DISCLAIMER: The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients’ cases and should not be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client’s case.
State Attorney’s Office Decides Not to File Charges Against Condo Manager for Alleged Aggravated Battery
State Attorney’s Office Decides Not to File Charges Against Condo Manager for Alleged Aggravated Battery
Quick Summary:
A 43-year-old luxury condo manager in Fort Lauderdale was accused of aggravated battery against a resident. Despite a brief altercation, the State Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges, thanks to the swift action of
attorney Susan Lawson. This outcome preserved the client's job and reputation.
Facts of the Case:
A 43-year-old luxury condo manager in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was involved in this case. The incident occurred at the luxury condo where she worked. The manager was accused of aggravated battery against a resident. The resident had been informed of the rule that the service elevator must be used when transporting a cart. The office manager attempted to get the resident’s attention but failed to do so because the resident had headphones in. The office manager then simply tapped the resident on the shoulder, which caused an extreme reaction from the resident.
The resident began scratching the office manager, who pushed the resident back to protect herself. The security guard intervened and ended the altercation, but the resident was extremely angry and called the police. The police arrived and determined that no charges should be filed as it was a very quick altercation with mutual contact. However, the resident was not satisfied and called the state attorney’s office to demand that felony aggravated battery charges were filed against the manager.
Matters were made worse when a news report came out that questioned why the state attorney’s office had not filed charges against the office manager. The manager’s job and reputation were in jeopardy.
Process and Result:
- Case Evaluation: Susan acted swiftly for the client by reaching out to the detective in charge of the investigation to get ahead of possible charges. This strategy session involved both in-person meetings and phone calls to ensure all relevant details and evidence were properly communicated and reviewed.
- Concerns and Actions: One of the main concerns was the potential impact on the client's job and reputation. The client, a mother of two, was very concerned about losing her job due to this incident. Susan’s quick and effective actions helped alleviate these concerns by preventing the filing of charges, thus preserving the client's employment and reputation.
- Motions Filed: No formal motions were filed in this case as the primary action was proactive communication and evidence presentation to the detective and the State Attorney’s Office.
- Stages of the Justice System: The case was reviewed by the police, who decided not to file charges. The resident then appealed to the State Attorney’s Office. Susan’s intervention ensured that the State Attorney’s Office also decided not to file charges, effectively ending the legal process in favor of the client.
Final Result:
Thanks to Susan's diligent work, no charges were filed against the condo manager. The client avoided the heavy burden of a possible felony charge, retained her job, and was able to continue providing for her family. Susan's efforts were instrumental in preserving the client's reputation and peace of mind.
