Charges Dismissed Against North Carolina Woman After Doorbell Footage Shows Police Beating

Authorities in North Carolina dismissed a number of charges against a woman in North Carolina after doorbell footage seemed to show a police officer repeatedly punching her in the face. This incident shows that when police officers engage in certain misconduct, this may make underlying charges impossible for prosecutors to pursue. If you were beaten during your arrest, consider speaking with a North Carolina defense attorney for further guidance.

Charges of Resisting Arrest and Assault Dismissed for North Carolina Woman

After a recent arrest in North Carolina, a woman faced charges of breaking and entering, resisting arrest, and assault on a public officer. However, the last two charges were dismissed by the authorities after it became clear that the arresting officer had severely beaten the defendant.

Doorbell footage captured the alleged use of excessive force in detail, and this video has since gone viral. The 22-year-old officer was forced to turn himself in, and the local department in Shelby suspended his employment. The department then officially fired him.

Sources state that the officer was responding to a suspected breaking and entering when he encountered the woman. When the woman attempted to flee the residence, the police officer chased her. A police report states that the woman then became aggressive, grabbing at the officer and ripping his uniform. The report states that in the midst of this scuffle, the officer shoved the woman to the ground and began striking her repeatedly “with a closed fist.” This resulted in serious injury, including a broken nose and lip lacerations.

Although the woman was initially jailed, the authorities quickly released her on an unsecured bond. Her attorney says she is now receiving mental health treatment. Perhaps most notably, the charge of breaking and entering was not dropped by the authorities. It is not clear what she was doing at the residence, and no report has confirmed whether she was actually engaged in a crime at the time of her arrest.

Does Excessive Force Automatically Result in Dropped Charges?

If the officer who arrested you engaged in excessive force, some of your charges may be dismissed by the court. However, the aforementioned incident shows that offenses that occur after or during the arrest (including resisting arrest and assault) may be affected by excessive force. Sometimes, prosecutors are less willing to explore underlying charges (such as breaking and entering) because a trial would inevitably shine a spotlight on the excessive force incident.

Can a North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

A North Carolina criminal defense attorney may be able to help if you believe arresting officers used excessive force against you. In many cases, these incidents lead to dismissed charges. However, you still have to stand up for yourself and fight for your rights. Contact The Pritchard Firm today to learn more about the next potential steps.

Sources: 

wearegreenbay.com/news/national/ap-north-carolina-officer-charged-in-beating-caught-on-doorbell-camera-video/

qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/cleveland-county/shelby/now-former-shelby-officer-charged-after-video-shows-him-punching-woman-during-arrest-ncsbi/