Tea Party Founder’s Arrest Shows Importance of Criminal Defense and Record Expunging in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Tea Party Founder Danita Kilcullen was arrested in October during a rally in Boca Raton for allegedly kicking an officer with three-inch stiletto heels, the Broward Palm Beach New Times reports.

Kilcullen recently pleaded guilty to trespassing and resisting arrest, charges that will keep her out of jail long term.Her embarrassing case shows the importance of a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense firm with the knowledge and ability to fight to keep a charge off your record; mitigate the potential penalties for conviction; and even work to clear or seal a criminal conviction.

According to the New Times, Kilcullen was attending a political event at the Embassy Suites hotel in Boca Raton where she said she tried to use a bathroom in an area of the hotel being used for a private event. After having consumed wine at her event, the New Times reports, she was told to use the main lobby bathroom, to which she objected.

After people attending the private function complained, an officer grabbed her by the wrist and took her out of the bathroom, which caused her to begin yelling at the officer. Police say she was asked to leave several times before being arrested for trespassing. While in a police cruiser, she allegedly kicked an officer with her heels.

She told the New Times she was embarrassed about the incident and had hoped no media would report about it. But in the Internet age where information can travel fast, it is important to fight your case and work toward a resolution that’s in your best interest.

In Florida, felony charges can often be beaten at trial or reduced to misdemeanors with a successful plea agreement. That’s why hiring an aggressive Broward criminal defense firm that includes former prosecutors can help resolve your case in a favorable manner.

Florida law also allows for certain types of crimes to be sealed and expunged from your record. That means future employers, state agencies and the public wouldn’t know about the charges.

If you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, contact The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert at 561-988-8000 for a free consultation.