Collecting signatures is often a pivotal role for volunteers and employees who are helping candidates get on to local ballots. As both federal and local Colorado elections close in on election days, at least one local canvasser has been accused of violating criminal law in order to ensure her preferred candidate was listed on the ballot. She was recently charged with dozens of felonies following her arrest.
Hired by Black Diamond Outreach — a citizen outreach company — the defendant was instructed to collect signatures on a petition that would help ensure a certain candidate’s position on the June 28, 2016 primary ballot. In May 2016, a reporter allegedly identified 34 different signatures that the canvasser might have forged. One of those signatures was apparently taken in Feb. 2016, although that individual had supposedly passed away the month prior.
The defendant was also responsible for collecting signatures in support of a ballot measure that would allow grocery stores to stock wine and beer on their shelves; however, Black Diamond released a statement that it does not intend to use them. Black Diamond has set these signatures aside although no fraudulent signatures have been identified in this batch of signatures. The company also claims that it questioned the defendant about the validity of her signatures prior the reporter’s findings.
Crafting a thorough defense strategy is key to achieving the most favorable outcome possible. With nearly 36 felony charges filed against her, each of which carries the potential for three years behind bars, timely action might be well advised. While there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to defense, most Colorado defendants can figure out the best approach to their criminal law case by conducting a thorough examination of all charges under the careful guidance of their respective counsel.
Source: coloradoindependent.com, “Keyser signature collector arrested for forgery“, Marianne Goodland, June 8, 2016
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed