by KYW's Mike DeNardo
Former CBS-3 anchorwoman Alycia Lane -- accused of slapping and insulting a New York City policewoman -- is almost clear of her legal troubles.
During a four-minute hearing on Monday morning at New York Criminal Court in Manhattan, the prosecution dropped the felony charge of assaulting a police officer, saying that even though the officer suffered scratches on her face, Lane's action did not rise to the level of physical injury.
The charges stemmed from Lane's December 16th confrontation with a group of officers (see related story).
The charge against Lane has been reduced to harassment, and both prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed to what is called "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal" -- meaning that if she stays out of trouble for six months, the charges and her police record will be expunged.
Lane was sentenced to one day of community service, which she has already performed, although her criminal attorney David Smith would not say what or where it was done.
Lane wore a black pantsuit to court. She was accompanied by her parents and her boyfriend (disk jockey Chris Booker).
Afterward, she spoke briefly outside the courthouse:
"I just want to say I'm just so glad this is over and thank all of those who supported me and believed in me. And I just look forward to moving on with my life now."
Lane's civil attorney Paul Rosen was also in attendance. Lane is suing CBS over what she says is wrongful termination from her job as news anchor (see related story). Rosen says Monday's proceeding shows that it was premature for CBS to fire Lane before her criminal charges were allowed to play out.
Rosen added that Lane is getting plenty of job offers.
(KYW Newsradio is owned by CBS.)
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