According to news reports, Richard Hilfiger, the son of fashion mogul Tommy Hilfiger, was recently charged with battery, disorderly conduct and possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana following a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer. The incident reportedly occurred on Oct. 17 in Miami Beach.
Sources indicate that Richard Hilfiger became angry after a bouncer at LIV nightclub refused him entry because his friend’s clothing was deemed inappropriate for the club’s dress code. Authorities allege that Mr. Hilfiger became angry and struck the bouncer in the face. Both law enforcement officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded. Mr. Hilfiger allegedly refused offered medical treatment and was taken into custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
An inmate in custody at the same time as Mr. Hilfiger told reporters that Mr. Hilfiger allegedly claimed his actions were self-defense. Mr. Hilfiger refused to talk to waiting reporters upon his release later on Saturday. The inmate, who was released at the same time as Mr. Hilfiger, claimed that the bouncer first screamed in this face and then began trying to choke him, causing Mr. Hilfiger to then strike back in defense of himself. It is unclear from the reports the amount of his bond, but he posted it the same day as his arrest.
When a person is charged with battery in Miami, it is important to seek the help of a Miami battery defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney may review the reports and evidence in the case to identify the best defensive tactics to take. The Miami battery attorney may then negotiate with the assigned prosecutor in an attempt to secure a favorable plea for their client or to seek dismissal of the charges, if warranted.
In Florida, a battery charge is a first-degree misdemeanor carrying a potential imprisonment term of up to 1 year. A charge of battery is not evidence that the offense actually was committed. Rather, a Miami battery defense lawyer will hold the prosecutor to their burden of having to prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors are required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant either struck or intentionally touched the victim against the victim’s will. They may instead prove that the defendant intentionally caused the victim bodily harm. If the prosecutor is unable to prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant cannot be found guilty.
A Miami battery attorney will work hard to present defenses to their clients’ battery charges. If you or someone you know have been charged with battery, contact our firm at (305) 567-1211.
