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WEST PALM BEACH - Attorney General Charlie Crist has intervened on behalf of a former Marine whose legal struggle to keep a 12-foot flagpole in his yard may cost him his Jupiter home.
Crist filed a motion in Palm Beach Circuit Court on Thursday, saying George Andres' rights are being violated by the Indian Creek Phase 3B Homeowners Association, which has objected to Andres' use of a flagpole. The association permits flags to be flown only from wall brackets attached to homes.
"It's a case about freedom," Crist said. "He and his wife have the right to proudly display the American flag."
Circuit Judge Edward Fine ruled in March that the homeowners association could proceed with foreclosure to collect $21,000 in legal fees that Andres, 66, owes it.
"It's absolutely ridiculous," Andres said. "We're going to keep fighting."
Crist said he hopes his motion will persuade Fine to rehear the case.
"Homestead rights in Florida are very strong," Crist said. "The strength of that argument should carry the day ... and lead him to justice."
A circuit judge ruled in 2000 that Andres had to remove the pole and fined him $7,400 when he violated her order. The order was upheld by in appeal. The homeowners association also filed a lien against Andres' house for the legal fees.