False Arrest of Florida Attorney by Fort Lauderdale Police Results in $600,000 Verdict
by Christopher Zoukis
Samuel Yeboah, who was arrested after he requested to observe a roadside sobriety test being performed on his client, was awarded $600,000 against the City of Fort Lauderdale for false arrest and malicious prosecution.
On April 29, 2005, Officer Colin Cowderoy stopped a vehicle driven by Bret Schlanger for a traffic violation. Broward County Deputy James Herbert soon arrived to conduct a DUI investigation of the driver. When the DUI roadside sobriety test was being performed on Schlanger, Yeboah, who was a passenger in the vehicle, attempted to exit the vehicle, explaining to Cowderoy that he was Schlanger’s attorney and wished to view the examination of his client.
Yeboah was arrested by Cowderoy and taken to Broward County Jail, where he was charged and prosecuted for resisting arrest without violence. A directed verdict was allegedly entered in his favor.
On January 29, 2007, Yeboah filed a complaint in Broward County Circuit Court against the City of Fort Lauderdale, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution. He sought damages for emotional distress, reputational damage and attorney’s fees. He argued that his arrest was unlawful and without probable cause.
On February 15, 2012, the jury found in favor of Yeboah, awarding him $600,000 in damages. Yeboah was represented by Kelly D. Hancock of Krupnick, Campbell, et al., P.A. of Fort Lauderdale.
See: Yeboah v. City of Fort Lauderdale, Circuit Court of Broward County, Case No. 07-02009(02) (Feb. 2, 2012)
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Related legal case
Yeboah v. City of Fort Lauderdale, Circuit Court of Broward County
| Year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Case No. 07-02009(02) (Feb. 2, 2012) |
| Level | Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Jury Verdict |
| Damages | 600,000 |