’Sovereign citizen’ disturbs Spokane court

SPOKANE — A man accused of driving without a legal license plate refused to cooperate at his court appearance Wednesday in Spokane. Michael Hicks says he is a “sovereign citizen” who doesn’t recognize government authority. When asked if he pleaded guilty or not guilty, Hicks said, “I do not plead in the court of contracts.” A court-appointed lawyer said Hicks is not a threat. News reports said the judge accepted a not guilty plea and allowed Hicks to be released from jail on his reluctant agreement to show up for his next court appearance. Deputies cut Hicks and his brother-in-law out of their seat belts to remove them from their vehicle after they refused to cooperate when they were stopped last week for driving with a “sovereign” license plate.