The investigation is ongoing, but currently, rapper Lil Wayne faces possible battery charges after an alleged altercation outside a Sunsent Blvd. nightclub. The rapper was hosting an after party for the BET awards at Hyde nightclub in Los Angeles when the scuffle occurred. Currently, there are two conflicting stories in the case.
The first is from onlookers who state that Lil Wayne was angered when some members of his entourage were denied entry to the club by one of the doormen. Irritated at the slight, Lil Wayne is said to have punched the doorman in the face. The second account, coming from Lil Wayne’s associates, details that altercation was simply a misunderstanding. The doorman allegedly grabbed the rapper by the arm “without realizing who he was,” and an irritated Lil Wayne proceeded to punch the bouncer in the face. No arrests have yet been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Battery is covered under California Penal Code 242 PC and is described as willful and unlawful use of force against someone else. In this case, punching someone in the face would be considered battery. However, one does not necessarily need to throw a punch, hit, or kick someone to be charged with battery. The unlawful and willful use of force can cover a wide variety of actions such as pushing, or even simply touching someone.
The battery in this case would be considered “simple battery,” which is a misdemeanor under California law. The penalties include fines of up to $2,000 and up to 6-months in county jail. In cases in which the victim of battery is a police officer, EMT, fire fighter or other protected persons, the crime becomes a “wobbler” that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a felony, the defendant faces up to 3-years in county jail and fines of up to $10,000.
