Possible Felony Charges For Chris Brown
While we await the DA’s decision about how to move forward with the Chris Brown / Rihanna case, it’s time to examine the law.
Like a good lawyer, Popsquire has done the research. The DA likely will be examining evidence in the context of the following penal code statutes: 243(d), 243(e)(1), 245, 273.5(a), and 422. Here’s the breakdown:
243(d): This is battery when the victim suffers “serious bodily injury,” regardless of relationship status. This is a felony.
243(e)(1): This is battery when the victim is the “fiance, or fiancee, or a person with whom the defendant currently has, or has previously had, a dating or engagement relationship.” This is a misdemeanor.
245 (a)(1): This is assault involving either a “deadly weapon” or force by means “likely to produce great bodily injury.” This is a felony or misdemeanor and can result in a strike for purposes of California’s three strikes laws if a deadly weapon is involved.
273.5(a): This is the domestic abuse statute, which requires the victim to be a “spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, [or] former cohabitant.” This can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor.
422: This is the “criminal threats” charge, which applies when a person “willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person.” This is a felony or misdemeanor and can result in a strike for purposes of California’s three strikes law.
Because Rihanna and Brown likely do not live together and are not married, the 273.5(a) domestic abuse statute doesn’t apply, but the others likely remain in play and depend upon the level of injuries involved. Popsquire will keep you posted.
[Adam Bielawski / PR Photos]
