On Friday, two (2) LSU football players were suspended from the team indefinitely after warrants issued for their arrest. Starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson and defensive lineman Joshua Johns were charged with Second-Degree Battery, a felony, following a bar brawl that sent four (4) people to the hospital. Three of the victims had only minor injuries, but the fourth had more serious injuries which gave rise to the felony charge.
In Nevada, Battery is defined as "any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another." NRS 200.481. Most battery charges are misdemeanors. However, if a victim suffers substantial bodily harm as a result of the battery, it can be charged as a felony. Substantial Bodily Harm is defined as "Bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ; or . . . Prolonged physical pain." NRS 0.060. Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm is punishable by up to six (6) years in prison.
Battery charges are extremely serious and can have substantial consequences legally, personally and professionally. If you or someone you know is arrested or charged with Battery or Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm, it is important that you contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney right away. A Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer can assist you in analyzing the facts of your case, identifying appropriate defenses and providing you with the most aggressive defense strategy possible to protect your legal rights.