Judge Wont Drop Acquitted Charges in New Trial Against Raw Milk FarmerHeather Callaghan But in January he was brought up on six charges in his home county ofStearns, including the same three that were just dropped against him. Each side had a few weeks to submit letters, one of which was Alvins attorney requesting to have the same three charges dropped. Alvin is arguing that this is serial prosecution Im guessing a less severe form of what we might call Double Jeopardy. But Judge Thomas Knapp disagreed and said they were different crimes, although similar, happening 10 days apart and involving separate foods. Schlangen argued that both county allegations were from the same behavioral incident or continuous course of conduct, but the judge is moving forward and another trial will take place with Alvin on the defense. As stressful as this dragged-out battle has been for Alvin and his supporters who rely on him for fresh food drop-offs there is plenty that we can do to help. But in another case which is the default, Blockburger v. United States (1932) the government may separately try and punish the defendant for two crimes if each crime contains an element that the other does not. (Source) Thats probably the judges touchstone. Schlangen, however, was only asking that the three same charges he was acquitted of be dropped not all six. It was defense attorney Nathan Hansens wish that thecharges be dropped as one continuous indivisible court of action motivated by a unity of purpose. The three additional misdemeanors include: failing to maintain proper temperature for organic eggs, selling meat that should not have been possessed (?), and removing or disposing food embargoed by state food safety inspectors. It is very important to point out here that his method of distribution is not a retail food establishment as government agencies like to assert. He provides it along with other fresh food options to his members through his farm club called Freedom Farms Co-op. Food Farm Freedom Coalition explains: Still no trial date, but there is plenty that we can do to help. What saved him in the courts last time was jury nullification when he was tried for crimes that harmed no one. Informed jurors can look at the evidence, but say so what? and let him go free. This is how bad laws are evaporated in the face of constant persecution because this WILL keep happening. Please read and distribute information about jury rights and additional guidelines in the Citizens Rule Book. Also recommended as a direct way to help Alvin is donating to Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund on his behalf. FTCLDF is a non-profit organization set up to directly help persecuted farmers like Alvin with their legal battles. Alvins battles have been raging for more than two years now with threats of fines and imprisonment and he has been the target of multiple raids, inspections and trials. His many supporters have flocked to help him at rallies which Alvin attends and speaks, even signing a food declaration of independence. Although the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is aggressive towards its small farms and farm clubs, Minnesota has a trove of liberty to combat that with informed jurors. We will update on upcoming rallies in support of Alvin Schlangen. Any suggestions for help or info on rallies are welcome. Also See: Dear Facebook: Raw Milk FarmerNeeds Jury Nullification Again Petition here: Activism Jury Nullification: More info on Alvin: Source: Read other articles by Heather Callaghan Here 