I have no doubt in our guilty verdict of Obstructing Legal Process. We deliberated for 2 days, so certainly we did not treat this case lightly. In the end it came down to Mr. Bahl’s testimony for me. When asked why he pulled his wrist away from Officer Bobrowski, he testified that he pulled it away to write. Although I feel that Mr. Bahl intended to communicate with the officer by writing (and therefore improving the situation), he also intended to do this on his terms. I firmly believe that police have the authority to control these situations in the way they see fit and that citizens that resist are breaking the law. The only way we can legally resist is in self defense. However, when Mr. Bahl was asked whether he felt that Officer Bobrowski intended to harm him, he responded no. Therefore, he cannot claim self defense in pulling away from the officer trying to restrain him. This is why I feel he was guilty.

That being said, I very much sympathize with him for what happened to him outside of the car. Certainly there was communication issues, and I think that Officer Bobrowski could have done a better job. I do not know who contacted who first, their testimonies contradicted each other, but the end result was very unfortunate. My thoughts are that police have at lot to learn from this situation. But I also believe death individuals have some responsibility when being pulled over; just like somebody who can hear, the first response is to produce your identification and insurance. Does not producing these items give the police the right to beat someone? Absolutely not!

After the trial I found out that Mr. Bahl had spent 4 days in jail without being allowed to contact his family. This is absolutely tragic, and if his claims are true I certainly hope he is successful in his civil trial.

One thing that was evident to myself, and to the rest of the jurors, is that Douglas Bahl is an extraordinary individual. Even by judging him guilty of this crime, that in no way takes away from his accomplishments as a leader and activist in the deaf community in my opinion.

From reading this blog it is quite obvious to me that there is a lot of concern for Mr. Bahl, as well as the current state of relations between police and deaf individuals. I hope my first hand description of the trial was helpful to you all.

Sincerely,
Eric Barsness
St. Paul, MN

You definitely have a GOOD POINT about how the NAD’s Legal Unit prioritize their caseloads.

You could see why the NAD get involved with the Washington Redskins stadium accessibility issue via captioning.

Shane Feldman is a former NAD employee himself. Is that the inside access to the NAD like former employee have such an advantage over other priorities?

The NAD board have to look into this matter. I personally know the NAD lawyers myself. Kinda awkward and sticky situation for me.

I am with you and other deaf Americans enraged at the travesty of the judical outcome within Bahl trial. I do UNDERSTAND your feelings and questions.

Sorry for delayed response which I have been overwhelmed with many things. I want to enjoy the sunny autumn weather.

Robert L. Mason (RLM)

If not, then is it possible that there is a mistrial????

1. http://www.cpsr.cs.uchicago.edu/countermedia/articles/9611.ericsmith.txt

His former classmate from elementary school, I believe.. who grew up with him.. how she felt about the police and she wrote the article about Eric Smith and some deaf people who were also killed by police. Read her article:

2. http://www.i711.com/my711.php?tab=2&article=66

See those police doesnt understand how to communicate with DEAF people … Police need to LEARN how to communicate with DEAF!!!!!!!!! Police HAVE NO right to kill deaf people!!!!! also we need to have AN INTERPRETER to communicate with police anytime because we have the RIGHT!!!!! ADA LAW????? ARE JUDGE, COURT, POLICE or whoever ignore the ADA LAW?????

Is there a news link that you could provide us about the trial and outcome of Doug Bahl as I could not find anything on the internet. Thanks

I hope you will do the vlog, so that deaf people
would watch and have a better understanding about what is being talked about Doug Bahl. Most deaf people prefer vlog to blog.