DA Drops Charge Against Good!

On June 27, 2011, Emily Good appeared in City Court Judge Jack Elliott's court for a motions hearing regarding her obstruction of governmental administration charge from May 12. Good was arrested for videotaping a traffic stop in front of her Aldine St. home.

The doors opened to Judge Elliott's court at 1:16PM; supporters and press streamed in filling every seat, while forcing others to stand four rows deep, shoulder to shoulder. Good—all smiles—entered the courtroom with Assistant Public Defender Stephanie Stare. The two conferred as they waited for the hearing to get underway.

At 1:42PM, court commenced. Judge Elliott started the proceeding by acknowledging that the TV show Inside Edition had made a request to allow cameras in the courtroom. He denied the request based on the fact that there wasn't consent from Good's lawyer. At this point the judge invited Good and her lawyer up to the bar. Small pleasantries were exchanged between the judge and the defendant. He then looked to First Assistant District Attorney Sandra Doorley and asked if she was ready to proceed.

The DA stated that they had "no legal basis to go forth with the case. Therefore, at this time, we are withdrawing the charge."

The audience applauded the withdrawal of the charge and the judge adjourned the case. The lobby outside of the courtroom filled with supporters and media. As Good entered the lobby, she was surrounded by at least 10 cameras, multiple recording devices, and journalists tossing questions her way.

"Racial profiling and police misconduct happen every day; this case has opened space for much bigger discussions about racial profiling and the role of police in society," Good said.

Good answered a few more questions and kept moving out of the lobby only to be stopped again by reporters. She spoke to reporters about the need for an independent civilian review board with subpoena and investigative powers. She then confidently made her way out of the Public Safety Building and onto Exchange St. to meet with her supporters where she was greeted with cheers and applause.

"I was expecting the charge to be dropped," she said. "I am filing a civil suit against the police for violating my rights," she continued. "I'm feeling very good. The support has been amazing."

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