PORT ST. LUCIE — Mayor JoAnn Faiella’s attorney, John Anastasio, was prepared to fight a lengthy battle on Friday to defend the mayor against charges she violated Florida Sunshine Laws in 2013.

However, the case was over in minutes, after the judge discharged the case because of the expiration of Faiella’s speedy trial request.

The defense began with the argument of expiration of speedy trial laws, and just minutes later, Judge Kathleen Roberts ruled the court had no choice but to discharge the case on those grounds.

With that, Faiella won her case and began crying and hugging supporters in the Martin County courtroom in Stuart.

Faiella was facing a pair of misdemeanor charges filed after former City Manager Greg Oravec submitted 85 pages of emails and text messages to the State Attorney’s office when he resigned.

Faiella also faces an infraction for discussing Oravec’s employment with other council members through City Attorney Roger Orr when an open meeting wasn’t scheduled.

Anastasio has said previously if the mayor wins, she will request the city pay her legal fees.

Reported by: Brittny C. Valdes, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers