The Front Row

That means that his lawyer assured him the judge will either bounce it, or reduce the charge even further from nothing to less than nothing. Plus it gives the officer(s) a chance to redeem themselves by not showing up to court and letting him walk.

If the states attorney doesn't want to take up the case in court, then it'll get taken care of in chambers and Stoney won't even see the inside of the courtroom. I don't think you can even demand a "trial" for a minor misdemeanor, it's a hearing in front of a judge, and the penaties are too small to appeal in most states.

I don't think anyone is making an example here. However, you cannot send the message that it's no big deal to run from police. This is a non issue but for the running and lies that followed.

Contrary to what a lot of people think, cops are not out to get you. Overwhelmingly my experience with cops is they are more understanding if you work with them instead of what happened here.

Agree. I was moving in a uhaul from Dayton and wanted a little juice (22oz bud) on the trip 20 years ago. Got boxed in by two semis who were doing their good deed and subsequently pulled over by OSHP. I freaked out because I had all my worldly goods in that uhaul and was looking at that being impounded and me in some podunk jail. I stood at parade rest while the officers questioned me. They saw I was ex military and let me off scott free. I just was honest about the beer and where I was going.

Never lie to the police. You will be screwed.