Countywide : Petition Filed Over Courtroom Searches

The Ventura County public defender’s office petitioned Tuesday for a Superior Court order to forbid mass weapons searches and warrant checks of court spectators in Ventura Municipal Court.

The petition alleges that Municipal Judge Steven E. Hintz violated the law Thursday when he ordered bailiffs to detain spectators in his courtroom and check them for weapons and outstanding arrest warrants.

Such a policy is illegal and beyond the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court, and “such policy chills and impedes the rights of public access to the courtrooms,” said the petition, which was filed by Public Defender Kenneth I. Clayman and Deputy Public Defender Neil B. Quinn.

Hintz has defended his actions, saying he wanted to demonstrate that the court could enforce a law that allows it to conduct a weapon search on anyone entering the courthouse.

Clayman and Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury have criticized Hintz’s actions, which resulted in searches of both prosecution witnesses and defendants who were sitting in the audience Thursday waiting to be called.

The petition asks Superior Court Judge Melinda Johnson to file an injunction against the Municipal Court to prohibit searches or warrant checks without reasonable cause; to take down signs that say that anyone entering a courtroom must consent to a search; and to consult with courthouse officials and obtain Superior Court approval before repeating the procedures.