Has anyone sued the police/sheriff after they didn't show up to court?

neighbor was arrested booked for avoiding a DWI check point at 930pm. he wasn't in the county of the check point. and was arrested a mile from the county line. He was also charge with DWI but wasn't asked to walk a line nor asked to blow. He was taken on an hour ride back to the jail. And was informed by the sheriff that since he refused to blow at the scene, He could blow now, it registered 0. then they said he was not blowing hard enough. After he was released.He got a lawyer and paid the county $100 to get his drivers license reinstated after 30 days. Lost his job cause he couldn't drive. He went to court once a month for four months the court continued the case til the 4th time when the arresting officer didn't show. We were talking and wondering can he sue for his loses. at least lawyer fees and such