this time.”
Added Haskell: “After we win this, I’m going to send the bill to the state saying you forced me to go through this to challenge a stupid law. You never know, I might be pigheaded enough.’’
According to Haskell, no future court date has been set at this time.
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