78-year-old woman jailed and forgotten I just read about a 78-year-old grandmother in Florida who was arrested, jailed, and forgotten about for fifteen days before charges were finally dropped. Here’s the details of the debacle: September 2009 — Police pull over Gabrielle Shaink Trudeau for driving too slow and ticket her for driving with a revoked or suspended license. 10-days after receiving the ticket, Shaink Trudeau received a letter from the DMV that restored her driving privileges, pending further review…for another incident. Shaink Trudeau fails to appear in court for her ticket and a warrant is issued for her arrest. Police arrest Shaink Trudeau at her home in November. Public Defenders fail to appear at her arraignment or to counsel her. Prosecutors fail to tell the judge that Shaink Trudeau could have been released on her own recognizance, without a PD. She remained jailed through the Thanksgiving weekend. I wish it weren’t, but sadly it’s a true story.

78-year-old woman jailed and forgotten

I just read about a 78-year-old grandmother in Florida who was arrested, jailed, and forgotten about for fifteen days before charges were finally dropped.

Here’s the details of the debacle:

  • September 2009 — Police pull over Gabrielle Shaink Trudeau for driving too slow and ticket her for driving with a revoked or suspended license.
  • 10-days after receiving the ticket, Shaink Trudeau received a letter from the DMV that restored her driving privileges, pending further review…for another incident.
  • Shaink Trudeau fails to appear in court for her ticket and a warrant is issued for her arrest.
  • Police arrest Shaink Trudeau at her home in November.
  • Public Defenders fail to appear at her arraignment or to counsel her.
  • Prosecutors fail to tell the judge that Shaink Trudeau could have been released on her own recognizance, without a PD.
  • She remained jailed through the Thanksgiving weekend.

I wish it weren’t, but sadly it’s a true story.

Notes