#Criminal Lawyer in Swift Current

[saskatooncriminaldefenselawyer]

Reliable Criminal Lawyer in Weyburn

A Criminal Lawyer in Weyburn brings invaluable expertise to your case, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial. They possess a deep understanding of local laws and regulations, which allows them to craft a robust defense tailored to your unique situation.

[the-great-io]

Hello! It's Lo. I am Juniper's moon.

I am WANTING TO DIE., depressed, starving, and just tired.

current status's;

Gender is private, just ask. (He/they/ask for neos)

Currently unlabeled queer, please give me some sexualities because you humans terms are so fucking weird

Single, fine with shipping

mentally 29

I don't have the energy to hate, my best friend is @akitheastralwalker...

my adopted mom is @yeah-im-scorpio....(basically)

i killed my brother ( @king-of-death-ganyemede ), my other two favorite siblings are dead....

I don't have the energy to make perfumes.....

(Pumkin made by @/pink-sugar. Tag list below cut)

@definitely-west-virginia

@the-ghostly-fake-gimmick-blog @definitely-not-a-woodcrawler @definitely-dione @yeah-im-scorpio @starry-unofficial

@officially-taurus @planet-of-cataclysm @the-real-uranus @the-republic-of-california-fr-fr @more-trans-beans @gimmick-irs

@gimmick-spy

@official-macula @enceladus-official @the-moon-called-cyst @the-luna-moon-of-earth @the-gimmick-lawyers @the-bites-you-anon

@stare-inc

@the-gimmick-judge @the-official-gemini @literally-leo @the-gimmick-criminal @gerald-of-the-pillow @the-gimmick-government

@the-real-planet-x @france-unofficial @non-tyrannical-usa @the-gimmick-authority @officially-triton @the-cult-of-the-neurodiverse

@officially-mimas

@the-gimmick-fbi @the-fake-catholic-church @truly-the-sun @the-red-planet-mars @actually-titan @mercury-the-swift

@the-gimmick-executioners

@the-archangels7 @the-greek-chorus @the-analyzer @the-gimmick-cia @iris-ghe @venus-for-real @vitreous-official

@local-pickpocket

@the-principality-of-sealand @gimmick-therapist @the-gimmick-detective @the-gimmick-police @the-gimmick-doctor @meatierbunger

@real-british-empire

@fake-news-real @thats-great-but-have-u-tried @wikipedia-the-non-official @yes-im-youtube-kids @official-time

[estellan0vella]

Sunshine's Guide To Murder│Lee Minho

Profiles: Theatre Kids & 1 Lawyer

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Lee Minho: Performing Arts, 3rd Year Student, played as Jack in the college performance of Titanic last year, lives in a houseshare with Chan, Changbin, Hyunjin and Seungmin. Good cook, prefers his three cats over humans and will not hesitate to threaten a person with the air fryer (usually Hyunjin but he digresses)

Bang Chan: Music Production, 3rd Year Student, signed on with JYP Entertainment four months ago with Seo Changbin as a duo called 2RACHA, lives in a houseshare with Minho, Changbin, Hyunjin and Seungmin. Overworked dad of 5, never sleeps and spends his days trying to keep his pseudo kids from accidentally killing themselves or intentionally killing each other

Current Albums: DominATE

Seo Changbin: Music Production, 3rd Year Student, signed on with JYP Entertainment four months ago with Bang Chan as a duo called 2RACHA, lives in a houseshare with Chan, Minho, Hyunjin and Seungmin. Gym fanatic, constantly trying to get Hyunjin and Seungmin to go to the gym (unsuccessfully) and has beef with Jisung

Current Albums: DominATE

Hwang Hyunjin: Dance & Choreography, 3rd Year Student, models in his spare time and never forgets to tell anyone that he's a model, lives in a houseshare with Chan, Changbin, Minho and Seungmin. Drama prince, knows everyone somehow and managed to swindle expensive headphones out of chan after blasting Taylor Swift on repeat for three months

Kim Seungmin: Criminal Law, 2nd Year Student, roomed with Jeongin last year, lives in a houseshare with Chan, Changbin, Hyunjin and Minho. Sarcastic, intelligent and is tired of people confessing their crimes to him and asking him to represent them in court

Yang Jeongin: Media Production, 2nd Year Student. Lives in a house share with Felix, Hayun and Jisung and works as their editor. Met Minho, Chan, Changbin and Hyunjin through Seungmin and knows tea from both of the groups which he will spill for compensation

[sabolmallorylaw]

How to Beat a Domestic Violence Charge in Ohio

Facing a domestic violence charge in Ohio can be overwhelming. Understanding your options is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. It will also provide insights on how to approach your situation effectively.

What is Domestic Violence in Ohio?

Domestic violence refers to violence or threats between family or household members. This includes spouses, partners, and people who live together.

Ohio law recognizes various forms of domestic violence, including physical harm, threats, and emotional abuse. Understanding the definition is the first step in addressing the charge.

Possible Consequences of Domestic Violence

Facing a domestic violence charge carries serious implications. Understanding these potential consequences is crucial for anyone navigating this challenging situation. Here’s a breakdown of what you might face if convicted:

Fines

You may incur significant financial penalties. Fines can vary based on the severity of the charge and the court's decision.

Jail Time

A conviction can lead to incarceration. The length of jail time often depends on the nature of the offense and prior criminal history.

Criminal Record

A domestic violence conviction results in a permanent criminal record. This can affect various aspects of your life, including future employment opportunities.

Impact on Custody Arrangements

If you have children, a conviction may influence custody decisions. Courts often consider criminal history when determining custody and visitation rights.

Employment Consequences

Many employers conduct background checks. A domestic violence conviction can limit job prospects and affect your current employment.

Probation Requirements

Instead of or in addition to jail time, you may face probation. This often includes strict guidelines that you must follow, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer.

Restraining Orders

You might be subject to restraining orders, which can limit your ability to contact certain individuals. Violating these orders can lead to further legal trouble.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Domestic Violence Charge?

When faced with a domestic violence charge, taking swift and decisive action is crucial. The steps you take immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s a list of essential actions to consider:

Consult Your Attorney: Prioritize finding a qualified criminal justice attorney. They will guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.

Avoid Discussing Your Case: Refrain from talking about your case with anyone except your lawyer. Any comments you make can be used against you in court.

Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence that supports your defense. This may include text messages, emails, and social media posts.

Identify Witnesses: Identify potential witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Their statements may provide valuable support for your case.

Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of events related to the incident. Write down your recollection of what happened as soon as possible, as memories can fade over time.

Stay Calm and Composed: Keep your emotions in check. Remaining calm can help you think clearly and make informed decisions.

Avoid Contact with the Alleged Victim: Do not reach out to the alleged victim. This may be seen as harassment and could complicate your case. Follow Legal Advice: Adhere strictly to your attorney’s advice. They have the experience to guide you through this challenging time.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Securing a skilled criminal defense attorney in Ohio is crucial. An attorney with experience in domestic violence cases knows the law's intricacies and can help you construct a solid defense.

They will advocate for your interests in court and guide you through the legal process. Professional legal support is invaluable in navigating these challenging circumstances.

What Are Common Defense Strategies?

Several defense strategies may apply to your case. Here are a few common ones:

Self-Defense

If you acted in self-defense, this could absolve you of responsibility. You must prove that you faced an immediate threat. Document any evidence that supports your claim.

False Allegations

Sometimes, individuals make false accusations. If you can demonstrate that the allegations are untrue, it may lead to dismissal. Gather witness testimonies or other evidence to support your claims.

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you is weak, your attorney may argue for dismissal. Identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.

How Can Witnesses Help Your Case?

Witnesses can be crucial in domestic violence cases. They may provide testimony that supports your version of events. Ensure your attorney interviews potential witnesses. Collect statements that can corroborate your defense.

What Role Does Evidence Play?

Evidence is fundamental in any legal case. Collect all relevant documents, photos, and recordings. This evidence can help prove your innocence. Work closely with your attorney to ensure you present a strong case.

Benefits of a Plea Bargain

Considering a plea bargain can be a strategic choice when facing a domestic violence charge. This option may provide significant advantages, making it worth exploring with your attorney. Here are some key benefits of pursuing a plea bargain:

Reduced Charges: A plea bargain often allows you to negotiate for lesser charges. This can help minimize the impact on your record.

Lesser Penalties: Accepting a plea deal can result in reduced penalties compared to a trial. This may include shorter jail time or lower fines.

Quicker Resolution: A plea bargain can expedite the legal process. It often leads to a faster resolution than going to trial, allowing you to move forward more quickly.

Avoiding Uncertainty: Trials can be unpredictable. A plea bargain provides more certainty regarding the outcome, which can reduce stress.

Opportunity for Rehabilitation: Some plea agreements may include requirements for counseling or rehabilitation programs. This can be beneficial for personal growth and may positively impact future legal situations.

Less Public Scrutiny: Trials can attract media attention and public scrutiny. A plea deal often keeps the matter more private.

How Can Support Systems Help?

Having a support system is invaluable. Friends and family can provide emotional support. Consider joining support groups for individuals facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can offer comfort and insight.

What Happens If You Are Convicted?

If convicted, the consequences can be significant. You may face fines, probation, or even jail time. Understanding the implications can motivate you to fight for your case. Discuss with your attorney the options available if you are convicted.

[therealcrimediary]

Twenty-five-year-old Rodrick Dacres, also known as 'Dre' or 'Rojae', of Salkey Avenue, Duhaney Park in Kingston, has been charged with larceny of motor vehicle after renting a White 2010 Toyota Voxy valued at $1,600,000 from a woman for three days. When the vehicle was due to be returned on Thursday, March 14, Dacres and the vehicle were nowhere to be found. Despite attempts to contact him, Dacres could not be located. On March 20, he was apprehended by the police, but he failed to provide an explanation for the whereabouts of the vehicle. Law enforcement is still searching for the missing motor vehicle, as Dacres was formally charged during an interview session in the presence of his lawyer. His court date is currently being finalized. The incident involving Dacres highlights a common issue of vehicle theft in the area, where individuals rent vehicles and fail to return them as agreed upon. This not only causes financial losses for the vehicle owners but also poses a security risk as the stolen vehicles could be used for illegal activities. The police are actively investigating these cases to prevent further occurrences and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Dacres' arrest serves as a warning to others engaging in similar criminal activities, emphasizing that the consequences of such actions will not go unpunished. Dacres' behavior raises questions about his motives for renting the vehicle and then absconding with it. The lack of communication and failure to provide an explanation suggest a premeditated act of stealing the vehicle, rather than a misunderstanding or oversight on his part. The police's efforts to locate the missing motor vehicle underscore the seriousness of the crime and the commitment to hold Dacres accountable for his actions. The collaboration between law enforcement and the legal system is crucial in ensuring that justice is served and that the stolen property is recovered. The impact of vehicle theft goes beyond the financial loss incurred by the vehicle owner. It disrupts the daily operations of individuals who rely on their vehicles for transportation and could lead to further criminal activities if the stolen vehicles are not recovered promptly. The collaboration between the police and the community is essential in combating vehicle theft and maintaining public safety. By working together, law enforcement and citizens can prevent such incidents from happening and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, sending a strong message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Dacres' arrest and the subsequent legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activities such as vehicle theft. The swift action taken by law enforcement in apprehending Dacres demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens. Through effective communication and cooperation between the authorities and the community, individuals like Dacres can be held accountable for their actions, preventing future incidents of vehicle theft and ensuring a safer environment for all residents. The case serves as a cautionary tale for those considering engaging in illegal activities, emphasizing that there are serious repercussions for breaking the law.

[darlenefblog]

The lawsuit over Harry's visa is still in the works.

Biden admin ordered to turn over Prince Harry's immigration records amid preferential treatment claim.

A federal judge on Tuesday gave the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) one week to deal with requests for Prince Harry's immigration records after the agency was sued by the Heritage Foundation.

The Biden administration appeared in a federal court Tuesday after the conservative think tank filed a lawsuit demanding DHS release Prince Harry's immigration records, alleging the administration gave him "preferential treatment" in allowing entry to the U.S. 

The suit claimed that the Biden administration allowed the prince to enter the U.S. despite his admission of illegal drug use – a factor that would usually be enough to deny other people entry. 

Entities within DHS, including Border Patrol, denied the group's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the documents, but DHS headquarters had yet to make a decision on the requests.

D.C. District Court Judge Carl Nichols gave DHS until June 13 to notify the court on whether it will expedite or respond to a request for the records.

Heritage filed the original FOIA requests for the documents following the release of Prince Harry's bestselling memoir, "Spare," in which he admitted to using cocaine, psychedelics and marijuana.

When filling out a visa application, those drug abuses are supposed to be documented in detail, and would normally trigger a special review if not rejection of the application. However, the group is suspicious that Prince Harry was either not honest on his visa application, or that the Biden administration gave him preferential treatment.

DHS entities rejected the original FOIA request, citing privacy concerns for the British royal, who moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020. Lawyers for the agency also leveled that argument in court Tuesday.

Nile Gardiner, director of the foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center, told Fox News Digital Wednesday the judge's urging of a swift decision from the administration is a "very positive development."

"This matter is being treated very seriously," he said. 

Gardiner said there is "strong public interest for the release of Prince Harry's immigration records, especially in light of his widespread admission and drug use in ‘Spare,’ his memoir."

"We believe that it is important that the public is aware of what he actually put in his immigration application. Did he outline in detail all his drug use as he was supposed to do? We also want to know whether he received any kind of preferential treatment for U.S. officials with regard to his visa application. So if there was any dishonesty on the application, that would be perjury and a criminal offense." he added.

"The situation with Prince Harry's immigration application was that it was, it appears, to have been so fast-tracked, while most people wait many months, years to have their applications process. So it is in the public interest for immigration law to be applied fairly to everyone who applies without a favor or bias and so this is why there is a big public interest here," Gardiner said.

Heritage said in its lawsuit that while this case "focuses on the widespread public and press interest on the specific issue of whether DHS acted, and is acting, appropriately as regards the Duke of Sussex, it cannot be separated from its broader context." 

"The press and congressional hearing rooms are replete with detailed accusations that DHS is deliberately refusing to enforce the country’s immigration laws and is responsible for the current crisis at the border," the lawsuit said.

"[T]he broader controversy is so grave that Articles of Impeachment have been filed against DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary Mayorkas has taken the extraordinary step of retaining private counsel to represent him in impeachment proceedings," it said.

[duchessas]

✿ people i’d like to get to know better ✿

Tagged by @em-prentiss 🤍

☆ last song: ooh it was either the black dog by taylor swift or it’s all coming back to me now by celine dion!

☆ fav colour: blue - like the blue of the mediterranean sea if we’re being specific

☆ last book: I’m currently halfway through the women by kirsten hannah and wow it’s breaking me

☆ last movie: this is an really not sure about?? probably inside out 2 but also maybe the pride and prejudice film with keira knightley

☆ last tv show: hahahhaaha criminal minds 😅 currently back in season 3! also halfway through the lincoln lawyer on netflix

☆ sweet/savoury/spicy: always sweet, my sweet tooth knows no bounds

☆ relationship status: in a very long term relationship. longer than I actually care to admit on here lol

☆ current obsession: hotchniss (always and forever), olivie blake, fizzy sweets (sour worms, soda twists, anything of this sort) and kind of colouring after watching some TikTok’s and thinking I could do it (spoiler: I can’t)

☆ looking forward to: christmas!! and going on holiday, bubble bath and a candle szn, finally getting chapter 4 of exposure done…

No pressure tags: @hctchniss @ssa-sparks @criminalmindsgonewrong @twosignificantfigures

✿ 10 People l'd like to get to know better ✿

Thank you for the tags angels @rafecameroninterlude @xxbimbobunnyxx ˚ ༘♡ ·˚

𐙚 Last song: stockholm syndrome by one direction

𐙚 Fav color: baby pink, lilac, black

𐙚 Last book: the dare by harley laroux (i started losers but i’ve been so busy i haven’t had a chance to get very far yet!!)

𐙚 Last movie: a nightmare on elm street 3

𐙚 Last tv show: american horror story, penny dreadful, grotesquerie

𐙚 Sweet / spicy / savory: all!

𐙚 Relationship status: in a reverse harem with josh hartnett, nicholas chavez, matthew gray gubler, drew starkey, hugh jackman, and evan peters (a.k.a painfully single)

𐙚 Last thing i googled: kayvan novak one direction (connected the dots that the photographer from the that moment parody is also nandor the relentless)

𐙚 Current obsession: nicholas alexander chavez (it’s unhealthy i literally cried thinking about him the other day), cooper abbott/adams, expanding my horror vhs collection, building my dream wardrobe, organizing/decorating my room, older!rafe cameron

𐙚 Looking forward to: a new tattoo at the end of november, NOT my birthday, new movies!! (nosferatu, your monster, wicked, heretic, etc.)

No pressure tags: @babygorewhore @eddiesxangel @myherometalhead @littlexdeaths @taintandviolent @luthqrs

[saskatooncriminaldefenselawyer]

Experienced Criminal Lawyer in Moose Jaw

If you’re facing Criminal Lawyer in Moose Jaw, having a skilled lawyer on your side can make all the difference. With years of experience in criminal defense, our legal experts provide dedicated representation tailored to your unique case. 

Our Criminal Defense Services

DUI and Impaired Driving: Strong defense strategies for impaired driving charges.

Drug-Related Offenses: Defense for possession, trafficking, and other drug-related cases.

Violent Crimes: Representation for assault, domestic violence, and other violent crime charges.

Theft and Fraud: Skilled defense for property and financial crimes.

Youth Offenses: Expert legal representation for young offenders.

[lordesfolklore]

i was tagged by @multi-mess-of-a-person <333 (go follow her)

get to know me game below the cut!!!

nicknames: bella, bell

gender: female

zodiac sign: pisces 🧚‍♀️

height: 5′7

current time: 9:51 am

birthday: feb 19th

fav artists rn: taylor swift, harry styles, arctic monkeys, violent femmes

last song i listened to: marjorie - taylor swift

last movie: taylor swifts repuation tour (netflix)

when did i start this blog: september (?)

what do i post: criminal minds with the occasional tswift post

last thing i googled: alana bloom (from hannibal)

do i get asks: no really but i love when i do!

why i chose my url: i was going through my hotchniss phase (still love them tho)

lucky numbers: 19 (my bday), 13 (idk i’ve always liked it)

average hours of sleep: 7-9 (?)

instruments: maybe like one note on the clarinet

what i’m wearing: pajama pants, a striped crop top and a sweater

dream job: pyschologist, forensic scientist, or lawyer

dream trip: paris (it’s been the same since i was like 6)

nationality: american

fav song: champagne problems - tswift

last book i read: one of us is lying - karen m mcmanus 

top three fictional universes: criminal minds, ncis, grey’s anatomy (this one changes a lot) 

tagging: @ssaemxlyprentxss & @criminalmindsvibez (no pressure)  

[discovisiondreams]

Top 15 First Watches of 2020

I’ve never been good at staying current on pop culture, and that became especially pronounced in 2020. A year where most of the anticipated theatrical releases were pushed to VOD (and the price nearly tripled) meant that a lot of flicks I was excited for got added to the end of the “Maybe Someday” watchlist. 

But in this strange year, I did manage to watch 245 movies- and 195 of those were first-time watches. Some were new, only available on the (virtual) festival circuit. Some were Criterion mainstays, films I’m horrified to admit I hadn’t seen before. But this year, when movies cemented themself as my biggest joy, I began to really track what I watched- including a “top 5 first watches of the month” roundup for every month. These top 5s weren’t ranked, and weren’t even based on technical ability, strength of dialogue, or critical acclaim. They were just the 5 I loved the best. 

So without further ado, here are my top 15 of the year- one selected from the top 5 of each month, with some bonus entries thrown in as well. As a general rule, I only included features on this list- I was fortunate enough to catch shorts that streamed at Chattanooga Film Fest, Celebration of Fantastic Fest, and more, but to add them to the running would have made writing this listicle absolutely impossible. 

HONORABLE Honorable Mention: The Holiday. Inspired by the fine folks at Super Yaki, I finally watched this Nancy Meyers classic. Why is it two and a half hours long?! Why is that two and a half hours so significantly lacking in Jack Black?! The scenes that Black is in, though, really shine. This one is going to be a Christmas mainstay in the Disco household (and not just because I spent money on the DVD).

15: The Love Witch (Honorable Mention, April). This one came highly recommended to me by friends of all sorts, and like most of my 2020 first watches, I’m deeply embarrassed that it took me this long to get to it. Upon finally watching it, on a rainy Sunday, I described the movie in general (and the color palette, specifically) as “sumptuous,” which is one of the most complimentary visual descriptors I can bestow upon a movie. The plot felt a little convoluted at times, but I still found The Love Witch incredibly enjoyable and am hoping to explore more of writer-director Anna Biller’s filmography in 2021.

14: The Guest (Honorable Mention, October). The Guest is one of the few movies I watched multiple times this year- and the only one I watched twice in one week. From the sultry industrial soundtrack selections to the numerous visual nods to Halloween III: Season of the Witch, The guest was Extremely My Shit. The casting here is truly tremendous- especially Maika Monroe, who was similarly brilliant in It Follows. Also of note: Lance Reddick, one of my current favourite character actors. 

13: The Fast and The Furious (Honorable Mention, May). 2 Fast 2 Furious (and its bespoke theme song, Act A Fool, by Ludacris) came out when I was in the 6th grade. Do you remember the music and movies that entered the world when you were in 6th grade? Do you have an inexplicable zealous love for them? 2F2F was the only film in the Fast Cinematic Universe I had seen for a long, long time. Then I saw Fate of the Furious. Then I bought the series box set, as a joke?? And then, slowly but then also all at once, I genuinely started to love this franchise. Some of them are truly ridiculous. Some of them are genuinely bad. But the first one? The Fast and The Furious (2001)? Timeless. Point Break updated and adapted for the early-aughts, The Fast and the Furious walked so The Italian Job (2003) could run. Without The Fast and The Furious, Paul Walker would just be “the guy from Tammy and The T-Rex” to millions of casual cinemagoers. The cultural impact of The Fast and The Furious simply cannot be denied!! 

12: Come to Daddy (Top 5, July). Honestly, this is the exact flavor of bonkers bullshit I’ve grown to expect from Elijah Wood, and that is not an indictment. Wood’s genuine love for genre film is evident here, in what can only be described as an uncomfortable film of family, reunion, and redemption. The tense and abrasive first half gives way to a surprisingly relieving wave of violence and exposition in this critically-acclaimed flick. 

11: The Stylist (Top 5, September). The feature-length debut of writer-director Jill Gevargizian, based off her short of the same name, is female-led horror that pays homage to genre mainstays like Maniac and Psycho while still being decidedly singular. Not only shot in Kansas City, but set in Kansas City, The Stylist made my midwestern heart happy. This is one that I really, really would have loved to see in a crowded theater auditorium, were this year a different one. 

10: In The Mouth of Madness (Top 5, March). Despite being the beginning of pandemic awareness, March was a slow month for me, movie-wise (even though it’s not like I had anything else going on??). But I finally made time for this Carpenter classic, and I’m so happy I did. I’ve long been fascinated by stories about stories, and the people who find themselves trapped within those stories, and this one is truly, in the most basic sense of the word, horrifying. Sam Neill proves that he belongs in horror here, making his role in Event Horizon seem like a natural fit. Also a highlight: noted character actor David Warner, best known (to me) as “Billy Zane’s bodyguard guy in Titanic,” who never ever fails to be unsettling. 

9: Profondo Rosso (Top 5, April). Before this year, my only Argento exposure was Suspiria (which is phenomenal), but Deep Red goes off the deep end in all the best ways. The score (by frequent Argento collaborators Goblin) is truly groovy. The number of twists and turns the plot takes is kind of mind-boggling, but also delightful. Daria Nicolodi (RIP)  is at the top of her acting game here. This quickly became one of my beloved background movies- if I opened Shudder and Profondo Rosso was playing on one of their live-streaming channels, it stayed on while I was cleaning or cooking or paying bills. Profondo Rosso is a must-watch for those hoping to get into giallo.

8: Crimson Peak (Top 5, November). This one was definitely not what I was expecting, but it was GORGEOUS. I loved the world immediately (a Del Toro trademark, to be honest). As a longtime Pacific Rim stan, it made my heart happy to see Charlie Hunnam and Burn Gorman reunited under Guillermo Del Toro’s vision. 

7: Palm Springs (Top 5, August). I am not typically a time-travel movie enthusiast- but I am a sucker for witty repartee and Andy Samberg. This one made me ugly-cry, which I should probably be a bit more ashamed to admit. August had a lot of really great first watches, but the Hulu exclusive takes the cake due to its novel premise, some truly heart-wrenching reveals, and the amazing casting (is there anything JK Simmons cant do?). 

6: Scare Package (Top 5, May). Is there any format I love more than the horror anthology? While there have been so many over the years (Creepshow, All the Creatures Were Stirring), Scare Package might be my favourite of them all. A variety of fun and inventive stories combined with a genre-lovers dream of an overarching narrative make this one a must-see- in fact, it was the whole reason I bought a pass to this year’s online version of Chattanooga Film Fest. There’s a cameo here that absolutely knocked my socks off (and continued to do so even on repeat viewings). While the scares here are honestly minimal, Scare Package is a great love letter to the genre at large.

5: Do The Right Thing (Top 5, June). Yes, it took me until 2020 to watch Do The Right Thing for the first time. The palpable tension, the interwoven stories of Bed-Stuy’s residents, all seem timeless. Giancarlo Esposito is, as always, a joy to watch. 

4: Knives Out (Top 5, February). “It’s a Rian Johnson whodunnit, duh,” states the SuperYaki! T-shirt famously worn by Jamie Lee Curtis, star of Knives Out (2019). This one has received worlds of critical acclaim, I truly do not know what I could even hope to add to the conversation. I want more old-school murder mystery cinema.

3: The VelociPastor (Top 5, January). It should be testimonial enough that The VelociPastor beat out Miss Americana, Netflix’s Taylor Swift documentary, as the top pick for January- but in case it isn’t, let me end 2020 the way I began it; by evangelizing the HECK out of this movie. Written and directed by up-and-coming triple-threat (Director/songwriter/prolific cat-photo-poster) Brendan Steere, The VelociPastor is a true love letter to genre cinema, complete with a big wink to the criminally underloved Miami Connection. Alyssa Kempinski shines as Carol, a doctor/lawyer/hooker with a heart of gold. The VelociPastor premiered in 2019 but gained tons of attention in 2020 (thanks in part to YouTube sensation Cody Ko)- attention that it truly deserves. A sequel is rumored to be in the works, but mark my words, anything to come from the imagination of Brendan Steere will be worth a watch. 

2: Dinner in America (Top 5, October). I genuinely feel sorry for the other movies I watched in October (there were a lot) (they were all SO GOOD). Dinner in America, which I caught during the Nightstream hybrid festival, was not at all what I was expecting. While the other features were all very solidly genre flicks, this was…. A comedy? A modern love story?? I’mn honestly still not exactly sure, but I do know I loved every second of it. I laughed. I cried. I threw my hands up in the air exuberantly (in front of my laptop, looking like a true fool). I did not shut up about this movie online for weeks. I told anyone and everyone that Kyle Gallner is the most underrated actor of my generation and I still believe it! Dinner in America, the story of a punk band frontman who unwittingly takes refuge from the police in the home of his biggest fan, was an unexpectedly heartwarming tale of family, young love, and arson. Watch it as soon as you can. 

1: Promising Young Woman (Top 5, December). This last-minute debut from Emerald Fennell, originally scheduled to hit theaters in April of this year, finally made its way to the big screen on Christmas Day, and became the 2020 entry on my annual “Christmas Day Trip to the Theater” list.* Carey Mulligan is an icon and deserves all of the awards for this. The soundtrack is sublime. The casting choices are truly incredible. While I have no doubt that the general themes of the movie will be polarizing, I absolutely loved this one- I sat in my car in the theater parking lot for a WHILE, considering just buying a ticket for the next showtime- that’s how badly I felt like I needed to see it again immediately. I look forward to writing its inevitable Criterion essay.

*Nobody else in rural iowa was interested in seeing this movie at noon on Christmas Day. I’m shocked.

[youcanblogifyouwantto]

Biff’s Year in Music

2020 what can I say… I feel like this meme summed up the first half of it pretty well.

https://cheezburger.com/12209157/ant-man-meme-gives-a-recap-of-all-the-horrors-of-2020-so-far

Then to top it off this last week my son developed a spontaneous pneumothorax which basically is a collapsing of his lung for no apparent reason other than he is a tall thin white adolescent. To make matters worse he is 18 and COVID is raging in all the hospitals.  Thankfully my wife is an RN and should have been a lawyer as she was able to argue her way into staying with him.  Good thing she did because one the doctors fucked up so bad she gave him another Pneumothorax by turning a valve a wrong way.  Needless to say it has been a very rough year and especially rough week for me and my family.  Music has been and always will be the only constant positive release for me.  2020 had some great music and being home for almost an entire year now has led to a lot of music consumption.  The only other thing I did almost as much as listen to music was drink and cook food to match what I was drinking.  I’ve always loved beer and wine and dabbled in Whiskey but this year was the year of the cocktail for me.  I would discover a new alcohol type and then plan crazy elaborate dinners that cocktail would either be an aperitif of digestif for. Fun yes, healthy? …That is yet to be determined. I did take up running again to counter the amount I was drinking and eating and I would say that I have consistently worked out more this year than any other year so my liver might be fucked but my heart and lungs are strong.

So to start it off, this year saw releases from some of my all-time favorite musicians that I found nice and good even but never clicked or haven’t yet.  I had been eagerly anticipating Matt Berninger’s solo release all year and I dig it but strangely not enough to return to it unless I purposely tell myself to.  The same goes for Bright Eyes, Real Estate, Sylavan Esso, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever minus Cars in Space (I played the shit out of that song), Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Car Seat Headrest, Dirty Projectors, Sufjan Stevens, Laura Marling (on first listen I thought easy top for the year then Fiona Apple came out and I haven’t returned to Laura Marling since), Damien Jurado, Jason Isbell, Neil Young (Homegrown had a special place in my heart for a month but again haven’t returned since August), Future Islands, Kevin Morby, and Busta Rhymes. All of these albums I do not hate or even dislike in fact some I liked a lot at first but just didn’t have staying power.  The following list are albums I loved that some stayed all year in rotation. Not in particular order but kinda like a Coachella poster if it’s near the top it’s one of my favorites of the year. I can be very longwinded on paper and very brief in person so I will try my antisocial tendencies to describe these albums. I will say for the most part the albums that hit this year are like comfort food music for my soul.

Waxahatchee  - St. Cloud – Home, comfort, introspective

Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher – Witty, production, great voice

Run The Jewels – RTJ4  - best running album ever. My favorite from these guys and best rap album I’ve heard in a while.

Jeff Tweedy – Love is the King. Maybe blasphemy but I like better than Warm. Perfect example of music comfort food. His biography is great too and so is the Summer teeth deluxe reissue.

Fleet Foxes – Shore – Beautiful, peaceful everything I needed from them and more. Side note Helplessness Blues was the first album review I ever wrote for ATR and I’m so glad I found those guys! Thank you for continuing the tradition.

Jeff Rosenstock – NO DREAM There was some good punk rock this year but this was the best also great running music. Rosenstock is now my go to for punk

Taylor Swift- Folk Lore- Story Telling, Sweater music, more music comfort food. And now Evermore continues the greatness. Dorothea might be my favorite track from both records. If you would have told me a Taylor Swift album would be in my tops for the year a couple of years ago I would have laughed you out of my face and now she has two albums in my tops. 2020 is one crazy year!

The Avalanches- We Will Always Love You- I’ve loved every single and was waiting for this to drop before posting this.  Well Worth the wait. I like it better than the Gorillaz release and that is saying a lot. It’s hard to have this many spot on features and keep a cohesive vibe! Johnny Marr meets MGMT is another need more of this collab.

Loma  - Don’t Shy Away- If 2020 could be articulated through music disorienting but also working from home has some perks. Good balance of weird and comfort

Adrienne Leckner – Songs- She writes great songs and performs them immaculately

Muzz- ST – The last show I went to before shutdown was Morrissey with Interpol opening and I forgot how much I love Bank’s voice.  This album is highly underrated in my opinion especially Evergreen.

Gorillaz –Song Machine – Best since Demon Days and Robert Smith/Damon Albarn Collab was never anything I thought I needed but now want more of. When Tony Allen died I went through a deep Tony Allen dive that was quite enjoyable. Great Drummer!

Dinner party – ST – The title explains it better than I can

Against All Logic – 2017-2019 – Kelly Lee Owens and this were the only electronica to stay all year both great running albums and If you can’t do it good do it hard is worth the price of admission alone

Hamilton Leithhauser- The Loves of your life- I love this man and I loved the walkmen. I feel he for me is like Frank Sinatra was for my mom. Not as sweet as a voice but can sing the hell out of a song.

Walter Martin – The world at Night- Another Walkmen member, this is another comfort food album it just feels right in my soul

Ka – Descendants Of Cain – Criminally underrated for too long this dude paints lyrical mood pictures like GZA.

Perfume Genius – Set My Heart On Fire Immediately – Beautiful Authentic Elegant

Fiona Apple – Fetch The Bolt Cutters  - Lyrically and sonically slays me. You have to like spoken word and weird rhythm texture but she nails both of those.

Bonny Light Horseman- ST – Great folk indie I just knew this was an album for me on first listen

Rose city band - Summerlong – Best new discovery, feeds my jam band meets indie soul

Strokes - The New Abnormal – I don’t know why this didn’t get more love? I loved it and The Adults are Talking is top five best Strokes songs.

Pinegrove- Marigold – More indie comfort food music

Bartees Strange – Live Forever – Second best new discovery. This dude is all over the place but in a good way. If you like this check out his singles where he covers many National songs.

Kelly Lee Owens – Inner Song- My Friend Antony described this better than I can at the current moment. Inner songs indeed.

The Killers – Imploding the Mirage- Most surprised album of the year, I’ve never been a big Killers fan but this one just wrapped it hooks inside me and didn’t let go all year

Young Jesus – Welcome to Conceptual Beach- Avant-garde or experimental music stretches me in ways that are very good for my soul and this one was such an album

My Morning Jacket – Waterfall II – Took a trip up to Humboldt in Early August and this was the soundtrack of the trip. Very much needed social distance return to nature vacation.

Hum- Inlet – I rocked out to this many a summer early fall evening sitting on my dock fishing and drinking beer.

Haim- Women in Music Pt. III – Best Haim yet and yes they are maturing into great song writers

Nation of Language- Introduction, Presence – Third best new discovery.. My friend Spencer at Shadows and Noise (a blog I’ve contributed to on occasion) accurately describes this album nicely. My wife loves Depeche Mode, New Order, and Erasure so this album is a new version of that genre that she and I can love together.

Coriky- ST – Half of Fugazi with a female drummer that sounds like classic Sleater Kinney in fact Fugazi meets Sleater Kinney is how I would describe this and that can’t be wrong!

EP’s Singles

James Blake- Before (Great marriage of his old and new)

Kruangbin & Leon Bridges- Texas Sun

Local Natives – Sour Lemon

Radio Dept – The Absence of Birds

Leon Bridges – Sweeter

Tom Berlin – Projections

Father John Misty – To S/ To R

Rostam- Unfold you

 Mank is one of the only great movies of 2020!

[alianoralacanta]

The UK’s Joint Committee of Human Rights has issued a report about the British government’s handling of COVID-19 as it relates to human rights. It’s... ...unimpressed. “Highlights” of the report, with explanatory notes in the few places that aren’t self-evident (the 55 recommendations run to 10 pages, and many of them include the words “government must”):

2. More care must be taken by the Government to distinguish between advice, guidance and the law, in media announcements as well as in official online sources. There must be certainty—for Government, the public as well as lawyers and the police–as to what is prohibited by the criminal law. [Can’t follow a law if people don’t know what the law is].

5. There  is  currently  no  realistic  way  for  people  to  challenge  FPNs [fixed penalty notices, on-the-spot fines that, pre-COVID, were mostly used for anti-social behaviour, and minor driving offences. They used to be limited to £150 across the board] which can now result in fines of over £10,000 in some cases. This will invariably lead to injustice as members of the public who have been unfairly targeted with an FPN have no means of redress and police will know that their actions are unlikely to be scrutinised.

8. The blanket imposition of DNACPR [Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, the aim of these being to avoid giving low-probability-of-success lifesaving treatment to people who make an informed decision not to prolong their deaths] notices without proper patient involvement is unlawful. The evidence suggests that the use of them in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic has been widespread. [Basically, medical settings have been using measures designed for people choosing euthanasia in order to illegally cause people to die, that should have been spared. The infamous “fragility” index comes into play here; one of the results is that someone with a communication difficulty could easily fail the fragility test and be issued a DNACPR despite having good underlying health (which would be a death sentence if that person went on to develop COVID complications before “fragility” tests were withdrawn in late May)].

15. Children should not under any circumstances be subject to lockdown  restrictions which amount to solitary confinement. [Children in prisons and medical facilities were often not allowed visitors, or even sustained contact with staff].

24. It  is  vital  that  DoLS  authorisations [Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards,which are meant to be used to assure people in restrictive settings at least some freedoms] are in place to ensure persons deprived of their liberty on the ground of mental incapacity have safeguards in place and the means to challenge their deprivation of liberty.

27. .Where there is no reasonable prospect of removal within a reasonable timeframe, immigration detention ceases to be lawful.  [In other words, immigration is detaining people indefinitely without cause, and must stop doing so].

31. Government must justify the continued need for an executive power to deprive a wide cohort of persons of their liberty. Article 5(1)(e) ECHR allows states to detain individuals “for the prevention of the spreading of infectious diseases ... “. Although the case law on Article 5(1)(e) is very limited in this context, it is clear that the courts will consider whether less severe measures have been considered and found to be insufficient to safeguard the public interest, before using  detention  as  a  last  resort. [People of interest to immigration are being detained on alleged COVID-19-protection grounds],

35. Whether that data is gathered digitally or  manually, the legislation should limit how long manually gathered data can be held, define what type of  information  can  be  gathered, confirm when it will be deleted, and restrict it from being shared for any purpose other than combating the spread of Coronavirus. [Government sold contact tracing data to at least one American company, for purposes unknown, but had to “reassure” people that the data sale did not constitute a credit check (implying financial data was tangled up in there despite neither the app nor manual systems acquiring this data). Unsurprisingly, many people now refuse to have anything to do with NHS Test & Trace because of the illegal data sale].

39. The  Government  should  not  interfere  with  human  rights without a clear legal base and should be clear as to whether it has legally changed children’s rights or is merely changing messaging. [The way in which changes to education occurred deprived a lot of children with disabilities or in poverty from getting any education at all, and severely curtailed the education of a broad range of other students].

41. Virtual  public  galleries  must  be  implemented  to  ensure  scrutiny of criminal proceedings and respect for the principle of open justice. [The public and press have been denied access to the majority of court cases during this time].

44. Prolonged pre-trial detention must be avoided. [A lot of people are spending a long time in custody simply because there is insufficient capacity in the court system. In some cases it is taking longer than the maximum sentence they could have served had they been guilty of the offence with which they are charged, which constitutes serving punishment without determining guilt, or presumed guilt].

49. The Government should immediately organise a quick, interim review into deaths from Coronavirus to ensure that key lesson are learned  as soon  as possible, and in advance of any second peak in the Autumn/Winter. This review should be swift, independent and must be published. [The government has been trying to avoid demands for reviews since May].

53. The Government must explain why it used the 1984 Act power for legislating rather than the Coronavirus Act 2020 or the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 with all the safeguards that these measures contain. [A lot of things that should have been debated and discussed in Parliament were not, leading to a breakdown of the democratic process and likely endangering lives].

Also, one of the 55 recommendations is essentially, “Implement everything in the “Human Rights and the Government’s response to COVID-19: children whose mothers are in prison” report. That one has 4 recommendations, some of which have multiple components.

Another is essentially, “Implement everything in both previous reports about people with autism and mental health conditions being detained in psychiatric and psuedo-psychiatric settings”. These are “The detention of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism“ and “Human Rights and the Government’s response to COVID-19: The detention of young people who are autistic and/or have learning disabilities“. There are 25 recommendations between these reports, none of which are entirely duplicated.

When a government messes up so badly that it is required to make 84 recommendations to sort out its conduct, one should know it has failed.

[undonesarc]

PROFILE: GRIFF / PT1 / TIMELINE.

griff’s full name is griffith angelo d’aquino, and he was born on october 25th, in bangor, maine (but grew up in brooklyn, new york). he is italian-american, 4th generation; his great-grandfather converted to roman catholicism from judaism. the d’aquinos are still catholic.

his middle name is in honor of his paternal grandfather, who died two days before his birth.

griff believes in God, and still makes time occasionally to go to mass, but believes wholeheartedly he is going to hell.

the d’aquinos are a small-time crime family, primarily focused on bank & truck robberies. there are seven d’aquino children, with griff being the youngest; the other six are hugo (58), giorgia and emily (twins, 53), mia (49), lucas (47), and sebastian (44). griff’s father, sebastian sr., operated a crew with his two eldest brothers; when hugo turned 18, he was invited to work alongside them, a tradition that continued as every kid became of-age. in crime circles they grew notorious for their success, but rarely shared that success with non-family; if you were invited to work on a job with the d’aquinos, you had to be good. when griff’s father was involved in an accident and had to have his leg amputated as a result, hugo, 26, took over as the mastermind of the operations; his uncles had no objections, as hugo had proven himself time and time again that he was capable of such a responsibility. though he was young, he was ruthless and efficient, and soon overshadowed his father by growing more bold and ambitious.

hugo's ambition was incredibly lucrative, and luck was on their side: no d'aquino, or anyone who joined in on their jobs, was ever arrested or injured.

griff partook in the family business for three years before pursuing a short-lived career as a boxer. in high school, griff had been drawn to theatre; he was a literature nerd, and had an affinity for shakespeare. he indulged in this briefly, before an off-handed comment from lucas about how “gay” it was made him retreat. self-conscious and fearful that he’d out himself by continuing to entertain an interest in it, he switched gears and forced himself into more traditionally “masculine” hobbies -- he wrestled during his senior year, became invested in body-building and boxing and learning different styles of self-defense. this was useful for the work, of course, but eventually he saw it as an escape; it wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy the work he did with his family, because he did -- and he was good at it -- but he just wanted to be away from them. and being the youngest, with little responsibility and minimal expectations, it was easy to trade out robbery for boxing when he decided to pursue it. he stuck mostly to underground circuits, but had a few more “professional” matches near the end of his career.

it was through a family friend who was helping out with a job that griff learned of the private military company he worked for between the ages of 21 and 28; it was during this time in his life that he met jason villalobos. their relationship was fast-formed and aided in shaping griff into who he is today; quite a bit of griff’s presentation, his style and aesthetic, is leftover from the mark jason had on his life. they had a brief but intense romantic relationship that ended abruptly after jason sustained permanent damage to his hand following an injury earned while he was protecting griff. they did not see each other again until meeting by-chance in atlanta, when they both ended up working for doc.

after leaving the pmc he had been affiliated with, griff fell back into working with his family, but as he was still processing and attempting to cope with the things he’d discovered about himself during his stint as a merc, it was a swift reunion. after a year he left his family again and took a small vacation to europe, where he met a man from an english-based syndicate who offered him work carrying out contract kills; it was good work for a merc like him, and it took him to places he’d always wanted to see, anyway. this lasted for about four years, but griff eventually tired of it, and migrated back to new york.

in new york, he found himself arrested within 3 months of his return to US soil, and he was jailed for three years on second-degree aggravated assault. miraculously, he has no priors on record, save for an altercation as a teenager -- but speculation about his family’s history and current activity was high, though there was no proof of their crimes, and as a result, the judge gave him five years. he attempted to connect griff to old and new cases, looking for any scrap of evidence; he offered to free griff immediately if he rolled on his family. law enforcement had been attempting to get one of them for years, but beyond hearsay, there was never an opening -- griff was their first real shot at getting to the truth, but of course, he never said a word. he kept to himself in prison, refusing various protection offers; not affiliating himself with anyone inside; eventually, griff was released early on good behavior, because his family’s lawyer accused the judge of mishandling the case based on slander, essentially threatening his career if he didn’t let griff out early.

griff was 36 when he was released, and chose to go west. he hadn’t spoken to his family since he was jailed, despite his sibling’s efforts to see him, write him letters; he was feeling angry, not because of anything they’d done, but because of mistakes that were haunting him, guilt that was eating at him. he chose not to see them even after everything they’d done with providing him with a lawyer because of the shame and anger that had been accumulating for years -- so he went west in hopes of finding something to keep his minds and hand occupied. he alternated between working with west-coast crews and keeping himself isolated; he was suffering heavily from depression, but didn’t know this, because he just refused to believe that anything like that could be wrong with him. for some months at the age of 39 he took up some fishing jobs off of the coast of canada, but found it to be unfulfilling, so he went south.

one year in mexico, doing nothing in particular; nothing criminal, no violence. there was a small attempt at romance here, a man he met in a bar who seemed entranced with him, but griff didn't allow himself to really feel it; they shared a few brief kisses but griff could tell they weren't alike -- he was normal, no blood-stained hands, and griff felt too guilty about it, like he'd taint him if he pursued it further, so he ended it.

then at 40, he met an old contact in texas who told him about some work in atlanta. the kind of shit you’d do with your family, he was told, and griff found that he missed the simplicity of that. it was thrilling but it was easy and he was good at it, and he hardly ever had to bloody his hands, because most people just complied -- that would be a nice change. so he made his way to atlanta, and for a year he worked with an associate of doc to prove his merit before doc would hire him outright; but at 42, finally he met doc, and finally got to see first-hand if the rumors about the kid who drove for him were true.

[apple-grass-and-smiles]

In Which I Catch Up on Tag Games...

The lovely @brvceselina​ (she’s great, check out her blog) and @selinaakyle (also wonderful!) both tagged me in a couple of things, the first of which was to fill out the stuff below, so here’s that.

Name/Alias: Emily

Birthday: November 12th

Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Height: 5′4″/162 cm

Hobbies: Saying I’m going to go and read and then watching something while in bed with the book right next to me. Driving places. Talking with friends. Attempting to convince my parents to bring random people in to our house to live with us. EATING!

Favorite colors: Aquamarine

Last song listened to: “The Way I Loved You” by Taylor Swift

Last film watched: Endgame? I really think that was the last one.

Inspiration for muse: Nope

Meaning behind your url: My teen brain died watching the “New Earth” Doctor Who episode and I have not known peace since and I’m too set in my ways to ever change my URL.

Currently reading: SOOO many books. The current ones that have actually been opened recently have been The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty, Nocturna by Maya Montayne, and We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal. (All great and I would highly recommend them.)

Dream job: Doing forensic psychology research for the FBI focusing on gathering case studies from criminals to better develop programs to help at-risk youth

Top three ships: Please don’t ask me to do this. I’m always dying over Steggy and Anidala and right now Batcat has my soul. (But also Ironwing may be taking over soon…)

Lipstick or chapstick: This is even worse. I always have both on my person no matter what but I’d probably die without chapstick.

And I’m tagging @katielovesnyc13​, @electricbluebutterflies​, @smith-is-not-your-lawyer​, and @dannyrand​.

[phroyd]

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco, long at the heart of the technology revolution, took a stand against potential abuse on Tuesday by banning the use of facial recognition software by the police and other agencies.

The action, which came in an 8-to-1 vote by the Board of Supervisors, makes San Francisco the first major American city to block a tool that many police forces are turning to in the search for both small-time criminal suspects and perpetrators of mass carnage.

The authorities used the technology to help identify the suspect in the mass shooting at an Annapolis, Md., newspaper last June. But civil liberty groups have expressed unease about the technology’s potential abuse by government amid fears that it may shove the United States in the direction of an overly oppressive surveillance state.

Aaron Peskin, the city supervisor who sponsored the bill, said that it sent a particularly strong message to the nation, coming from a city transformed by tech.

“I think part of San Francisco being the real and perceived headquarters for all things tech also comes with a responsibility for its local legislators,” Mr. Peskin said. “We have an outsize responsibility to regulate the excesses of technology precisely because they are headquartered here.”

But critics said that rather than focusing on bans, the city should find ways to craft regulations that acknowledge the usefulness of face recognition. “It is ridiculous to deny the value of this technology in securing airports and border installations,” said Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law expert at George Washington University. “It is hard to deny that there is a public safety value to this technology.”

There will be an obligatory second vote next week, but it is seen as a formality.

Similar bans are under consideration in Oakland and in Somerville, Mass., outside of Boston. In Massachusetts, a bill in the State Legislature would put a moratorium on facial recognition and other remote biometric surveillance systems. On Capitol Hill, a billintroduced last month would ban users of commercial face recognition technology from collecting and sharing data for identifying or tracking consumers without their consent, although it does not address the government’s uses of the technology.

Matt Cagle, a lawyer with the A.C.L.U. of Northern California, on Tuesday summed up the broad concerns of facial recognition: The technology, he said, “provides government with unprecedented power to track people going about their daily lives. That’s incompatible with a healthy democracy.”

The San Francisco proposal, he added, “is really forward-looking and looks to prevent the unleashing of this dangerous technology against the public.”

In one form or another, facial recognition is already being used in many American airports and big stadiums, and by a number of other police departments. The pop star Taylor Swift has reportedly incorporated the technology at one of her shows, using it to help identify stalkers.

The facial recognition fight in San Francisco is largely theoretical — the police department does not currently deploy such technology, and it is only in use at the international airport and ports that are under federal jurisdiction and are not impacted by the legislation.

Some local homeless shelters use biometric finger scans and photos to track shelter usage, said Jennifer Friedenbach, the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. The practice has driven undocumented residents away from the shelters, she said.

Still, it has been a particularly charged topic in a city with a rich history of incubating dissent and individual liberties, but one that has also suffered lately from high rates of property crime.

The ban prohibits city agencies from using facial recognition technology, or information gleaned from external systems that use the technology. It is part of a larger legislative package devised to govern the use of surveillance technologies in the city that requires local agencies to create policies controlling their use of these tools. There are some exemptions, including one that would give prosecutors a way out if the transparency requirements might interfere with their investigations.

Still, the San Francisco Police Officers Association, an officers’ union, said the ban would hinder their members’ efforts to investigate crime.

“Although we understand that it’s not a 100 percent accurate technology yet, it’s still evolving,” said Tony Montoya, the president of the association. “I think it has been successful in at least providing leads to criminal investigators.”

Mr. Cagle and other experts said that it was difficult to know exactly how widespread the technology was in the United States. “Basically, governments and companies have been very secretive about where it’s being used, so the public is largely in the dark about the state of play,” he said.

But Dave Maass, the senior investigative researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, offered a partial list of police departments that he said used the technology, including Las Vegas, Orlando, San Jose, San Diego, New York City, Boston, Detroit and Durham, N.C.

Other users, Mr. Maass said, include the Colorado Department of Public Safety, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Justice and the Virginia State Police.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is now using facial recognition in many airports and ports of sea entry. At airports, international travelers stand before cameras, then have their pictures matched against photos provided in their passport applications. The agency says the process complies with privacy laws, but it has still come in for criticism from the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which argues that the government, though promising travelers that they may opt out, has made it increasingly difficult to do so.

But there is a broader concern. “When you have the ability to track people in physical space, in effect everybody becomes subject to the surveillance of the government,” said Marc Rotenberg, the group’s executive director.

In the last few years, facial recognition technology has improved and spread at lightning speed, powered by the rise of cloud computing, machine learning and extremely precise digital cameras. That has meant once-unimaginable new features for users of smartphones, who may now use facial recognition to unlock their devices, and to tag and sort photos.

But some experts fear the advances are outstripping government’s ability to set guardrails to protect privacy.

Mr. Cagle and others said that a worst-case scenario already exists in China, where facial recognition is used to keep close tabs on the Uighurs, a largely Muslim minority, and is being integrated into a national digital panopticon system powered by roughly 200 million surveillance cameras.

American civil liberties advocates warn that the ability of facial surveillance to identify people at a distance, or online, without their knowledge or consent presents unique risks — threatening Americans’ ability to freely attend political protests or simply go about their business anonymously in public. Last year, Bradford L. Smith, the president of Microsoft, warned that the technology was too risky for companies to police on their own and asked Congress to oversee its use.

The battle over the technology intensified last year after two researchers published a study showing bias in some of the most popular facial surveillance systems. Called Gender Shades, the study reported that systems from IBM and Microsoft were much better at identifying the gender of white men’s faces than they were at identifying the gender of darker-skinned or female faces.

Another study this year reported similar problems with Amazon’s technology, called Rekognition. Microsoft and IBM have since said they improved their systems, while Amazon has said it updated its system since the researchers tested it and had found no differences in accuracy.

Warning that African-Americans, women and others could easily be incorrectly identified as suspects and wrongly arrested, the American Civil Liberties Union and other nonprofit groups last year called on Amazon to stop selling its technology to law enforcement.

But even with improvements in accuracy, civil rights advocates and researchers warn that, in the absence of government oversight, the technology could easily be misused to surveil immigrants or unfairly target African-Americans or low-income neighborhoods. In a recent essay, Luke Stark, a postdoctoral researcher at Microsoft Research Montreal, described facial surveillance as “the plutonium of artificial intelligence,” arguing that it should be “recognized as anathema to the health of human society, and heavily restricted as a result.”

Alvaro Bedoya, who directs Georgetown University’s Center on Privacy and Technology, said that more than 30 states allow local or state authorities, or the F.B.I., to search their driver’s license photos.

Mr. Bedoya said that these images are tantamount to being in a perpetual police lineup, as law enforcement agencies use them to check against the faces of suspected criminals. He said that the difference is that an algorithm, not a human being, is pointing to the suspect.

He also said that comprehensive regulation of the technology is sorely lacking. “This is the most pervasive and risky technology of the 21st century,” he said.

Daniel Castro, director of the Center for Data Innovation at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, is among those who opposed the idea of a ban. He said he would prefer to see face-recognition data accessible to the police only if they have secured a warrant from a judge, following guidelines the Supreme Court has set for other forms of electronic surveillance.

But proponents of the bans say they are an effort to hit the pause button and study the matter before harm is done. The proposed ban in Somerville, the Boston suburb, was sponsored by a councilor, Ben Ewen-Campen. “The government and the public don’t have a handle on what the technology is and what it will become,” he said on Tuesday.

Next door in Boston, Ed Davis, the former police commissioner, said it was “premature to be banning things.” Mr. Davis, who led the department during the Boston Marathon attack, said that no one in the United States wanted to follow the Chinese model.

But he also sees the potential. “This technology is still developing,” he said, “and as it improves, this could be the answer to a lot of problems we have about securing our communities.”

Joel Engardio, the vice president of Stop Crime SF, said that he agreed that current facial recognition technologies were flawed, but said that the city should not prohibit their use in the future, if they were improved.

“Instead of an outright ban, why not a moratorium?” Mr. Engardio asked. “Let’s keep the door open for when the technology improves. I’m not a fan of banning things when eventually it could actually be helpful.”

Kate Conger reported from San Francisco; Richard Fausset from Atlanta and Serge F. Kovaleski from New York. Reporting was also contributed by Natasha Singer and Adeel Hassan in New York.

Phroyd

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