Actor Orlando Brown was recently arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of battery, drug possession and resisting arrest. Brown rose to fame for his role as Eddie Thomas on Disney’s “That’s So Raven.”
Orlando Brown Faces Charges for Domestic Battery and Drug Possession
According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Brown, 28, was arrested by officers with the Torrance Police Department after he allegedly struck his girlfriend.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Torrance, California police station. A witness supposedly saw Brown hit his girlfriend and immediately called the police - who were, obviously, right there.
Charges
Brown was charged with possessing and bringing methamphetamine into police headquarters, possessing drug paraphernalia, battery, and resisting or delaying arrest.
Brown, who was also in the film “Straight Outta Compton,” went on to deny the allegations, posting a series of videos and photographs to his Instagram. He later made the postings private.
The drug counts are being charged as felonies, while the battery and delaying arrest charges are being charged as misdemeanors. The hearing is set for March 28.
Previous Issues
This is far from Brown’s first interaction with the law. In August 2014, he threatened to kill a woman and her daughter. He was able to strike a plea deal in that case.
In order to get a reduced sentence, your criminal defense lawyer with help negotiate a “deal” or “plea bargain” with the prosecutor. In some cases it will not only reduce your sentence but in many cases may even eliminate some if not all the charges against you. If the court finds you guilty of the charges, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate lesser time served or a rehabilitation program which can help prevent you winding up in the criminal justice system again. When discussing your case, your criminal defense lawyer can advise the best way to go in order to reduce your sentence. Sometimes pleading guilty can result in your having a shorter sentence.
Prior to arrest in August 2014, Brown was arrested for a DUI in 2013. In 2012 he went to jail for violating probation terms. Additionally, he was arrested in 2011 for a DUI and also went to jail in 2007 for marijuana possession.
Battery, and the Difference Between Assault and Battery
Brown has been recently charged for battery, but it’s important to understand the difference between assault, assault and battery, or aggravated assault. While they all involve one person doing intentional harm to another person, crimes involving physical attacks can be assaults or batteries or both. Depending on the seriousness of the attack, charges can be elevated to the most serious one of aggravated assault.
What is “Assault”
Assault is defined as the intentional act of causing another person to be afraid they are going to experience physical harm. While this is a broad definition, since actual physical harm doesn’t have to be involved, assault is the fact that a person fears imminent harm from another person. The broadness of this definition permits the police to intervene to prevent any actual harm to the person.
What is “Assault and Battery”
Assault and battery were originally considered to be separate crimes. While assault is the fear of impending physical harm, battery is defined as the actual physical harm done to a victim. While “assault” can be considered the beginning, “battery” can be consider the ending. Most statutes now do not make a distinction between these two offenses.
What is “Simple” and “Aggravated Assault”
Depending on the seriousness of the potential harm that may occur to a victim, many states make a distinction between “simple” and “aggravated assault.” Aggravated assault is a felony which may involve an assault with a weapon, or the intention to commit a serious crime. It can also be classified as aggravated assault if there is any legally regarded “special protection” relationship involved. If the assault is classified as simple assault its usually charged as a misdemeanor. In some states the seriousness of the assault may be classified as “first,” “second,” or “third” degree assaults, in which case a “first” degree assault is the most serious one.
Additional Drug Charges for Brown
In addition to battery charges, Brown also faces drug possession charges.
Being convicted of any drug crime is a serious matter. Most drug charges can carry heavy convictions, fines and stay on your personal record, which can affect your job, buying a home or getting a loan. If you are convicted for any drug related crime, it is in your best interest to seek a criminal defense attorney and never accept any deal without speaking to an attorney first. Drug charges range from minor possession to a more serious charge of drug manufacturing, whatever the charges are, know that you can find guidance with your case. Choosing a great criminal defense attorney will help your case and often reduce charges. The experience and knowledge needed to deal with a drug charge can be found at Seven’s Legal. Sevens Legal is well versed in a variety of drug charges that you may be convicted of and their experience is endless. At Sevens Legal you will find a successful team that is passionate about representing their clients. If you find yourself charged with any drug crime, it is imperative that you seek a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney that will guide you through the legal system and help with reducing your charges.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use has grown in recent year in the state of California, leaving law officers eager to convict individuals for possession of illegal methamphetamines and stop illegal distribution. You may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on your criminal history. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor possession you may face up to one year in jail, while a felony possession charge can carry a conviction of 16 months, 2 years or 3 years of jail time. Many times if you are charged with having possession of a large quantity of methamphetamines, you may be charged with intent to sell, which will carry stiff penalties. Charges may include, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Methamphetamines for sale and transportation for selling methamphetamines.
California Proposition 36 (2000) The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000
Proposition 36 allows qualifying defendants convicted if non-violent drug possession offenses to receive a probationary sentence instead of being incarcerated. Defendants are required to participate in and complete a licensed or certified community drug treatment program. Compliance with the program in necessary or probation is revoked and you may be required to serve an additional sentence that may include jail time.
Proposition 47
On November 4, 2014, voters approved Proposition 47, which among other things, reduced drug possession for personal use to a misdemeanor.
Find Help with Drug Charges at Sevens Legal
Drug charges can stem from minor to more serious offences and at Sevens legal you can find a Criminal Defense Attorney for a number of drug related crimes. Regardless of the drug related crime, choosing Sevens Legal will help with protecting your rights and freedom and lead towards a positive outcome.
- Simple possession and possession for sale or distribution
- DUI involving drug possession
- Heroin manufacturing
- Money Laundering
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Drug Trafficking or smuggling
- Juvenile or student drug offenses
- Unauthorized possession or sale of prescription drugs
Why Work with a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When faced with serious penalties or spending time in jail or prison, you need to retain a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court. All criminal cases are different, so the first thing a criminal defense lawyer can determine is what arguments and factors can be used to remove any charges pertaining to the alleged crime.
Your Criminal Defense Lawyer and Emotional Help
While a criminal defense lawyer isn’t a therapist, they may help you deal with the emotions that accompany criminal trials. They can help by explaining the realities of the legal system and discuss what you may be up against during trial. Since they are well versed in the system, your criminal defense lawyer can also go over court rules and regulations, and the best way to navigate through the system. Also critical in negotiating a reduced sentence are the “unwritten rules” which a criminal defense lawyer is also well versed in.
Your Criminal Defense Lawyer and Accessibility
When it comes to evidence and witness statements, a criminal defense lawyer is better able to procure the necessary evidence and statements in order to help build your case. Witnesses may fear for their safety if speaking openly, but discussions with a criminal defense lawyer can help alleviate their fears in order to provide the testimony necessary to help clear your case.
If you are faced with criminal charges and possible jail time, you need to consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Criminal Defense Attorneys
3555 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 297-2800