Jenelle Evans, who starred on the second season of MTV's "Teen Mom," was one of three girls sentenced last week for their respective roles in a fist fight. Evans was seen in a video tape punching another girl, who was identified as Brittany Truett. A third girl, Brittany Maggard, was seen at the outset of the video pushing Evans into the fight. All three girls were arrested and charged and each of the girls will be required to serve twelve (12) months on probation. Evans and Truette received thirty (30) day suspended sentences. Maggard was given a forty-five (45) day suspended sentence for her role in encouraging the fight.
Battery is a violent crime and can be considered a serious offense. 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, and are punishable by up to six months in jail. People who engage in the actual fight may be charged with Battery. But, people who assist, encourage or promote the offense are also punishable to the same extent as is they committed the act themselves. This is called "Aiding and Abetting" liability.
Conspiracy is a separate criminal offense. A criminal conspiracy is simply an agreement to commit an unlawful act. A conspiracy to commit an unlawful act is usually a gross misdemeanor, which means it is punishable by up to a year in jail. Surprisingly, a conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor is considered a gross misdemeanor, and is punished more harshly than committing the crime itself. A conspiracy to commit certain serious and/or violent crimes can be a felony offense and result in long prison sentences.
If you or some you know has been arrested for or charged with conspiracy, battery or another violent offense, it is important that you contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney right away. The Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer can assist you in analyzing the facts of your case, identifying applicable defenses and developing the most aggressive defense strategy possible to protect your legal rights.