SWOP 2009 U.S LEGAL GUIDE::Call for Community Expertise!

CALL FOR COMMUNITY EXPERTISE:

Do you have personal experience in the justice system that you would share as part of SWOP’S 2009 Legal Resource Guide?  We are looking for short 2-500 word articles and quotes to publish in this years updated resource guide which will have lists of recommended lawyers and legal resources and be distributed to all chapters and during outreach events.  Possible articles/topics that may be included:

• If there were 3-5 things I could tell other sex workers about getting arrested, going to court, choosing a lawyer, etc.
• What to expect after getting busted
• Common mistakes that get people arrested
• Using a public defender
• My experience with diversion programs
• Sexual harassment and assault from Law Enforcement
• Words from a sex worker parent
• I fought for my rights…and WON.

We seek to cover a broad range of predicaments that our community members feel comfortable sharing (pen name or anonymous is ok) as part of this guide.  Ideally we would like to touch on 647b (solicitation of prostitution) type of charges, BDSM related arrests, exotic dancer legal resources, and a section of resources for parents.  Regional chapter members who would like to contribute by calling your local area law offices and assessing if are in line with SWOP’s mission and should be listed in our resource guide is also needed.  If you don’t have a copy of the last 2007 Legal Guide, go to http://www.swopusa.org and download a copy or email one of us and we will send it to you.  Please send mariko.passion@gmail your words of wisdom (informal is ok).  This project is being edited by Tara Sawyer and Mariko Passion, but this is truly a community resource that is written BY and FOR all members of our network in the U.S.