Mendocino Files Motion to Quash Federal Subpoenas

Young marijuana plant

Yesterday evening, the County of Mendocino informed the public that they had “filed a motion to quash the federal grand jury subpoenas” for the records of the popular 9.31 ordinance or Ziptie program as it was popularly called. The federal government had requested the information in mid October causing consternation and speculation throughout Mendocino. 

Medical growers in the program speculate that their names and addresses that might be gathered from the records will be used to arrest federal law even though they were meeting county and state guidelines.  And, officials in Mendocino County are concerned that the considerable amount of fees already gathered under the program might be confiscated though the money has already been spent to hire deputies and cover other expenses generated by the program.

According to the Ukiah Daily Journal,

“The motion is based on the grounds that the scope of the subpoenas is overbroad and burdensome, oppressive and constitutes an improper intrusion into the ability of state and local government to administer programs for the health and welfare of their residents,” County Counsel Tom Parker wrote…

Mendocino County News Release:

The County of Mendocino filed a motion to quash the federal grand jury subpoenas issued by
the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Californ ia in federal court on December
21 , 2012 through its attorneys of record. The motion is based on the grounds that the scope of
the subpoenas is overbroad and burdensome, oppress ive and constitutes an improper intrusion
into the ability of state and local government to administer programs for the health and welfare
of their residents . No court date has been scheduled as of the date of filing.

Please contact Mendocino County Counsel Tom Parker at (707) 234-6885 if you have any
questions regarding this matter.