Rihanna Picture Still May Be Insufficient Evidence
The picture of a battered Rihanna on TMZ raises two important issues.
1. The Type Of Prosecutable Crime
The particular crime with which the DA may prosecute Chris Brown will depend on the seriousness of Rihanna’s injuries. The more serious crimes, felony battery and criminal threats, require evidence of “serious bodily injury” and “great bodily injury,” respectively.
Prosecutors typically look for evidence of broken bones, organ damage, lacerations that require stitches, or loss of consciousness and/or hearing. Without proof of the above, the bruises, bumps, and bloody lips shown in the photo might be insufficient to make a case for a felony battery or criminal threats charge. Sadly, the courts have seen worse.
Don’t give up yet, though. The DA should have no problem sticking with a felony assault case, which requires only force by means “likely to produce great bodily injury.” And, of course, Brown still may face various misdemeanor charges. Click here for a summary of the applicable statutes.
2. Ramifications For The Leak
Someone violated the LAPD’s policy to protect the confidentiality of domestic violence victims. This person should be fired, just like the UCLA hospital employees who lost their jobs for selling medical information about Britney Spears.
Click here to read the LAPD’s statement, which confirms that an internal invesigation has been launched and a personnel complaint has been filed.
Click here to catch up on the Chris Brown/Rihanna case. So sad.
[Adam Bielawski / PR Photos]
this whole situation is shocking, especially since Rihanna and Chris Brown seemed like such a perfect couple
It is so very unfortunate when even law enforcement officials will leak information to the press about cases involving celebrities. Unfortunate and unfair.