Support Jordan Update November 2011

Hey friends,
I know it seems like forever ago that Jordan Halliday was first called to a Grand Jury which he resisted.
In a way it was forever ago, he was first approached by the FBI in 2008 regarding local mink farm raids in Utah.
He refused to cooperate with the FBI and was told he would face a subpoena to testify in front of a grand jury.
Six months later the FBI followed through, Subpoenaing both Jordan and another 'activist' who chose to testify.
Jordan however chose to resist the grand jury in protest due to its abusive and archaic nature.

Grand juries are called when the government lacks evidence to indict an individual for a crime.
Witnesses are subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury in hopes of providing evidence to the prosecution.
Little is known about these secretive proceedings, because all information is considered sealed and classified.
A witness that is called before a grand jury is not allowed to have a lawyer present with them in the grand jury room.

In recent years activists have seen an increase in subpoenas to grand juries. These subpoenas are often used to harass
and intimidate legal above-ground activists, like Jordan feels is the case, in his situation. The prosecutor can ask any
question and if you refuse to answer or if you lie, you could be held in contempt of court or perjury. With no lawyer present for the witnesses,
prosecutors can often ask for information not relevant to a crime in hopes to harass, intimidate or 'fish' for information,
in a secretive manner which many consider a modern day witch hunt. Jordan said he was mainly asked information about his friends, family, and general life and refused to answer any of them.

Jordan refused to answer any of the questions he was asked, the 3 times he was subpoenaed. He was incarcerated after his second appearance for "civil contempt of court".
He eventually was granted immunity. Yet still refused to cooperate and stayed in jail until the term of the grand jury expired 4 months later.
Upon release he was indicted with "criminal contempt of court", and was released on pre-trial pending trial, eventually he took a non-cooperating plea deal, and was sentenced to 10 months plus 3 years probation under the guidelines low-end range for "obstruction of justice", which has a 10-16 months recommended range.
He was ordered to report to the federal custody early January, 2011. Although he was able to stay out on a release pending his appeal, just days before he was due to present himself.
Jordan and his lawyer filed an appeal arguing that a guideline range for "failure to appear" which has a 0-6 month recommended range, was more fitting for Jordan, who still to this day claims he has no knowledge of any illegal underground activity or actions.
In fact the individuals Jordan was allegedly called in to testify against, have both already been indicted, convicted, sentenced and have served their time already, without the help of a testimony by Jordan.

On November 15th, 2011, Jordan's attorney argued their final arguments before the court of appeals in Denver, Colorado.
Jordan says he felt a bias and hostility from the beginning and although his lawyer did an excellent job, felt the judges already had their minds made up.
It typically takes 3-6 months before a ruling comes back.

Although we remain optimistic that Jordan might still win his appeal and get the low-end sentence of 0 months, we are also confronting the reality that he is more likely going back, than staying out.
With the possibility of prison coming soon for Jordan. We have decided to start accepting donations again.
Currently he is now only around $350 in legal debt, although we will continue collecting donations in case of incarceration.
If Jordan wins his appeal and doesn't end of having to serve any additional time, we will be distributing the remaining donations to other political prisoners and activists in need.

You can donate by PayPal by visiting "supportjordan.com", or you can send a donation or letter of support to:
Jordan Halliday
PO BOX 601
West Jordan, Utah 84084

This is an important case for the future of all activists, radicals and dissidents.
If his appeal is not heard, he will be going back to prison for an additional 10 months, this is on top of the 4 he already served.
With a total of 14 months and 3 years probation, he will be serving more time than the individuals he was called to testify against, who were convicted under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.
Jordan needs our support now more than ever. Let him know he hasn't been forgotten in this long period of legal battles.

We are all proud of Jordan. Please re-post this to as many places as you can. He needs our support.

-Jordan's Support Committee


Email: [email protected]

Post Office Box:
Support Jordan
PO BOX 601
West Jordan, Utah 84084

Website: http://www.supportjordan.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SupportJH
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Jordan-Halliday/107550725954849
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/SupportJordanHalliday