August 14, 2026
Assault on a Police Officer Charge
Magistrate Hearing
The client was an active-duty sailor in good standing when he received notice of a clerk magistrate hearing for assault on a police officer. The charge was serious and carried significant potential consequences, including likely discharge from the Armed Services and other collateral consequences. At the time, the sailor was facing an accumulation of stressful personal and professional issues. Those stressors contributed to poor judgment that ultimately resulted in the assault on a police officer allegation. The police department recognized the context and understood the pressures he was experiencing. A clerk magistrate hearing was scheduled. Fortunately, the clerk magistrate’s office allowed the hearing to be continued so counsel could find a time when the client could obtain leave, travel from his active-duty assignment, and appear in person. The client was eventually granted leave, flew in for the hearing, and the matter was coordinated and presented. After the hearing, the assault on a police officer charge was dismissed before arraignment.
Result: Assault on a Police Officer dismissed pre-arraignment. Crisis averted.