After what the judge described as a long and emotional case, the Colorado State University student who was shown being knocked to the ground by a police officer in a viral video was sentenced to probation Monday.
Michaella Surat, 23, was found guilty of misdemeanor charges of obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest by a jury in August. Her arrest received international attention after a bystander at Bondi Beach Bar in Old Town Fort Collins caught part of her interaction with Fort Collins police officer Randall Klamser on video.
The clip shows Klamser forcing Surat to the ground outside the bar. Klamser was cleared of wrongdoing in the incident after an internal investigation.
"I've seen this woman receive death threats, all (based on) 30 seconds of her life," defense attorney Nathan Hansen said. "Ms. Surat has suffered a tremendous punishment as a result of this case already."
Larimer County Judge Joshua Lehman sentenced Surat to one year supervised probation. He also ordered 48 hours of community service, an alcohol evaluation and a Making Better Choices class. Lehman agreed with the defense that a jail sentence was not appropriate.
"I don't know if there's anything I can do to deter you from doing this again (aside from) what you already went through," Lehman said. "At the end of the day, we're talking about a few seconds of your life where you made a decision you maybe wouldn't make now."
First Assistant District Attorney Mitch Murray asked Lehman to consider a sentence that would "address Ms. Surat's behavior ... and send a message out to others."
"Some jail may be appropriate or a lengthy term of community service," Murray added. Additionally, he requested Surat be ordered to complete an alcohol evaluation and an anger management class. Lehman said he believes the Making Better Choices class makes more sense than an anger management class.
Hansen said Surat doesn't need to be punished any more than she already has been. Before this incident, Surat wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but now she "truly believes there's no way she can," Hansen said.
"I think without that video, Ms. Surat would not be sitting in this courtroom," Hansen said.
Hansen asked for unsupervised probation for Surat, whom he described as a "law abiding member of our community" with no prior criminal history. She also hasn't had any problems while out on bond in this case, he added.
Lehman said he understands that the situation outside the bar that night unfolded quickly, was confusing and emotionally charged.
"This was just not a good situation," he said. "There's no doubt Ms. Surat has experienced harsh fallout ... I certainly have sympathy for you."
However, Lehman said her behavior in the body camera footage, specifically her "rude" comments to officers, was concerning.
"The officers don't have an easy job," Lehman said.
There was a brief moment of shock in the courtroom after Lehman accidentally announced he was sentencing Surat to one year of jail, just after stating he didn't think jail time was appropriate. Surat's attorney David Lane quickly asked the judge to clarify.
"I'm sorry for giving you a heart attack," Lehman said to Surat.
Surat chose to not give a statement during Monday's sentencing hearing.
At the beginning of the hearing, defense attorney David Lane moved to vacate the verdict on the grounds that the prosecution did not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, he argued.
Lehman denied the motion. After sentencing, he reminded the defense team they have the ability to ask for a review of the sentence.
After Surat completes all of her probation requirements, Lehman said she can request to have it changed from supervised to unsupervised probation.
"Good luck to you," Lehman said to Surat.
Thanks for reading Colorado State University student in viral arrest video sentenced to probation. Please share...!
0 Comment for "Colorado State University student in viral arrest video sentenced to probation"