An altercation at a state fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota resulted in a police officer being kicked in the face. Two men aged twenty-five (25) and twenty-seven (27) were involved in a scuffle that caused police to be called. The older man kicked the officer in the face while he was being subdued. A video of the incident was filmed. This recording has been making the rounds on YouTube and is particularly graphic. The police officer claimed that he was only using reasonable force to subdue the man, who was a suspect. However, the man claimed the police officer bit him on his right thumb, and that he was only acting in self-defense
If this incident were to occur in Las Vegas, the suspect would likely be arrested for Battery on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and/or Obstructing an Investigation. The suspect would likely be arrested even though he might well have been acting in self-defense. Battery on a Police Officer is a gross-misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to a year in jail. In addition, if a person is convicted of an offense against a police officer, they are likely to be treated more harshly by police and prosecutors in the future.
Police officers in Las Vegas have been severely criticized for their inappropriate an excessive use of force. In fact, the problem has become so severe that many have called for a federal civil rights investigation of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Nevertheless, whether it is the result of institutional failing or individual misconduct, incidents of excessive force by police are likely to continue to happen.
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charges with Assault on an Officer, Battery On an Officer, Resisting Arrest or Obstruction, it is important that you contact a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney right away. The Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyers at Brown Law Offices can assist you in analyzing the facts of the case, identifying applicable defenses (such as self defense) and providing you with the most aggressive defense strategy possible to protect your legal rights.