spent over 8 thousand dollars.
I agree with my colleague. Winning this case is highly unlikely and also highly unlikely that an attorney will take the case on a contingency. I totally get your frustration, but you won the battle and got the case dismissed at much expense. To try to go after your fees will likely mean throwing more money at this with no strong promise of getting it all back.
Good luck,
Highly unlikely, unless you can successfully sue for false arrest. The standard of proof for that type of lawsuit is very high to get any recovery and you'll have to find a lawyer willing to take it on.