Mr. R faced serious criminal charges, including Resisting Arrest, after a routine traffic stop escalated rapidly into a physical confrontation initiated by a police officer. Attorney Kimberly Lennox of Kitay Law Offices provided a robust defense, utilizing body camera footage to demonstrate that the officer used unjustified force and failed to allow Mr. R reasonable time to comply with orders. Consequently, the court dismissed the most serious charges, sparing Mr. R from a permanent criminal record and potential imprisonment.
Attorney Kimberly Lennox is a true advocate for her clients facing unjust charges
Case Background
Navigating the criminal justice system can be daunting for anybody, especially when a standard interaction with law enforcement takes an unexpected and aggressive turn. For Mr. R, a resident of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, a drive through Palmyra turned into a legal nightmare involving allegations of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. This case highlights the critical importance of experienced legal defense in protecting individual rights against overreach and ensuring that police conduct is held to the standards of the law.
What’s the Issue?
In August 2025, Mr. R was driving in Palmyra when he was pulled over by an officer from the Western Lebanon County Regional Police Department for alleged speeding and playing loud music. Mr. R had just pulled into a gas station to fuel his vehicle and, initially unaware that the police lights were intended for him, exited his truck to begin pumping gas.
The situation deteriorated rapidly. The officer exited his patrol car and immediately ordered Mr. R back into his vehicle. Confused by the sudden confrontation, Mr. R responded by asking, “What?” The officer then threatened, “Get back in the car or you’re going in handcuffs.”
Despite Mr. R remaining stationary—showing no signs of aggression, flight, or concealment—the officer escalated the encounter within seconds. In his report, the officer alleged that Mr. R was “blading himself” and acting in a “threatening” and “intimidating” manner. Based on this interpretation, the officer forcibly pushed Mr. R into a nearby pole, grabbed him by the neck, and threw him to the ground. Mr. R was subsequently charged with Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct, facing the terrifying prospect of a criminal record, significant fines, and jail time.
How We Defended Mr. R
Recognizing the severity of the charges and the injustice of the encounter, Mr. R retained Kitay Law Offices. Attorney Kimberly Lennox took the lead on the defense, bringing her expertise in criminal litigation to the case.
The legal team’s strategy focused on a meticulous review of the evidence, specifically the officer’s body camera footage. Attorney Lennox identified a critical timeline that contradicted the officer’s narrative:
- The officer threatened handcuffs just three seconds after announcing the stop.
- The officer initiated physical force exactly five seconds after that threat.
The defense argued that Mr. R was given a mere eight seconds total to process and comply with the orders before force was applied. Attorney Lennox contended that Mr. R’s “passive acquiescence”—standing still and not fleeing—was a valid form of submission to authority and did not warrant a violent response. By contrasting the objective video evidence with the officer’s subjective claim that Mr. R was “threatening,” the firm aimed to prove that the use of force was unjustified and that the charges were baseless.
Outstanding Results
The defense strategy proved highly effective. On January 14, 2026, after reviewing the body camera footage and hearing the arguments, the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County issued an order siding with the defense.
The Judge explicitly rejected the officer’s characterization of the event, stating, “We cannot agree with [the officer]’s description of the Defendant’s behavior as threatening or intimidating.” The Court found that the physicality was initiated entirely by the officer, noting that he “did not give [Mr. R] enough time to comply before initiating physical means to subdue [him].”
Key Outcomes:
- Charges Dismissed: The Court granted the Writ of Habeas Corpus, dismissing the misdemeanor offenses of Resisting Arrest (Count 1) and Disorderly Conduct (Count 2).
- Rights Protected: The ruling affirmed that a failure to immediately obey a command within seconds does not justify the use of physical force.
- Future Secured: Mr. R avoided a criminal conviction, potential incarceration, and the long-term professional and personal damage of a significant criminal record.
The Criminal Defense Team at Kitay Law Offices
Your Criminal Defense Team
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of objective evidence and skilled legal advocacy. By meticulously analyzing the body camera footage and challenging the official narrative, Attorney Kimberly Lennox of Kitay Law Offices ensured that Mr. R was not wrongfully penalized for an officer’s hasty escalation.
For Pennsylvania residents, this victory underscores that rights must be protected in every interaction with law enforcement. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges or believe you have been subjected to unfair police conduct, you need a team that will fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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