Kentucky Man Arrested For Assaulting Police Officer During Visit To Florida

News stories about what happens after lottery winners receive their prize money are a potent reminder that you should be careful what you wish for. If you win a few hundred bucks because you guessed three out of six numbers correctly, you might be able to make a dent in the outstanding balance of one of your debts, or you might treat a few of your friends to dinner, and the experience might elevate your mood until the next round of bills comes due. Nothing good can come of winning the jackpot. Even if you pay all the taxes you owe on the prize money, you will still be left with more money than you know what to do with, so there will be nothing left to do except self-destruct, and some people self-destruct faster than others. Your prize money might be able to afford you the best possible legal representation, and it might make it possible for you to post the highest bail amount the judge can think of, but it is not a “get out of jail free” card. If you are facing criminal charges after partying too hard while celebrating your recent financial windfall, contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer.

Florida Vacation to Celebrate Lottery Win Ends With Arrest

Until recently, Georgetown, Kentucky was notable for exactly one reason, specifically, that it is the site of a Toyota factory. This year, it gained another claim to fame, namely as the site where the most valuable winning Powerball ticket in the history of Kentucky was purchased. The winner, James Farthing, found out on April 28, that he had won the $167 million jackpot. He did what any reasonable person would do and immediately went to Florida to celebrate.

As you can probably guess, things went south quickly. At a hotel lobby in Pinellas County, Farthing got into a confrontation with another hotel guest, and police intervened to break up the fight. During the scuffle, Farthing allegedly kicked a police officer in the face; security camera footage from the hotel shows the incident. Farthing is facing charges for battery, resisting arrest without violence, and felony battery on an officer.

The difference between assault and battery is that battery always involves physical contact or physical injury, while charges of assault can apply if the defendant merely created an immediate and credible threat of physical violence. If the defendant had merely swung his leg near the officer’s face without making contact, this would be assault, but if he made contact, this would be battery. In many cases, defendants get charged with assault and battery in connection to the same incident, which is why the popular media often use the terms together as one phrase.

Contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Bryant Scriven

A criminal defense lawyer can help you if you are facing criminal charges for battery against a law enforcement officer.  Contact Scriven Law in Tampa, Florida to schedule a consultation.

Source:

gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/kentucky-powerball-winner-arrested-body-cam-video/65781158