Justice Department fails to win most felony protest assault cases
The Associated Press found that of 102 people arrested on federal felony assault charges during protests in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland and Washington, D.C., 41% of those cases were dismissed and 34% pleaded down to misdemeanors; only ten pleaded guilty to felony assault and nine received prison time. All dozen cases that went to trial ended in acquittal, mistrial or dismissal, and three remaining felony trials are set for the fall. The outcomes have prompted scrutiny from legal experts and DOJ statements that prosecutors prioritize assault cases but may downgrade charges when warranted.
Most felony assault cases were dismissed, reduced, or failed at trial.
Context
Protests and federal deployments last summer and fall led to many arrests in four cities. Federal prosecutors then charged dozens with felony assault on federal officers. More trials are set this fall and charging practices may be reviewed.
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