Local hockey star Evander Kane's charges in relation to a bar confrontation last June may be dismissed early next spring, if the Buffalo Sabres forward stays out of further legal trouble until then.
Monday morning in Buffalo City Court, Judge Barbara Johnson-Lee granted an "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal." Kane's pending counts of harassment, trespassing and disorderly conduct, stemming from an encounter with four others inside Bottoms Up on Chippewa Street in the early morning hours of June 24, may be dismissed and the case sealed on March 30.
His attorney, Paul Cambria, welcomed the adjournment outside the courtroom.
"We're pleased with it. We're pleased with the fact that the District Attorney's Office treated this like anyone else's case with the same kind of charges."
Acting District Attorney Michael Flaherty spoke shortly after Monday morning's proceedings. He explained that while Kane was accused of deeds including grabbing a woman's hair and placing his hands on one of his accuser's necks, none of his actions caused a level of injury that would qualify for criminal charges.
He also suggested what happened between Kane and his four accusers, including a bouncer, was no more severe than many other incidents that happen within Buffalo-area bars on any given weekend. Flaherty added that the adjournment offered to Kane is the no different than what many others get.
"This is a standard, ordinary and everyday disposition for somebody charged with these level of offenses and somebody with a lack of criminal conduct in his past," Flaherty said.
Both Flaherty and Cambria insist Kane's local sports celebrity status had no influence in the adjournment.
In addition to the adjournment, the District Attorney's office did not seek any orders of protection. Flaherty explained that because those involved do not regularly encounter each other, prosecutors believe that orders of protection are not necessary.
Kane's legal troubles are not entirely finished. He faces a civil lawsuit by a local woman who claims he sexually assaulted her late last year in a downtown hotel room. The hockey player was never charged with criminal counts. Kane has filed a countersuit against his accuser, suggesting their encounter was by mutual consent and that her lawsuit is an attempt to defame him.
