Originally published at: State v. Joseph Hart – The Conclusion (and letter to Judge Guptill) | Free Keene
So first off… my sincere apologies for being so late in posting this blog. I’ve had a lot of things going on in life as of late so my mind has been elsewhere. So allow me to correct my lapse in informing you of the outcome of Joseph’s case.
The case was tried in front of Judge Ryan Guptill.
We won the disorderly conduct charge based on what I believe is the legal theory that the State failed to identify witnesses as required by NH Supreme Court caselaw. I totally sympathize with the police on this one because I understand what its like to have to be laser focused on an arrestee and their safety. I honestly would have done the same thing that the Hillsborough, NH Police officers did… focus on Joa.
Anyhow, we lost the criminal trespass one. As much as I love Joa, I honestly agree with Judge Guptill’s ruling on this. I don’t think the courts can or should allow someone to defy orders as Joa did in the heat of the moment. I made my best argument I could on two different legal theories… but ultimately my arguments didn’t convince the Judge.
Joa is a good guy, if you don’t know him. He’s a passionate activist who believes very much in governmental accountability. This was my first case actually serving at the Defense table during an actual trial and honestly I don’t think I did that great. These lawyers and judges do it every day… so they’re pros.
I wrote a letter to Judge Guptill to thank him for his kind understanding of my lack of experience in a courtroom but the letter got sent back to me as improper communications by the Clerk of the Hillsborough District Court.
To Clerk Oliver, I do apologize for violating that rule 🙂 So as I did want the Judge to see my positive feedback I decided to post my letter here. If someone who knows Judge Guptill could forward him the link to this blog I would be most appreciative.
07/21/24
The Honorable Ryan Guptill
NH Circuit Court-District Division 6th Circuit Hillsborough
15 Antrim Road Box #3
Hillsborough, NH 03244
RE: Joseph Hart’s Trial
Greetings Judge Guptill.
I wanted to write you to express my sincere appreciation for the way you handled the proceedings that were held between the State and Joseph Hart when I was allowed to serve as his 1.3D Representative last month.
I additionally wanted to take an opportunity to let you know that I had never in my life actually served at the defense table during an actual trial. If I appeared a bit befuddled, it is because I was. I wanted to thank you though for your kind understanding of my lacking of precise procedural etiquette.
At the end of the day I must confess that I understand your decision regarding Joseph’s guilt on the trespass charge. I think as a matter of public policy we cannot have people second guessing orders given by officials in situations like which occurred in Mr. Hart’s case.
In my humble opinion you strike me as a good man who is trying his best to fairly apply the law during your cases. I like that. People like you should be stood for when they enter the room.
Thanks for all you do.
Respectfully submitted,
Bradley Jardis
10 Congress Street #302
Amesbury, MA 01913
bbrad121@gmail.com