JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida State Representative and Democratic nominee for Senate, Angie Nixon, will resolve legal charges stemming from her May arrest at the Florida Capitol without a plea or admission of guilt.
Under an agreement with the State Attorney, Nixon will pay $250 and complete 15 hours of community service to have the case dismissed.
Nixon was arrested after spending approximately 5 hours at the Capitol seeking a meeting with the Governor’s office to raise concerns regarding state congressional maps.
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“From the beginning, I have been clear: I did nothing wrong and I will not plead guilty to something I did not do,” Nixon said. “Elected leaders being accessible to the people they serve is fundamental to a functioning democracy. People should be able to walk into their government offices, speak with their leaders directly and have a conversation - whether they agree or disagree. If people cannot come to us to demand answers, challenge our decisions or simply ask to be heard, then what are our offices for?”
“I went to the Governor’s office to have a conversation about the decisions being made in our state and how they were affecting Floridians. I stood my ground then and I stand by my actions today,” Nixon said.
“The State Attorney has offered a resolution that requires no guilty plea and results in this case being dismissed, saving days of court time and tens of thousands in taxpayer dollars,” Nixon said about the agreement.
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Nixon’s office noted the required community service will be conducted separately from her political and official legislative duties. Neither her campaign nor her legislative office will organize, publicize or participate in the service and Nixon will not announce in advance when or where the hours will take place.
Once the community service is completed and the $250 fee is paid, the State will formally dismiss the charges.
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