Street Chalker Gets Trial Date

The chalk advertisements he earlier this month are gone, but David Abraham will still have to appear in court on August 18.

At his hearing this morning, the presiding commissioner issued Abraham the trial date.

Abraham has hired a lawyer and is fighting the $500 citation issued by a city police officer earlier this month after he used spray chalk to advertise his Spanish-language Groupon business.

The 31-year-old Germantown resident works with children in his day job at the PKD karate dojo, and does not want the criminal charge on his record.

Even though the officer cited Abraham for defacing city property, he was also in violation of the sign ordinance, city officials said.

Using spray chalk is not a recognized form of advertising within the city.

Abraham said he is fighting the charge on principal.

At the hearing, he brought along photos and a can of the type of spray chalk he used, but didn't get the opportunity to explain himself.

Earlier this week he went to the chalked advertisements, which had survived a few light rains, and washed them off with a lemon water mixture.

His advertising efforts and resulting citation have given his website a boost in web traffic.

He has started an online petition of supporters, which as of noon today has 98 signatures.