Thanks for your consideration, Aaron.
Today, I learned that this is a "Municipal Ordinance," not a Misdemeanor, and the city attorney's office has not made a filing decision. I also received a letter from an eyewitness (see end of post).
Why would the city attorney's office not have filed yet?
Is this to my advantage?
Could they be thinking it's a BS charge?
A local attorney advised that this is a BS charge and he could try to enter into an agreement for me to pay a fine, sign a "hold them harmless" statement, and have the charge dismissed. He said that, while there will always be a record, he could file to it sealed or expunged. He quoted me a price of $1500 for the filing, provided he didn't have to go to court. He also said that he could not represent multiple clients (me and my boyfriend and our friend)...
If the charges are dismissed, why is there still a record?
If dismissed, would I need to have the record sealed or expunged?
In your opinion, is $1500 a fair price for one person to pay for such?
Can one lawyer represent us all in this case?
Is there anything better than having charges dismissed?
Is a "hold them harmless" statement a standard practice or is this a mild admission of an abuse of power?
What kind of bearing does this eyewitness letter chave in our attempts to bring this to an end?
I eye witnessed the poor actions of the FLPD as they arrested X, Y, and Z the night of Sat, Jan 1, 2005.
As X, Y, Z, and I were at the “Elbow Room”, a very intoxicated stranger began to grope Z our lady friend. X, being a gentleman, pushed the stranger away. The stranger fled and X, Y, and Z were all thrown out of the bar. I picked up our bags and walked outside to see 5 FL Police officers and a “Elbow Room” bouncer tackle X, throw him on the street (beside the curb), and cuff him. This happened around 9:30 pm. X did not struggle or resist arrest. Y, Z, and I complained to the police officers about the wrongful arrest and excessive use of force. During this ordeal, about 15 FL Police officers showed up and blocked off the street. This created a lot of havoc.
One officer locked Y's head and neck in his arms and swung him in the air and onto the street where he landed very hard. The officers arrested Y for no real reason. Y was not hysterical, mean, physical or harmful in any way. I can say the same for X and Z. The FL Police told Z and I that we were also going to be arrested if we did not walk away. As I pulled Z away from the scene, a FL Police Officer grabbed Z by the arm, pulled her away and arrested her too. I walked away and did not get arrested. I was shook up and scared.
X and Y were released from the Broward County Courthouse around 7:00 on the morning of Sunday, January 2nd . Y and I went back to the courthouse where Y had already paid $100.00 toward Z’s bail at 7:00 am. They gave us many problems and lied to us multiple times on when Z would be released. She was finally released around 2:30 pm. She was visiting for the weekend.
I am very disappointed in the FLPD. As guests of, and vacationers in this beautiful state, we spend money here and respect the FL community. We did not break any laws or disrespect anyone. I did as much as my three friends. Why was I not arrested? The FLPD took advantage of their abilities to “serve the people”. I feel the FL Police should think before they act.

