One more reason we need "loser pays" in our courts. This kind of thing will continue as long as the government and/or private citizens are allowed to play the "legal lottery" with our constitutional rights. The defendant in this case should, upon dismissal, should have all weapons immediately returned, a check written for his legal costs and time spent on his defense at a set rate, say $40 an hour, and then there should be punitive damages for the negative publicity and damage to his character.
People say that "Loser pays" will interfere with the "little guy's" ability to fight back, well then have the attorneys carry insurance for it. If they pay out too many times because they take bad cases hoping for a favorable ruling, their premiums will increase and they will be out business. Problem solved and the little guy is represented, if he has a case.
Violation of public trust by law enforcement and politicians should carry some of the most significant penalties in our civil court system. Money tends to make even the government think twice if the number is significant.
The prosecutor even said, "the outcome was anticipated". Then why the he** did he take it to court. That statements should cost his office BIG BUCKS!!!
