TRIALS & ARRESTS: MIAMI

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ARRESTED: NOVEMBER 9TH, 1969

Jim Morrison's Miami Mugshot - September 20th, 1970

CHARGES:

Lewd and Lascivious Behavior In Public (Fel.) - Florida Statute 798.02
Indecent Exposure (Mis.) - Florida Statute 800.03
Open Profanity (Mis.) - Florida Statute 847.04
Public Drunkeness (Mis.) - Florida Statute 856.01

On March 1st, 1969 The Doors perform at the Miami Dinner Key Auditorium and Jim Morrison is later faced with numerous charges due to supposed incidents taking place during the show. Unaware of their impending troubles with the law, Jim and The Doors board a plane the following day and head to Jamaica for a previously planned holiday. In the subsequent days while on vacation, Miami officials begin to issue warrants for Jim's arrest, and the media begins reporting on the event nationwide. Jim Morrison returns to the U.S. only to learn that he is being charged with a felony and is now a wanted man in Florida.

On April 3rd, Jim turns himself in to authorities at the Los Angeles Federal Building after a second felony charge is laid against him for fleeing Miami. He waives extradition charges, and is eventually arrested on November 9th in Miami where he is released 20 minutes later on bond. All official documents pertaining to the trial and arrest indicate that Jim had a total of 4 charges laid against him - Lewd and Lascivious Behavior (a felony), Indecent Exposure, Open Profanity and Public Drunkeness.

On August 10th, 1970 the trial officially begins at the Dade County Courthouse as Case No. 69-2355 "State Of Florida vs. James Douglas Morrison". Max Fink is selected as Jim's defense lawyer for the case along with local attorney Robert Josefsberg. From August to October of 1970, details on Jim Morrison's trial are given national attention and the trial is looked upon as a farce by Jim, the band members, and legal attorneys on both sides of the case. Despite their opinions, Judge Murray Goodman is determined to make an example out of Jim for political and financial reasons, and all efforts are made to convict him. On September 20th, Jim is convicted with Open Profanity and Indecent Exposure, with the right to appeal, and given a 6 month prison sentence and $500 fine. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending his appeal, and states to the media that he intends to appeal the case for as long as it takes. In February of 1971, Jim is residing in Paris where French law indicates that he cannot legally be extradited back to the U.S. to face the charges. He never returns from Paris.

COMPLAINANT: Robert Jennings (State Attorney Office Clerk) ARRESTING OFFICERS: Sgt. Jim Cox Ted Seaman JUDGES: Hon. Murray Goodman Hon. Richard E. Gerstein (Sentencing) COURT REPORTERS: June Lapoint (Trial) Sylvia G. Fierman (Conviction) Bruce Hartman (Sentencing) PROSECUTORS: Ellen J. Morphonios (Assistant State Attorney) Alfonso C. Sepe (State Attorney) ATTORNEYS: Max Fink (Defendant) Robert Josefsberg (Defendant) Terrence McWilliams (Prosecutor) Leonard Rivkind (Prosecutor) JURY: Karl Beidi (Mechanic) William Bowen (Art Teacher) John Cone (Machinery Operator) Herbert Franks (Tile Setter) Mrs. Garwood (Unknown) Elaine Hemperly (Housewife) Audrey Tompkins (Housewife) PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sal Crisanti (Miami News) Sam Feinsilver (The Times Now) David LeVine (Freelance) Marty Levine (The Times Now) Marlin Levison (Miami Herald) Bruce MacCallum (Miami Hurricane) John Pineda (Miami Herald) Bill Sanders (Miami Herald) David Sobel (ROCK Magazine)

PROSECUTORS WITNESSES: M.Z. Barley (Police Officer) Colleen Clary (Audience Member) Helen Clary Richard D. Flaum (Police Officer) Carl Huffstutlear (Audience Member) Robert Jennings (Audience Member) Andrew Steven Learner (Photographer) A.J. McLaughlin (Investigator) R.E. Miller (Police Officer) Daniel Pizzi (Audience Member) Betty Racine (Police Officer) Mary Ratchford (Audience Member) William Riley (Police Officer) Jeff Simon (Photographer) Bernard Sullivan (Police Officer) Kathleen A. Vivian (Audience Member) James Wood (Audience Member) DEFENDANTS WITNESSES: Angela Bucchi (Audience Member) Officer Calhoun (Police Officer) Thomas Edward Crowder (University Chaplain) John Densmore (Band Member) Arthur L. Dragon (Police Officer) Frances Endico (Audience Member) Donald Fedele (Musician) William Howard Gonder (Audience Member) Moss B. Jacobs (Audience Member) Robert Krieger (Band Member) David LeVine (Photographer) Eric Liff (Private Investigator) Ray Manzarek (Band Member) George Stanley Misleh (Police Officer) Sue Moore (Audience Member) Jim Morrison (Band Member) Jorge Ramirez (Police Officer) Steven Allen Ruggier (Audience Member) Howard William Shoemaker (Audience Member) Sally Singer (Audience Member) Sal Spinola (Audience Member) Mrs. Tyler Tougas (Audience Member) Terry Carl Weiss (Musician) Clifford R. White (Audience Member)

Original Trial Sketches Feature Robert Josefsberg & Jim Morrison, Max Fink, and Judge Murray Goodman - Unknown Artist

SUBMITTED BOOK TITLES: Body Language - By Julius Fast Sensuous Woman - By "J" Playboy Magazine - November 1968 Issue Dionysius in '69 - (Play) Playboy Magazine - August 1970 Issue Fortune Magazine - August 1970 Issue The Seven Minutes - By Irving Wallace The Adventurers - By Harold Robbins Lady Chatterley's Lover - By D.H. Lawrence Portnoy's Complaint - By Philip Roth The Pretenders - By Gwen Davis From Here To Eternity - By James Jones Manchild In The Promised Land - By Claude Brown Ulysses - By James Joyce I Am Curious, Yellow - (Play) The Romance Of Lust - By Anonymous The Marquis De Sade - Translated by Austryn Wainhouse Loves Of A Musical Student - By Anonymous I, A Woman - By Siv Holm The Godfather - By Mario Puzo Tropic Of Cancer - By Henry Miller Hair - (Play) The Love Machine - By Jacqueline Susann The Thin Red Line - By James Jones Fanny Hill - By John Cleland The Naked And The Dead - By Norman Mailer The Voyeur - By Henry Sutton Couples - By John Updike American Heritage Dictionary Of The English Language

SUBMITTED FILM TITLES: Woodstock - Director: Michael Wadleigh (1970) I Am Curious, Yellow - Director: Vilgot Sjoman (1967) Tropic Of Cancer - Director: Joseph Strick (1970) The Adventurers - Director: David MacDonald 1951) Naked Under Leather - Director: Jack Cardiff (1968) The Fox - Director: Mark Rydell (1967) The Killing Of Sister George - Director: Robert Aldrich (1968) What Do You Say To A Naked Lady - Director: Allen Funt (1970)

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TIMELINE: 1969

MARCH 1

- The Doors perform for a beyond capacity crowd at the Dinner Key Auditorium in Miami. The venue is overheated due to lack of air conditioning, Jim Morrison is drinking, and The Doors are late going onstage. During the performance a live animal named 'Sunshine' (a lamb) is handed to Jim by Lewis Marvin aka Moonfire, in which he states "I'd fuck her but she's too young". In straying from his performance as a singer, Jim stirs up the crowd by telling them they are "all a bunch of fucking idiots!" and encourages them to 'love' their friends and neighbors with a statement that there are "no limits and no laws". He later threatens to reveal his male organ to the audience and imitates doing so. Before the show is over the band is forced to leave the stage due to audience members crowding the instruments and equipment. A police officer whose hat was thrown into the crowd by Jim is reimbursed in the dressing room following the show. A recording of the performance is made by a youth in the audience, and multiple photographers are present including Edgar Bernstein, David LeVine and Jeff Simon. No arrests are made during or after the show.


Jim Morrison and Moonfire's Lamb 'Sunshine' - Photograph By David LeVine

MARCH 2

- The Doors board a plane and fly to Jamaica for a vacation, unaware of impending troubles with the law.

MARCH 3

- In the first media report that trouble with the law has arisen from the Miami show, the Miami Herald reports that acting Police Chief Paul Denham has stated "I've issued orders that as soon as we can find a policeman that witnessed it that we will take out a warrant for Jim Morrison."

- Assistant City Manager Paul Andrews announces to the press that the city is endeavoring to gather facts and will withhold judgement until then.

- George Maclean, lessee of the Dinner Key Auditorium, announces to the press that he is taking full responsibility for the booking of The Doors.

MARCH 4

- An FBI report indicates that a captain of the police department has found sufficient evidence to lay a misdemeanor charge against Jim Morrison and is continuing an investigation in hopes of charging Jim with a felony.

- Judge Arthur E. Huttoe of the Crime Commission Of Greater Miami asks the Grand Jury of Dade County to undertake a full-scale investigation of The Doors Miami performance.

MARCH 5

- Warrants are taken out for Jim Morrison after 20-year-old Robert Jennings from the Dade State Attorney's Office signs the complaint against Jim Morrison.

- Acting police chief Paul Denham states in a press conference that warrants are taken out for Jim Morrison and that delays had taken place in the acquisition of recordings and photographic evidence of the performance. Judge Edward Kline signs the warrants, and bond is set at $2,500 for the felony and another $2,500 for the City Of Miami's misdemeanor charges.


Four Warrants Are Taken Out for Jim Morrison's Arrest

MARCH 6

- Newspapers begin reporting on the warrants that have been issued for Jim Morrison's arrest, stating that further charges may be laid, and that authorities do not know the current whereabouts of the band members.

- An internal memo at the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that the maximum prison sentence would be 3 years, 150 days in the Raiford State Penitentiary.

MARCH 9

- The Doors are scheduled to perform in Jacksonville, FL. on this date, however the show is ordered cancelled by Mayor Hans Tanzler and is the first of many concerts that will no longer take place due to the Miami incident.

MARCH 11

- Art Grace, a reporter for the Miami News who was in attendance at the Miami show blasts the media and public in an article for the public condemnation of The Doors and and Jim Morrison's performance at Dinnery Key Auditorium. He states that there was no riot, the 'exposure' was a bore and that if Jim did show himself to the audience, the venue was much too large for 90% of the audience to have even seen it.

MARCH 20

- Regarding The Doors and other bands, an unidentified member of the FBI writes a confidential letter to J. Edgar Hoover concerning "such trash". J. Edgar Hoover responds to the letter on March 26th, agreeing with the author.

MARCH 23

- In lieu of The Doors performance, a rally for decency is staged at the Orange Bowl in Miami, attracting 35,000 and features musical performances and appearances by Jackie Gleason, Anita Bryant and Ted Mack. The event sparks a series of decency rallies across the United States.

MARCH 24

- A letter from Richard Nixon is written to Mike Levesque regarding the decency rally of the day before, congratulating him on his initiative to stage the event.

MARCH 27

- A federal warrant charging Jim Morrison with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) is filed in Miami, prompting Jim Morrison to turn himself in. The charge would not have withstood the defense as no charges had been laid at the time of the band's departure from the state of Florida. Nonetheless, Max Fink petitions of the state of California in a fight against the extradition, arguing that the statutes of Florida are vague and outdated and an unfair trial is likely to be received in turn.

- The FBI opens a case following the issue of the federal warrant for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.

APRIL 3

- Following his filming of HWY in the days prior, Jim Morrison, accompanied by Max Fink, turns himself in to authorities at the Los Angeles Federal Building. He is later released on bonds totalling $5,000.

APRIL 4

- Jim Morrison's warrants are to be forwarded to Sgt. James D. Price at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office. Jim is not to be pursued by authorities unless instructed to do so.

APRIL 9

- Robert Jennings, a Miami concert attendee and office clerk for the state attorney of Florida, signs formal papers for the extradition of Jim Morrison to Florida.

APRIL 14

- Jim Morrison is scheduled for an extradition hearing on this date. He is arraigned, and waives extradition to Florida. Upon arrival he is filmed and photographed by the local press.


Jim Morrison and Max Fink Are Greeted By The Press - Unknown Photographer

APRIL 28

- The Doors perform and record music for NET's Critique television show in New York on this date.

APRIL 29

- Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Osman denies prosecution of Jim Morrison on federal charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and recommends that the charges be dismissed due to Jim turning himself in on April 3rd. The charges are officially dismissed on May 1st.

- The Doors record an interview with Richard Goldstein for NET's Critique on this date. No questions are asked about Miami and the performance is not mentioned.

MAY 1

- Federal charges against Jim Morrison for Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution are officially dropped on this date and Jim is no longer a fugitive. The specified date of dismissal of these charges is April 29th.

MAY 13

- The Grand Jury of Dade County reports that after their investigation of The Doors performance at Dinner Key Auditorium, the Miami City Commission has enacted city Ordinance No. 7757, requiring performers wanting to use a city facility to submit a sworn application of information to the City Manager, including a complete list of names of the performers, any previous denial of use of public facilities, any previous arrest records of the performers, the number of persons expected to attend the performance, and whether police supervision or protection is required. The Ordinance takes effect on October 28th, 1969.


An Excerpt From The Grand Jury Report - Filed May 13th, 1969

MAY 25

- The Doors NET Critique special broadcasts on WNET Channel 13 in New York. This is the first opportunity the public has had to see the band since the Miami show.

JUNE 14

- Between performances at the Chicago Auditorium Theatre, James Spurlock is granted an interview with Jim by press agent Leon Barnard where he is instructed not to ask questions about Miami. During this time period before the trial starts, all interviewers receive the same instructions. These are The Doors first performances in front of a live audience since the Miami show.

JULY 7

- Municipal court proceedings are delayed concerning Jim Morrison's extradition to Florida following a motion filed by defense attorney Victor Sherman in Los Angeles. The office of Gov. Ronald Reagan is set to review the case, and court proceedings will be delayed until Nov. 6th pending the outcome of a hearing scheduled for August 26th in Sacramento. The proceedings are delayed by Judge Antonio E. Chavez.

NOVEMBER 7

- Jim Morrison's attorneys appear in court on this date to insure that Jim will be released on bond when he surrenders. Judge Murray Goodman sets the bond at $5,000.

NOVEMBER 9

- Jim Morrison arrives in Miami with Max Fink and turns himself in to the Dade County Public Safety Department. He is arrested at 9:50pm. He pleads not guilty and is released 20 minutes later on a $5,000 bond. Max Fink makes a request for time to file motions, and Jim Morrison is given 30 days to do so. Robert Josefsberg tells Judge Murray Goodman that he does not want to decide on this date to waive trial by jury. Prosecutor Al Sepe says the state won't consent to a waiver. The case is adjourned until April 27th, 1970.

NOVEMBER 11

- Jim Morrison and Tom Baker are arrested in Phoenix, AZ.

1970

FEBRUARY 27

- An article is published in a local Miami newspaper on this date requesting witnesses for Jim's defense. Those who may be able to explain what really happened at the show are asked to contact the newspaper and come forward. The plea for witnesses is printed on behalf of Max Fink's associate attorney David C. Tardiff.

APRIL 27

- Jim Morrison is scheduled to begin trial on this date but it is reported that the trial is delayed 4 times before officially beginning on August 10th.

JUNE 9

- Max Fink files a motion that Jim Morrison's case be dropped based on grounds that Jim Morrison's conduct is outside their jurisdiction. The motion is rejected.

JUNE 27

- Jim Morrison and press agent Leon Barnard arrive in Paris, France and remain in Europe until late July. Jim Morrison later indicates that this time is used to prepare for the trial.

JULY 29

- An attempt is made by Eric J. Liff to subpoena the manager/owner of the 79th Street Art Theatre to the trial for August 3rd as a Defendants Witness. The subpoena instructs that a collection of films are to be brought to trial, including Gutter Trash, The Wildest, and Girlie Frolics. The owner/manager of the theatre refuses to be served papers.

- Another attempt is made by Eric J. Liff to subpoena the manager/owner of the Mini Art Cinema to the trial for August 3rd as a Defendants Witness. The subpoena instructs that the film Tropic Of Cancer is to be brought to trial, in which the owner/manager of the cinema refuses to be served papers.

AUGUST 3

- The trial is originally set to begin on this date at 9:00AM but is rescheduled to August 10th.

AUGUST 6

- Jim Morrison is arrested in West Hollywood, CA.

AUGUST 7

- Jim Morrison is scheduled to appear in Hollywood on this date for the misdeamnor charge of the previous morning.

AUGUST 8

- Jim Morrison arrives in Miami in the evening.

THE STATE OF FLORIDA VS. JAMES DOUGLAS MORRISON

CASE NO. 69-2355.

AUGUST 10

- This is the first day of the Miami trial, and Jim Morrison arrives at the Dade County Courthouse at approximately 10:00am. He is in company of The Doors, Babe Hill, and legal attorneys Max Fink, David Tardiff and Robert Josefsberg. Television reporters, photographers, teenagers, and fans gather at the courthouse to witness the event. Max Fink and Robert Josefsberg have been selected to represent Jim in case No. 69-2355 "The State Of Florida vs. James Douglas Morrison", stating that they expect the trial to last 6 to 10 weeks. Due to an overbooked docket, the trial is once again delayed until August 12th.

- Prior to the start of the trial, Max Fink seeks permission to show at least 14 films to the court, and informs Judge Murray Goodman that he won't even bother mentioning X-rated films. He also declares that "We have to accept the generation gap. People like Morrison's group, The Doors, are protesting the problems created by their forebears." and that he will base Jim Morrison's defense on Freedom of Expression.

The following film titles are known to have been submitted by Max Fink to represent 'community standards':

Woodstock - Michael Wadleigh (1970)
I Am Curious, Yellow - Vilgot Sjoman (1967)
Tropic Of Cancer - Joseph Strick (1970)
The Adventurers - David MacDonald (1951)
Naked Under Leather - Jack Cardiff (1968)
The Fox - Mark Rydell (1967)
The Killing Of Sister George - Robert Aldrich (1968)
What Do You Say To A Naked Lady - Allen Funt (1970)


Jim Morrison and The Doors at the Dade County Courthouse - Photograph By Marlin Levison, Miami Herald Staff

AUGUST 12

- The trial resumes at approximately 1:00pm on this date and jury selection begins.

- Max Fink and Robert Josefsberg file a motion that the charges against Jim Morrison are dismissed as being unconsitutional. The motion is rejected.

- A local television crew for WTVJ interviews Jim Morrison at the courthouse in which he discusses nudity, and complete freedom of expression for a performer.


Jim Morrison Is Interviewed At The Courthouse - Channel 4 WTVJ

AUGUST 14

- Jury selection is now complete. Six local citizens, consisting of four men and two women, are chosen as members - Karl Beidi, William Bowen, John Cone, Herbert Franks, Elaine Hemperly, and Audrey Tompkins.

- Jim Morrison attends a performance by Creedence Clearwater Revival later this evening, followed by an appearance and an unscheduled performance with Canned Heat at The Marco Polo Hotel in a lounge known as The Hump. Miami Herald photographers are watching Jim Morrison during this time period due to the trial and capture photographs of him performing with Canned Heat.


Jim Morrison Performs With Canned Heat - Photograph By Mario Castellanos, Miami Herald Staff

AUGUST 17

- Max Fink requests that events such as Woodstock be admitted to the trial as evidence for a judgement based on 'community standards'. The film 'Woodstock' by Michael Wadleigh is requested from a local theater, however the film is improperly formatted to be shown in a small room and is impossible to be viewed in the courtroom at the present date. Robert Josefsberg requests that a re-formatted version will be entered into the trial. Judge Goodman denies the request until a determination is made on wether the film will be shown to the jury.

- The prosecution and the defendant give their opening statements to the jury.

- The first witness of the trial, 17-year-old Colleen Clary testifies that Jim Morrison had dropped his pants. Following a lunch break, her boyfriend Carl Huffstutlear and her mother also testify. Colleen and her mother are captured on film as they enter the courtroom. In his defense, Jim's attorneys point out that the testimonies are largely inconsistent with statements given to prosecutors prior to the trial.

- The defense files two motions requesting mistrial and are denied. The trial is recessed until Wednesday, August 19th.

AUGUST 19

- Police Officer Betty Racine testifies on this date that Jim Morrison had dropped his pants. Previous statements from the officer indicate that she heard or saw nothing of the sort. The defense files a motion for a mistrial based on Betty Racine's inconsistencies, but are denied.

- Photographer Jeff Simon presents over 100 photographs from the performance in Miami but under examination cannot testify that Jim Morrison had exposed himself. Jeff indicates that he was mere feet away from the stage but did not clearly witness the events that took place. He is the prosecutors witness.

- Trial moves into the evening on this date and Robert Jennings, the assistant for the State Attorney's Office who originally signed the complaint against Jim Morrison for the State Of Florida, testifies as a prosecutors witness to the performance. Defense attorney Max Fink finds requests that the trial be recessed due to the time of day and Robert Jennings failure to provide proper answers to the questions asked of him. Judge Goodman dismisses the jury for the day and states that the court will reconvene at 10:00am the following morning. The defense files a motion for mistrial due to irrelevant statements made by Robert Jennings and are denied.

AUGUST 20

- Trial resumes at 11:00am and Robert Jennings testimony continues. Max Fink is firm with the witness in regards to answering his questions directly. He testifies that Jim Morrison had exposed himself.

- Following the testimony of Robert Jennings, audience member James Wood testifies as a prosecutors witness.

- Admission of evidence is denied to the defense for judgement based on 'community standards'. Judge Murray Goodman states in a written order that "no books or periodicals will be admitted, no motion pictures or stage plays will be viewed by the jury. The court finds that such evidence would be irrelevant to the offenses charged." Max Fink argues a motion to set aside the order, stating that "To exclude evidence concerning community standards in regards to words we freely admit we used, to exclude expert testimony concerning effect of these words on the audience in this day and age, would be a denial of a fair trial." Judge Goodman denies the motion with no further comment and forbids the defense to present the testimonies of a minister, a professor, psychiatrists and psychologists, of whom were in attendance at the Miami performance.

- In the evening, prosecutor Terrence McWilliams requests this court session be extended to allow Miami police officer R.E. Miller and concert attendee Daniel Pizzi to testify on this date, and the request is denied. The trial is recessed until August 25th.

AUGUST 21

- The Doors perform in Bakersfield. Jim Morrison is interviewed backstage by a local television crew from KERO-TV, discussing his views on freedom for an artist to perform, and his hope that the trial will be over before an upcoming European tour.


Jim Morrison Is Interviewed In Bakersfield - Channel 23 KERO-TV

AUGUST 22

- The Doors perform in San Diego.

AUGUST 25

- Miami police officer R.E. Miller testifies as a prosecutors witness that Jim Morrison had dropped his pants and that no arrest was made during the performance in Miami by himself due to tending to an injured concert-goer.

- Thee Image club manager Daniel Pizzi testifies as a prosecutors witness that he did not see Jim Morrison drop his pants and that following the show, he entered the dressing room and received an autograph from all band members of The Doors. He testifies there were no police officers in the dressing room.

- Police investigator William Riley testifies that Jim Morrison had dropped his pants but had not witnessed him drinking on stage. He also testifies in cross-examination by the defense that it was his responsibility to arrest anyone observed as breaking the law and did not make any arrests on the night of the performance in Miami.

- Miami police officer Richard D. Flaum testifies as a prosecutors witness that he had removed Jim Morrison's green bottle of liquor from the stage and broke it in a trashcan, and that Jim Morrison had emulated oral copulation on Robby Krieger. He also testifies that Jim Morrison had removed his hat and placed it on his own head, then proceeded to throw it into the audience. When asked by the prosecutors lawyers, he tells the court that he did not move to make an arrest of Jim Morrison while on stage due to fear of reprisal from the audience in which the police would not have been capable of handling. Defense attorney Max Fink proceeds with a cross-examination in which he tells the court that after the audience had cleared the venue, he proceeded to the dressing room where Jim Morrison was present, and did not make an arrest. He also tells the court that while in the dressing room he was compensated for his hat by an unknown individual, and later purchased a new hat.

- The trial is recessed until August 27th at 10:00am.

AUGUST 27

- The trial resumes at 11:00am. Miami city police officer M.Z. Barley testifies as a prosecutors witness on this date. He states that his role at the Miami concert was to keep concert attendees off of the lighting platform at the venue, and when questioned, reveals that he is not a reliable witness to the events that presumably took place at the performance.

- A second Miami city police officer, Bernard Sullivan, testifies as a prosecutors witness and reveals that Colleen Clary, another prosecutors witness, is his sister-in-law. During his cross-examination by the defense, he testifies that while he did witness Jim Morrison put his hands down his pants, he did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- A third Miami city police officer, Major A.J. McLaughlin, testifies as a prosecutors witness. He tells the court that he conducted an investigation of The Doors performance beginning March 2nd, 1969 and that he secured a tape recording of the concert after employing media outlets such as a radio and television to request that anyone who may have made a tape recording of the concert to contact his office. He reveals to the court that his request for a tape was answered by a young man who later gave him his tape recorder and cassette tape recording of The Doors performance in Miami. He states that because he did not have a cassette tape player in his office, that reel-to-reel tape copies were made for playback and submission as evidence in court. He also testifies that no arrests were made during or after the performance by police officers because of the situation with the crowd. In further statements, he reveals that an investigation was opened due to an article he read in the newspaper the following day, and that irate citizens were calling with complaints about why their children were attending concerts of this type and why the police would allow such events to occur. The defense interogates Major McLaughlin as to why of all the 28 police officers who were present at the performance did not make an arrest during the one hour performance or the one hour succeeding the performance in which Jim Morrison was still present at the venue.

- Miami city worker and dispatcher for the Miami police department, Kathleen A. Vivian, testifies as an audience member for the prosecution. She tells the court she was in front row at the performance and remained there until partway through the final song of the performance, Light My Fire. She also reveals to the court that a tape recording of the performance was played for her multiple times, including the morning of this date, and the prosecutor moves to enter the tape into evidence during her testimony. Defense attorney Max Fink objects to the admission of the tape recording as evidence based on the failure of the prosecution to provide evidence that the tape is an accurate representation of the performance in respect to tape speed, completeness, etc. The court allows the tape to be entered as evidence, and during a short recess of this testimony, playback equipment is set up in court. The trial resumes and the tape recording is played once before the jury from 4:22pm to 5:20pm. Following the playback, Kathleen recalls portions of the performance not present on the tape in which Jim Morrison could be heard making statements along the lines of "Do you want to see it?", other statements about overthrowing the government, and campus riots. She also tells the court that she hears five separate breaks in the tape. During her cross-examination by the defense, she testifies that as an audience member in the front row, she did not witness Jim Morrison drop his pants.

- The trial is recessed until September 2nd at 11:00am.

AUGUST 29

- The Doors perform at the Isle Of Wight Festival but are forced to return to the U.S. and cancel a scheduled European tour due to the obligations of the Miami trial.


Jim Morrison performs at the Isle Of Wight festival - Photograph By Jean-Pierre Leloir

SEPTEMBER 2

- The prosecution calls its final witnesses on this date, and 14 year old audience member Mary Ratchford is the first to testify. Her testimony is questioned by the defense and portrayed to the court as entered in for shock value.

- Audience member Andrew Steven Learner testifies as a prosectors witness. He states that he is a student and photographer, and that he was present at the Miami performance with camera in hand. During his testimony, three of his photographs are entered into evidence, including a contact sheet. He testifies that Jim Morrison had exposed himself, and when asked why he did not take photographs of the exposure, he states that he did not want to risk repercussions for taking a 'pornography' photo.

- Upon conclusion of the prosecutors witness testimonies, a court order is set in place by Judge Goodman that the submitted representation of 'community standards' by the defense will not be admitted to the court. The defense files motions for three of the four charges against Jim Morrison to be dropped due to inconsitencies between each witness. They are denied.

- The defense begins presenting witnesses to the court and photographer David LeVine is the first to give his testimony. He indicates that 36 photographs were taken on the night of the performance with approx. 10 that are not out of focus. He is later instructed to simulate masturbatory movements made by Jim Morrison on the night of the show, which he does, and it has been reported that Jim Morrison had a smirk on his face during this portion of David's testimony.

- The trial is recessed until September 3rd at 11:00am.


Jim Morrison at the Dade County Courthouse - Photograph By David LeVine

SEPTEMBER 3

- The trial resumes at 12:10pm on this date, and Donald Fedele of the band The Echo is the first to testify as the defendants witness. He is openly asked if Jim Morrison exhibited sexual organs during the Miami performance and replies that he did not.

- Audience member Sally Singer testifies as the defendants witness. When asked, she tells the court that Jim Morrison removed his shirt but not his pants, and that she did not witness simulated oral copulation by Jim Morrison on Robby Krieger.

- The third witness in the trial on this date is audience member Angela Bucchi who testifies that Jim Morrison did not expose himself. Angela is called to testify during the trial after answering a newspaper ad placed in the Miami Herald by David Tardiff requesting witnesses for the defense. Prior to taking the stand in the courtroom, Angela is captured on film by WTJV News while in conversation with Jim Morrison at the courthouse. Following the trial, a friendship is built between this witness and Jim Morrison. Angela reveals to MildEquator.com in 2021 that Jim Morrison had told her during a later conversation that the first time he had seen her, she "looked like Alice In Wonderland".

- After a lunchtime recess, student and audience member Moss B. Jacobs testifies as the defendants witness. He tells the court that from his position in the audience close to the stage, he did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- 17-year-old audience member Sue Moore testifies as the defendants witness. She tells the court that she did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- Student and audience member Fances Endico testifies as the defendants witness. Her testimony is brief and she is not cross examined by the prosecutor. She tells the court that she did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- 22-year-old audience member Mrs. Tyler Tougas testifies as the defendants witness. She tells the court that while seated in the bleachers and wearing her glasses she did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself. She is reminded by the defense about her responsibility to tell the truth, and is dismissed without cross-examination.

- At the end of the proceedings on this date, an eleven day recess is called to the trial due to the required presence of Robert Josefsberg in closed circuit court for an unrelated trial. The Doors are aggravated by the recess due to the cancellation of their European tour. The trial is set to resume on September 14th at 11:00am.

SEPTEMBER 4

- Jim Morrison, Max Fink, Frank Lisciandro and Babe Hill use the recess to venture off on a fishing trip in the Bahamas. Frank Lisciandro has his camera on hand and snaps a few photos of the group.


Babe Hill, Jim Morrison and Max Fink - Photograph By Frank Lisciandro

SEPTEMBER 12

- Jim Morrison attends an Elvis Presley concert in Miami on this date.

SEPTEMBER 14

- The trial resumes on this date at 2:25pm. The defense resumes calling witnesses to testify in the trial. Juror Elaine Hemperly is absent on this date due to illness, and is replaced by a Mrs. Garwood. University student William Gonder is the first witness to take the stand, and states that his placement at the Miami concert was directly in front of Jim Morrison's microphone, that he was taller than the floor of the stage, and did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself. Following his testimony, store owner Sal Spinola is called to testify as the defendants witness. He tells the court that he was approximately fifty feet from the stage, and did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself. The next witness to take the stand for the defendant is a University of Miami chaplain Thomas Edward Crowder. He is not in attendance at the Miami concert, and when asked by the court what he intends to prove by using this witness, Max Fink replies that he intends to use the witness as an expert against the charge of Open Profanity against Jim Morrison. In response, Judge Goodman rules that the witness will not be allowed to testify, and he is excused temporarily following an argument with the court by the defense.

- Following a short recess, college student and band member of The Brimstone, Terry Carl Weiss, is then called upon to testify as a defendants witness. He tells the court that he did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- Private investigator Eric Liff is called to testify as the defendants witness. When asked, he tells the court that it was his job as a process server at the time to serve subpoenas for this trial, and one of the subpoenas served was to Robert Jennings, the complainant and a prosecutors witness. He reveals to the court through his testimony that Robert Jennings had stated to him at the time of his serving that he did not see anything and that he was "grooving to the music", contradicting his later statements to the court on August 19th & 20th. He also testifies that at a later encounter with Robert, he was asked "I thought you didn't see anything" in which Robert replied, "Well, you know how it is".

- Audience member and student Clifford R. White testifies as the defendants witness that Jim Morrison did not expose himself.

- The final witness of the day is police officer Arthur L. Dragon who testifies that he did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself, feign or pretend masturbation, or simulate oral copulation. He also tells the court that Jim Morrison was escorted by police to the dressing room at the end of the performance for his protection. Following his testimony, the court is recessed until September 15th at 11:00am.

SEPTEMBER 15

- Trial resumes on this date at 11:40am. Due to a previous restriction by the court on the number of witnesses allowed to be entered into the trial by the defense, and the desire of the defense and the court to move the case along more quickly, the defense requests that a selection of repetitive witnesses be omitted from the trial and that only selected witnesses be presented to the jury, including three who are "flying out from California today". The court agrees with the requests of the defense.

- Audience member and student Howard William Shoemaker testifies as the defendants witness that Jim Morrison did not expose himself and that he was 'feeling the music' while on his knees in front of Robby Krieger.

- Audience member Steven Allen Ruggier testifies as the defendants witness. He explains to the court that he is 6'3" and was in the audience at the front of the stage and with a clear view did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself, simulate oral copulation, etc. Following his testimony, the court recesses until 3:00pm. When the court reconvenes, Judge Goodman denies the defense the right to present University chaplain Thomas Crowder as an expert on profanity.
- Police officer George Stanley Misleh testifies as the defendants witness that he was placed on the balcony during the performance and did not and could not see Jim Morrison expose himself. He also states that he did not see a woman police officer on the balcony. Following his testimony, Judge Goodman requests that any witnesses who were excused from the court in the morning be asked to return to court to testify.

- Police officer Jorge Ramirez testifies as the defendants witness. He tells the court that it was his job as a narcotics officer to watch the crowd and that he did not witness Jim Morrison expose himself.

- Officer Calhoun testifies as the defendants witness. He explains that he was placed behind the stage for the performance while in uniform and did not witness an exposure or make an arrest.

- The court recesses while waiting for the next witnesses to arrive back in court. Following the recess, no more witnesses have arrived and a decision is made by Judge Goodman to recess the court once more until September 16th at 11:00am.

- John Densmore, Robby Krieger, and Ray Manzarek arrive in Miami and are to be appear in court as defendants witnesses the following day.

SEPTEMBER 16

- Robby Krieger, John Densmore, and Ray Manzarek give their testimonies on this date. Robby Krieger is the first to testify. He tells the court that Jim Morrison occasionally gets on his knees during a guitar solo as a cue for the light man to put the light on him, and that there was nothing or unusual about him doing so at the Miami performance. He also explains that after the show, there were policemen who came to the dressing room for autographs. When asked how many thousands of dollars he stands to lose if Jim Morrison is convicted, he replies "Nothing compared to what we have lost already because of this whole thing." When asked if Jim Morrison was drunk, he replies that he was not. Following his testimony, the court takes a recess and Robby is admitted back into the courtroom for the remainder of the proceedings.

- John Densmore is the next witness called to the stand. He testifies that he did not witness Jim Morrison drop his pants, and that Jim Morrison approaches Robby during a solo to bring the spotlight over to Robby, and that he shouts and encourages Robby to play well. He also tells the court that after Jim Morrison threw a policeman's hat into the audience, the policeman in turn threw Jim Morrison's hat into the audience and that it was done in good humor. When asked how much money he stands to lose if Jim Morrison is convicted, he replies that "We have already lost a lot." In cross examination, the prosecutor tries to emphasize that John Densmore was not in a position on the stage to see what Jim Morrison was doing, and John replies that Jim Morrison is never rigid or motionless, and always moving around.

- Ray Manzarek is called to testify following John Densmore. When asked if Jim Morrison removed his trousers in any way, he replies that he did not, but that he had taken off his shirt and that he was wise to do so. When asked about the circumstances surrounding removing his shirt, Ray Manzarek explains that in a venue meant to hold 7,000 people that was filled up to 12 or 15 thousand people, it is too crowded, too hot, and Jim Morrison had taken his shirt off. He is also asked if Jim Morrison had exposed any private parts, in which Ray replies "No he did not, unless you consider his chest a private organ." He is asked about a bottle of champagne on stage, and tells the court that he saw one. He states before he could get a hold of it for a drink, it had been poured over everybody. In cross examination, he tells the prosecutor that he would have also taken off his shirt if he was not forced to keep his hands on his organ. He also tells the prosecutor that he is not dependent on the outcome of Jim Morrison's trial for a job.

- Following a short recess, the defendant Jim Morrison is called to the stand. Max Fink questions Jim on his travel schedule on the day of the performance, the events leading up to the start of the performance, the nature of his performance, and Moonfire's lamb. He is also asked questions about the design of his leather pants. When asked what he had said to the audience about love during the Miami performance, he replies "The time is short and better make the most of it." During questioning about Robby Krieger's solos, he tells the court that because he does not play an instrument, he feels that Robby is masterful, and when asked what he did in front of Robby during the performance, he says that he made idiotic faces at him during an attempt to break him up, which is a type of game he likes to play with Robby. He also tells the court that it would not be possible for him to lower his pants below his waist without considerable effort due to the design and how perfectly they fit. The trial is recessed and Jim Morrison's testimony is set to resume the following day.

SEPTEMBER 17

- Max Fink resumes his examination of Jim Morrison on this date at 1:20pm. The testimony opens with further question about the design of Jim Morrison's pants, and he tells the court that because the pants do not have pockets, he places his hands inside of them with the thumbs hooked over the top to replicate pockets. He also indicates that he was wearing boxer shorts underneath his leather pants, something he normally does not do. When asked about removing his shirt, he explains that he removed his shirt due to how hot it was in the venue. When asked "did you pour the contents of a glass bottle onto someone's head?", he replies that yes, he did pour a bottle of champagne over someone's head and that they seemed to enjoy it. Max Fink also addresses the notion that Jim Morrison had fled Miami following the show, and he proves to the court that previous plans had been paid for and made for Jim Morrison and the band members to travel to Jamaica the following day. The cross examination begins, and Jim Morrison answers the question as to wether or not he revealed any male organs during the show, stating that he did not. While being questioned about his admiration of Robby Krieger's guitar playing from his knees, he tells the court that Robby "gets better all the time". Max Fink then resumes asking questions to Jim on such matters as the oversale of tickets to the show by concert promoters and his lack of control of it. He is then excused as a witness.


An Excerpt From Jim Morrison's Testimony of September 17th, 1970

- Glen Wood is called to the stand for Voir Dire examination regarding his interactions with other witnesses from the trial. Judge Goodman rules that his testimony will not be allowed in court. He also rules that Sue Moore's previous testimony will not be allowed. Following the rulings, the court attempts to move into a charge conference and Judge Goodman tells the jury that deliberations will begin on Saturday, September 19th at 9:00am for the jury to reach a verdict. The defense files for one more motion to enter films and books into the trial for consideration by the jury. The also file a motion for Jim Morrison to be acquitted of all charges based on the prosecutions failure to prove each and every one of the charges set against Jim Morrison. The motions are denied and the defense requests more time to prepare for the charge conference. Judge Goodman asks the defense and prosecution to have their charge requests presented to each other by 3:00pm the following day, and reschedules the charge conference to Saturday, September 19th at 8:30am.

SEPTEMBER 18

- The defense and the prosecution meet at the Dade County Courthouse to exchange charge requests.

SEPTEMBER 19

- Trial resumes at 8:45am and Judge Goodman examines the charge requests. The defense offers their closing statements for the trial and the jury begins deliberation. An hour and a half meeting then takes place between Judge Murray Goodman and attorneys Max Fink, Robert Josefsberg and Terrence McWilliams where Jim Morrison's bond is raised from $5,000 to $50,000. The jury is given their final instructions by the court and are retired at 9:50pm to reach their verdict. Max Fink submits a selection of book titles for consideration by the jury. At approximately 11:30pm, the jury has not reached a verdict on one of the four counts and the trial is recessed until 10:00am the following morning for the jury to finish their deliberation.

SEPTEMBER 20

- At 10:45am the jury has reached a verdict and Jim Morrison is convicted of Indecent Exposure and Open Profanity. He is found not guilty of the felony Lewd And Lascivious Behavior, and Public Drunkeness, and his bond is raised from $5,000 to $50,000. He is escorted to the Dade County Jail by local officers at approx. 12:00pm. He is later released on the $50,000 bond and sentencing is scheduled for October 23rd. Photographers and television crews are present for this event.

- Upon his release Jim Morrison gives statements to the press expressing his feelings about his convictions, his plan to appeal, and the legal costs of the trial. He also expresses his personal desire to publish an essay or book about the trial, and tour Australia.


Jim Morrison Is Convicted - Photographs By John Pineda, Miami Herald Staff

SEPTEMBER 21

- Newspapers all over the country begin reporting on Jim Morrison's arrest and conviction of the previous day.

SEPTEMBER 23

- Jim Morrison and Babe Hill are arrested in Clearwater, FL.

SEPTEMBER 24

- A letter from Probation Supervisor Robert Disher is written to Jim Morrison's father Admiral Morrison on this date requesting comment on his son. Admiral Morrison replies to this letter on October 2nd.

SEPTEMBER 27

- A journalist covering the trial for ROCK Magazine publishes an article on this date concerning the matters taking place in Miami. Titled 'Apathy For The Devil', the article is accompanied by a photo of Jim Morrison taken by David Sobel, and strongly ridicules the behavior of the prosecutors witnesses and legal attorneys.

OCTOBER 2

- Jim Morrison's father replies to a letter written by Probation Supervisor Robert Disher, indicating that while had not seen Jim in 5 years, his son was an excellent student, and an intellectual rebel who had always obeyed and respected authority. He blames his lack of communication with Jim partly on himself due to some criticism he had given Jim for pursuing a career as a singer. He continues to explain that he is proud of his son and believes his performance in Miami was not in character.

OCTOBER 9

- Having returned to California, Jim Morrison is working at The Doors office on this date. He responds to a letter from T.E. Breitenbach requesting a triptych be painted with specific scenery for an upcoming poetry album. (See the letters and triptych in our Showcase feature.)

OCTOBER 13

- Jim Morrison is interviewed by Salli Stevenson for CIRCUS Magazine at The Doors office. He tells Salli that he will be admitting to the charge of Open Profanity but will be appealing Indecent Exposure. He also explains that the profanity charge could easily be done away with due to the First Amendment guaranteeing total freedom of expression during a theatrical performance, meaning that the charge is unconstitutional to begin with. Jim also reveals his plan to appeal the charges for as long as it takes for them to be dropped in order to rid him of his pending prison sentence. Photographer Kurt Ingham is also present during this interview, occasionally offering his own questions and comments.

OCTOBER 23

- The sentencing scheduled for this date has been moved to October 30th.

OCTOBER 30

- Judge Richard E. Gerstein takes the place of Judge Murray Goodman for the sentencing on this date. The defense files a motion for a new trial and are denied. In turn, Max Fink stands firm to speak to the judge of Jim Morrison's character, and he is met with a list of previous charges and convictions against Jim Morrison beginning in 1963 in Florida up to the present date. The Judge then lectures Jim Morrison on his responsibilities as a citizen and entertainer before announcing his sentence of six months in jail and a $500 fine for Indecent Exposure and a sixty day sentence for Open Profanity. He remains free on his $50,000 bond pending his appeal. Various photographers and television crews are present at the courthouse on this date.


Jim Morrison Leaves the Courtroom Following Sentencing - Photograph By Bill Sanders, Miami Herald Staff

1971

FEBRUARY

- Jim Morrison leaves for Paris and will avoid the sentencing given to him in Miami. French law states that he cannot be extradited back to Florida for misdemeanor charges. He never returns to the U.S.