On Jan 1, I visited Florida and verbally protested the physical treatment of a patron at a bar and by the police. Three of us were arrested although none were told what for. The booking officer waived my priveledge to make a phone call. After 17 hrs, I was released when my friend bonded me out (4.5 hrs after his release). At 5'2 and 32, this was my first offense. My boyfriend is here on a tourist visa. We want to avoid criminal records in both cases.
The Possible Cause Affadavit says that I was repeatedly told to leave a scene and did not. It may or may not use the words "interferring with" or "trying to prevent" an arrest. Bond was set/paid at $100 each. While judges' names appears on the case info online, no court dates have been set.
What is the process?
How can/should we proceed with it?
Should we hire our own lawyer or have one appointed by the court?
How much could hiring a lawyer cost?
How many court appearances could this mean?
We have an eyewitness, what should we do?
Can we get the charges dropped or dismissed?
How can we avoid having a criminal record?
What could this mean to my friend with the tourist visa?
I would really appreciate any insight--thanks.
A detailed account, if you want more info:
On Jan 1 at 9pm, I was listening to a band when a guy pinched my rear. A male friend of mine chased the man from the bar counter to the upstairs until [my friend] was grabbed by 3+ bouncers who physically pushed/pulled him from the bar. My boyfriend & I started verbally protesting their excessive use of force, in general and considering the circumstances. By the time we reached the sidewalk, it was a huge commotion and the police showed up. Within seconds, my friend (with his arms at his sides) was tackled by 5 officers, scratching the side of his face on the concrete. Our verbal protests grew even louder and within 5-10 seconds, my [very small] boyfriend was thrown to the ground, dislocating his shoulder & scratching his back. I repeatedly pleaded "why are you doing this" and within another 10 seconds my arms were pulled behind my back. While all of this took place within 5 mins, almost 10 police vehicles/officers were on the scene. As we sat in separate police cars, we watched them all congratulate themsleves with big smiles and high fives.
We were taken to a local police department and then to county jail around 12am. Upon leaving us at the jail, the police officers said that we could be released in as much as 1.5-4.5 hours. I was booked just after 4am and told that I could make a phonecall. When I didn't know who to call, I was told to go back to the holding cell and to let them know when I figure it out. Within 5 minutes, I started knocking on the door to let them know, was mocked and ignored. When the cell door opened for another reason, I said I was ready to make my call and the officer told me "later" as he closed the door in my face. An hour later, the cell door opened again and I told them again that I was ready to make my phone call. At that point, the booking officer said that my phone priveledges had been waived and that I could make a call at 9am after being transferred to the dayroom/lockdown. Around 9:30am, my friend was released on bail and began to bond me out. While he was told that my name was on the board at 11am, I was not released until almost 2pm.

