It’s finally over … or is it? In an unfortunate turn of events, it looks like Carlos Miller, the Miami photographer and journalist who was arrested last year while photographing police, has been sentenced to one year probation, 100 hours of community service, anger management class and a $540.50 court cost payment.
Interestingly enough, a jury found Miller not guilty of both disobeying a police officer and disorderly conduct. They did find him guilty, however, of resisting arrest without violence.
The prosecutor in the case, Ignacia Vasquez, was asking the the court for 3 months probation, according to Miller, but instead judge Jose L. Fernandez threw the book at him giving him the sentence above.
Apparently the judge also suggested that Miller needed to visit Arlington National cemetery where the “real heroes” who fought for our freedom are buried.
It’s unfortunate that in the United States of America a photographer can be given probation for the crime of photographing the police. If Miller was “not guilty” of disobeying the police, and “not guilty” of disorderly conduct (his two other charges), then he should not have been arrested at all. I don’t really understand how he could have “resisted arrest” without violence. Did he say “no” you can’t arrest me? Was it verbal? Did he go limp and make them carry him away in handcuffs? But whatever the case I’m not sure that it warrants a one year probation sentence along with the rest of the judge’s package.
I’m sorry to hear about this decision Carlos and hope that you appeal an obviously biased judge’s (the you should visit Arlington cemetery to see real heroes quote is over the top) decision.