COMMUNITY GROUPS

Terms to know if you are arrested in the parks

by Pan Cunningham Cleveland-Yes, autumn does seem to be upon us. The sun is still warm, the wind is getting colder, but most of us favor this weather regardless. Many different people are going to Cleveland's Metroparks to soak in the beautiful backdrops these places have to offer. Everyone visits the parks for different reasons to improve their paint brush stroke, to capture images on film, to meet others for secret rendezvous—and it is the duty of the park rangers to be sure that the parks remain a pleasurable experience for all.

However, there have been some recent reports in local newspapers alleging that the rangers have sometimes gone too far in doing their job. Entrapment has been mentioned, but the rangers attest that they have the law to follow, and anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, will be prosecuted if found violating laws pertaining to their jurisdiction.

trial, you-in writing-can decide to not have a jury for the trial. You will then have until the next trial date to provide the court with proof of your innocence.

Entrapment: This supports a “not guilty" plea. If you were made to do a crime due to certain governmental persuasion or trickery, you must prove that if it had not been for the questionable police conduct, you would not have committed the crime.

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We all know these laws, and none of us are ignorant about what can happen to us if we knowingly and willingly break the rules. So here are some legal terms you should know, translated into laymen's terms, just in case you find yourself-either accidentally or purposely-in a sticky situation.

Sexual Imposition: When you have sexual contact with someone else after knowing that they are offended by your advances; when you know that the other person can't resist your advances because they are drunk, etc.; when you know that the other person does what you want because at first they don't understand that the contact is sexual. Committing this crime is a misdemeanor.

Importuning: When you solicit someone of the same sex to have sex with you, knowing that the other person will be offended. Importuning is also a misdemeanor.

Voyeurism: When you spy on someone clse to get turned on or to masturbate. This is a misdemeanor.

Public Indecency: When you expose your genitals to others and start masturbating or making sexual advances in a place where someone else will be offended. This, too, is a misdemeanor.

Pleas of "Not Guilty” in misdemeanor cases: Upon a plea of not guilty, if the charge is a misdemeanor, the court sets another trial date. If the offense requires a right to jury

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The park rangers are strictly not allowed to bring into this case any evidence of past crimes you have committed, even if they are sexual offenses. These do not show the judge that you meant to commit the crime. "Outrageous" governmental conduct is against the law, and any crime committed by a law enforcement agency can result in the judge dismissing the charges against you.

It is always a little scary when the police bring you in to the station. However, don't let the name of the crime frighten you into submission. If you're innocent, you have the right to say you are. Remember: knowledge is power.

How would you finish this story?

It was late one night and I couldn't sleep. I sat in bed and stared out my window. I have been doing this a lot lately, especially since the guy across the courtyard moved in. He is so beautiful.

Now you have the chance to get your creative juices flowing-literally. Tribe Health Concerns, a program sponsored by the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, is conducting Cleveland's first Erotic/Safe Writing Contest. Allowing us to judge your work. We are looking for male-to-male or solo male erotica that is sensual, safe and sexy. Tied up or let loose, steamy or sensual, whatever your flavor we want to experience your creativity first hand.

If you are interested in submitting your piece for the contest please contact Shawn, Pan or Earl for more details and contest rules. Prizes of $100 will be awarded to winning submission from each category. Judges will be representative of our community. For more information please call 216-621-0766, ext. 232 or 230.

Pan Cunningham is an outreach educator for the AIDS Taskforce of Cleveland.

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