Alec Waid’s client called in before he was even arrested after he had to defend himself from another rage-filled driver. Specifically, when the client was driving to work in St Pete with his wife, another car came out of nowhere acting aggressively toward the client–honking his horn, pulling in front of him, and brake checking the client. When they reached a red light, the other driver–in front of the client–rolled his window down and began yelling at and threatening the client. Our client got out of the car afraid of what the other driver would do next. The other driver raised a can of pepper spray and the client used his pepper spray in self-defense. The arrest affidavit claimed the incident was on video and that they had two independent witnesses.
Alec was able to make it to court to fight for his client the next morning, ensuring that the judge set a low enough bond for his client to make it home quickly. However, expecting a misdemeanor battery charge, Alec and the client were shocked when officers arrested the client for Burglary with a Battery a punishable-by-life felony.
Alec and the client worked quickly to complete mitigation including an anger management course and collecting character reference letters from outstanding members of the Pinellas community. Alec provided all of this information to the State Attorney’s Office, along with an explanation of the full context emphasizing the client’s justifiable use of force. The prosecutor on the case was open to hearing the full story and acted quickly and reasonably. Within three weeks of the client’s arrest, the State Attorney’s Office completely dismissed the charges!
Alec now brings his talents as an aggressive trial attorney to Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid where he is focused on representing individuals and businesses in civil matters as well as defending those facing criminal charges.
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