The Fee Schedule: Asserting Your Rights with Police
The concept of a “Fee Schedule” is central to the Freeman on the Land and lawful rebellion movements. It serves as a tool for asserting personal sovereignty and maintaining accountability when dealing with authorities like the police.
This article explores the practicalities of using a fee schedule in the UK, Commonwealth nations, and the USA, focusing on how to inform the police, typical fees, and steps to enforce it after police interactions. We also have a free sample template that you can download.
What Is a Fee Schedule?
This is a document asserting your conditional consent to engage with authorities under specific terms, including monetary compensation for infringements on your personal sovereignty. It’s an approach rooted in the idea that as a Freeman on the Land, you operate as a private entity or sovereign being, not as a “legal person” bound by statutory law without consent.
Key Components of a Fee Schedule:
- Conditions of Engagement: Specifies the scenarios that trigger fees, such as being stopped, detained, or handcuffed.
- Rates: Specifies charges for various infringements (e.g., being stopped for no cause, detained, handcuffed, or jailed).
- Notification Process: Details how and when the police or authorities are made aware of your fee schedule.
- Enforcement Mechanism: Describes how you intend to pursue compensation if the terms of your fee schedule are breached.
How to Inform the Police of Your Fee Schedule
To make your fee document effective, authorities must be informed of it in advance. Here’s the correct method for notifying police in the UK and Commonwealth countries:
1. Prepare Your Fee Schedule Document
- Include your full name (or name as used in your private capacity).
- State that you do not consent to unwarranted interactions unless certain conditions are met.
- Clearly outline charges, e.g.:
- £250 per hour for detention.
- £1000 per hour for being handcuffed.
- £2,000 per hour for being placed in a cell.
- £2,000 per hour for injuries or physical restraint.
2. Serve Your Fee Schedule in Writing
- In Person: If practical, provide a copy to local police headquarters or officers during peaceful interactions.
- By Post: Send your fee document by recorded delivery to the relevant police station.
- Electronically: Emailing a signed PDF version may also help establish notice.
- Include a cover letter explicitly stating that continued interactions imply consent to the fee schedule.
3. Carry Your Fee Schedule
Always have a printed copy of your fee document and proof of service with you when interacting with police.
Customizable Fee Schedule Template
This downloadable template can be tailored to suit your specific needs and preferences.
How To Use
- Replace placeholders with your personal information and preferred charges.
- Keep a printed copy with you at all times, along with proof of notice of delivery.
- Be calm, professional, and clear when asserting these terms.
Implementing a Fee Schedule During Police Interactions
When stopped or detained, it is essential to assert your terms calmly and clearly:
- State Your Position: Inform the officer that you operate under your fee schedule. For example: “Officer, I must inform you that I operate under a private fee schedule, which includes charges for unwarranted stops, detention, or restraint.”
- Document the Interaction:
- Record the conversation if local laws permit.
- Note the officer’s badge number, name, and any relevant details.
- Refuse Consent: Politely but firmly, indicate that you do not consent to any further engagement unless the officer agrees to your terms: “I do not consent to this engagement unless you agree to my fee schedule. Any continued actions imply consent.”
Enforcing the Fee Schedule After Police Actions
Once the interaction concludes, enforcement of your fee schedule requires persistence:
- Invoice the Police
- Prepare a detailed invoice for all charges incurred.
- Send the invoice to the police station, specifying the officer(s) involved and referencing prior notice of your fee document. Also, serve a copy on the chief constable. So, you are looking to double the money!
- Use recorded delivery or email for proof of submission.
- Follow Up with Notice of Default
- If no payment is made within the specified time (e.g., 30 days), issue a Notice of Default.
- Notify them of potential escalation to a private claims process or court action.
- Pursue Small Claims Court or Arbitration
- If payment is still not made, file a claim in the small claims court, providing all documentation to support your case.
Typical Fee Rates in a Fee Schedule
While there’s no universal standard, typical charges could include:
Action | Fee |
---|---|
Stopping without cause | £250 – £500 per hour |
Detention | £500 – £1,000/hour |
Handcuffing | £1,000/hour |
Being placed in a cell | £2,000/hour |
Physical harm or injuries | £5,000+ |
Adjust rates based on your preferences and the severity of the infringement.
Key Differences in the USA
In the United States, the concept of a fee schedule operates similarly but within the framework of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and common law:
- UCC Notices: Many Freeman on the Land advocates in the USA incorporate fee schedules into UCC filings to give them legal weight.
- Higher Charges: Due to the American focus on punitive damages, rates for detention or harm can often exceed $5,000/hour.
- Private Bonds: Some Americans issue private bonds or promissory notes to further emphasize their terms and conditions.
Practical Challenges and Considerations
While the fee schedule is a powerful concept, it’s not without challenges:
- Legal Resistance: Authorities may ignore or dismiss fee schedules, requiring legal escalation.
- Perception: Police and courts may view the fee document as unconventional or frivolous.
- Documentation: A lack of meticulous records can undermine enforcement efforts.
Success relies on calm, clear communication and diligent follow-up. Be prepared to navigate scepticism and legal hurdles, but remain resolute in asserting your rights.
Example of a Successful Case
While not widespread, there have been reported instances where individuals have managed to recover fees or resolve disputes using similar tactics.
Case Study: Fee Schedule Enforcement in the UK
Background: A Freeman on the Land advocate in England was unlawfully detained during a traffic stop. They had previously served a fee schedule to the local police force.
Action Taken:
- The individual documented the interaction thoroughly, recording audio and noting officer details.
- After being released, they issued an invoice to the police department for £3,500 (covering detention, handcuffing, and time in a holding cell).
- The invoice was ignored, so the individual escalated by filing a claim in the Small Claims Court.
Outcome:
- The police settled the matter out of court, paying a reduced amount of £2,000.
- The individual credited their success to meticulous preparation, persistence, and clear documentation.
Tips for Success:
- Stay Calm and Polite: Aggressive behaviour undermines credibility.
- Record Everything: Keep detailed notes and evidence of your interaction.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a common-law expert if escalations are necessary.
Expanded Case Study Two
Case Study: Successful Fee Schedule Enforcement in the UK
Background:
Robert, a Freeman on the Land advocate, had a history of peaceful interactions with local police but was stopped one evening for what he believed to be no legitimate reason. He had previously sent his Fee Schedule to the local police station and carried a copy on his person.
Interaction:
- During the stop, Robert calmly informed the officer: “Officer, I do not consent to this stop unless you provide evidence of a lawful reason. I remind you that I operate under a Fee Schedule that compensates for such interactions.”
- Robert provided the officer with a printed copy of his Fee Document and noted the officer’s badge number.
- The police detained him for 3 hours, during which he was handcuffed and placed in a holding cell.
Steps Taken Post-Detention:
- Issuing an Invoice:
- Robert sent a detailed invoice to the police department:
- £750 for detention (3 hours @ £250/hour)
- £1,500 for handcuffing (3 hours @ £500/hour)
- £3,000 for time in the cell (3 hours @ £1,000/hour)
- Total: £5,250
- The invoice included a cover letter, prior Fee Schedule notice, and evidence of the interaction (e.g., written details, timestamped audio recording).
- Robert sent a detailed invoice to the police department:
- Following Up:
- After 30 days with no response, Robert sent a Notice of Default, warning the department of legal action.
- He also informed them that he was prepared to file a Small Claims Court case for breach of implied contract.
- Legal Filing:
- Robert filed a claim in the Small Claims Court, presenting his Fee Schedule, invoice, and interaction records.
Outcome:
- Facing public scrutiny and mounting legal fees, the police opted to settle the matter out of court, paying Robert £3,500 as a compromise.
Lessons from the Case
- Preparation is Key: Robert’s prior notice of his Fee Schedule made his claims stronger.
- Documentation Matters: Keeping a record of events ensured credibility.
- Persistence Pays Off: Without follow-up, Robert’s claims might have been ignored.
Final Thoughts
The fee schedule is a cornerstone of the Freeman on the Land philosophy, offering a way to assert personal sovereignty and hold authorities accountable. By preparing your fee document, notifying police, and enforcing it diligently, you can stand firm against unwarranted interference while promoting the principles of lawful rebellion.