Thanks to Attorneys Jaelyn Miller, Ian Mance, and Dillon Sharpe — along with Intern Jared Nava — Team Emancipate secured the dismissal of all charges this week for a client in Pitt County. This victory began with a report submitted through our Report the Police platform.
Jaelyn, Ian, and Jared visited the law enforcement facility to review available video footage and saw a disturbing scene: our client, disoriented and in distress after a car crash, was unjustifiably punched in the face while experiencing a medical emergency. Despite this, the responding state trooper claimed he had been assaulted — alleging he was struck by the car door and was “rendering aid” when he chose to handcuff our client and charge him with Resisting a Public Officer and Assault on a Government Official.
Thankfully, the entire incident was captured on law enforcement video.
Our client put his trust in Emancipate NC — and stood firm. He refused every plea deal, knowing he had done nothing wrong. After Attorney Dillon Sharpe informed the prosecution that we were ready for trial, the State chose to dismiss all charges.
This was justice — but it was hard fought.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct during a law enforcement encounter, please reach out. Use our Report the Police form to tell us what happened. And always speak with an attorney to understand your rights and possible outcomes.