[nagdu] update on Minnesota Guide Dog Attack

Tue Nov 10 19:44:17 UTC 2009

Wow!  What a mess!  I am so proud of LL for taking on this fight and for
NAGDU for having her back!   She is showing more fortitude and raw courage
than I can imagine handling so well myself.

Are victim's impact statements from outside MN allowed or even helpful?

What about VI statements from those of us who have not experienced such an
attack and can speak only theoretically?

My best wishes are with her and her pup and with the PTBs in NAGDU who are
working with her to see this through to a successful conclusion!

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marion & Martin
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 3:18 AM
To: NAGDU List
Subject: [nagdu] update on Minnesota Guide Dog Attack

Dear All,
    You may remember the story that was circulated through this list a
couple of months ago about a woman who kicked a guide dog at a WalMart.
After reading the story, I contacted Lolly Lijewski to see what assistance
NAGDU could be for her. Here is an update on the issue.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

For those who are interested in following the story, or in attending the
upcoming hearing for Victoreen Madison, the woman who assaulted Brook, my
Seeing Eye Dog, the hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, at 8:30.
The location is 401 4th Avenue in Minneapolis, room 141.

  If you plan to attend, there are some things to know:

  It is very possible she won't come.

  The authorities will likely give her until 11 or 12 o'clock to show up.
This means it's a "hurry up and wait," scenario.

  There will be other cases that are scheduled to be heard that morning as
well.

  If she doesn't come, a "bench warrant," will be issued for her.  This
means that if she commits any crimes in the future, she can be brought in on
this charge, but the police will not go knocking on her door. Additionally,
if she is on probation for any past crimes, she can be brought in to face
this charge.

  I will have the opportunity to make a "victim's impact statement," which I
plan to do.  

  Other service dog handlers can also submit victim's impact statements to
the City Attorney's office.  They will pass them on to the judge who is
scheduled to handle the case.  Some judges take these statements into
account, and some don't, when handing down a sentence.

  I asked the City Attorney to ask for community service in this case, if
Ms. Madison shows any remorse for her action.  

  Ms. Madison will be assigned a public defender.

  If she comes to the hearing on the 19, and pleads guilty, the judge will
pass down a sentence at that time.  If she shows up, but pleads innocent,
there will be a trial.

  If you are interested in submitting a victim's impact statement, please
reply to me at lijewski_6 at q.com and I will pass on the information on where
to send it.

  Thank you for your interest, and your support!

  Lolly and Brook

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