Mark Horwitz P.A. Wins State v. Escobar
William Escobar Found Not Guilty on all Counts
Orlando, FL, November 24, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Officer William Escobar, charged with two counts of battery and two counts of perjury, was recently found not guilty on all four counts. Orlando criminal defense attorney Mark Horwitz was able to positively refute the prosecution with a frame by frame analysis of a video recording.
The charges of battery and the related crimes of false statements in his police report grew out of the actions of Officer Escobar as he tried to take Mr. Refus Holloway into custody. Officer Escobar testified that Holloway kicked him as he approached and Escobar then attempted to handcuff Holloway. The defense established that Officer Escobar reasonably believed the force he used was necessary to protect himself, his fellow officer, and to prevent Mr. Holloway from getting to his feet from which position he could escape.
I am glad that Mr. William Escobar got his day in court and he got the exoneration he deserves.
Attorney Mark Horwitz
Defense counsel was able to not only use the recordings to discredit Holloway by showing the jury the video recording frame by frame, but also by relying on comments caught on the third officer's body cam in which Holloway states that he grabbed Officer Williams foot and was sorry that he fought that night. Both the statements were contrary to Holloway’s testimony to the jury as elicited by the prosecutor. The defense was able to demonstrate to the jury that recordings which show the punches and kick supported the testimony of Officer Escobar and revealed that in spite of Holloway's statements to the contrary, he was not compliant and did not lay flat on the ground when told to do so.
About the case: State of Florida v. William Escobar, 48-2015-MM-000735-O, was filed in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Division 82 before county court Judge Deb Blechman on January 16th, 2015. The verdict was reached on November 13, 2015.
About The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A.: The Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz, P.A. offers experienced, personalized criminal defense representation in Orlando, FL and throughout the United States, including New York, Newark, New Jersey, Texas, Colorado, George, and others. The firm represents clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies advising clients on a wide range of legal matters.
Source: Law Offices of Mark L. Horwitz