A jury recently made their decision on the multiple charges facing Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who shot and killed two people during a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

In a case that gained significant public attention, most people now know that Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges. But, many are still trying to understand what he was charged with and what it meant for his case.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

What Was Kyle Rittenhouse Charged With?

Rittenhouse shot three people, killing two. At the end of this trial, the jury deliberated on five counts against him — finding him not guilty on all charges.

Here’s a look at what Rittenhouse was charged with and how each charge relates to the incidents that took place that night, according to reporting by the Associated Press.

Charge 1: First-Degree Reckless Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

Charge one was related to the incident that led to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Rittenhouse is said to have shot Rosenbaum after Rosenbaum chased him through a parking lot and grabbed Rittenhouse’s gun, according to video footage and witness testimony.

A reckless homicide charge in Wisconsin differs from an intentional homicide in that the murder was not necessarily intentional. Instead, the murder was caused due to an utter disregard for human life.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 2: First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon

The second charge is also related to the Rosenbaum shooting. A reporter (the same man who provided witness testimony that said Rosenbaum reached for Rittenhouse’s gun), was in the line of fire that killed Rosenbaum.

The defense argued that when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum, he also endangered the life of the reporter. In Wisconsin, the charge is punishable by 12 ½ years in prison.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 3: First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

Rittenhouse faced another charge of recklessly endangering safety with the use of a dangerous weapon. Just seconds before Anthony Huber approached Rittenhouse, an unknown man moved toward Rittenhouse.

In a video, the man is seen moving toward Rittenhouse with a skateboard, and Rittenhouse fires two rounds at him but misses.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 4: First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

The fourth charge relates to the death of Anthony Huber. After shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse ran down the street, according to video footage from the scene. Huber approached Rittenhouse and raised a skateboard as if he was about to hit him. Huber reached for Rittenhouse’s gun before Rittenhouse shot him.

Huber was killed. Unlike the first charge, which was a charge of reckless homicide, this charge was intentional homicide. The criminal complaint alleged that Ritttenhouse had the intent to shoot and kill Huber. If convicted of this charge in Wisconsin, Rittenhouse would have faced life in prison.

The jury was able to have discretion with this charge. They were given the option of second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide in Huber’s death.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 5: Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon 

The fifth charge against Rittenhouse was related to the shooting of Gaige Grosskreutz. Grosskreutz is said to have come toward Rittenhouse with a pistol in his hands. Seconds after shooting Huber, Rittenhouse pointed his gun at Grosskreutz and discharged one shot. The shot hit Grosskreutz in the arm and did not fatally wound him.

In Wisconsin, the charge could carry a sentence of up to sixty years in prison. For this charge, the jury was also given the option of considering second-degree attempted intentional homicide and first-degree reckless endangerment charges.

Rittenhouse was found not guilty of this charge.

Charge 6: Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under 18

At the time of the shooting, Rittenhouse was a 17-year-old armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. In Wisconsin, minors are prohibited from being in the possession of firearms unless they are hunting or being supervised by an adult for the purpose of target practice or instruction.

This charge was dismissed after prosecutors argued that the defense was misreading the statute. They argued that the statute only related to the prohibition on short-barreled guns. The judge dismissed the charge.

Charge 7: Failure to Comply with an Emergency Order From State of Local Government 

This final charge pales in comparison with the seriousness of the other charges. At the time of the shootings, there was a city curfew in place that restricted people from being out past 8 pm. The charge carried a potential $200 fine. The charge was dropped during the trial.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

Defending a Case in the Public Eye

Dealing with criminal charges can be stressful and difficult. The situation can be made worse if the case gains regional or national attention. If you face charges that gain media attention, make sure you work with a criminal defense attorney who knows how to navigate the complexities that come with defending you in front of the court and the public.

TJ Grimaldi has experience dealing with the media in high-profile cases. If you have any questions about how to manage a case that has gained public attention, contact our office today.

Request your free consultation to talk directly with TJ Grimaldi about how he can help you navigate your complex legal situation to get the most fair and just outcome. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

Henry Ruggs III seems to have it all. As a first-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, he had a $16.67 million contract to play as a wide receiver in the NFL. Now, the 22-year-old is facing close to 40 years in prison.

How did one night lead Ruggs down such a different road, and how likely is he to spend much of his life behind bars?

The High-Speed Crash That Changed Everything

As reported by People Magazine, in the early hours of Tuesday, November 2nd, Ruggs was driving his Chevrolet Corvette through the streets of Las Vegas at an extremely high speed.

Just as he was hitting a speed around 156 mph, Ruggs ran into the back of a Toyota Rav 4 with a driver and her dog inside. The car burst into flames, killing the 23-year-old driver, Tina Tintor and her dog.

Ruggs wasn’t alone inside of his car. His girlfriend, Rudy Washington was in the Corvette and was seriously injured in the crash. Both Ruggs and Washington were taken to a nearby hospital.

Ruggs had non-life-threatening injuries — and a blood alcohol level of .161, which is more than double the legal limit.

An investigation of the scene also found that Ruggs had a loaded firearm in the vehicle. Since his injuries weren’t serious, Ruggs was immediately arrested for a DUI. 

What Charges Does Ruggs Face?

The accident happened in Las Vegas, so the case will fall under the jurisdiction of Nevada state law. A judge set Ruggs’ bail at $150,000. The conditions of the bail include that Ruggs cannot drive, he had to surrender his passport, and he must wear a device to monitor the consumption of alcohol.

Ruggs now faces serious charges.

He initially faced two felony charges related to the death of Tintor. He was charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving resulting in death.

Three additional charges were later added, as reported by Fox News.

Since Ruggs’ girlfriend also sustained serious injuries, two additional felony charges were added: DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and reckless driving resulting in substantial bodily harm. Plus, because a loaded gun was found in the vehicle, Ruggs also faces a misdemeanor charge related to gun possession.

Facing multiple charges, the Las Vegas Raiders released Ruggs from the team.

Related: How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?

What Consequences Does Ruggs Face?

As previously mentioned, Ruggs’ accident happened in Las Vegas and will abide by Nevada law.

In Florida, DUI laws are directed under Florida Statutes 316.193. Under these statutes:

• A DUI that results in death is considered DUI manslaughter. It is a second-degree felony that comes with a mandatory prison sentence of four years. The maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• A DUI leading to serious bodily harm is classified as a third-degree felony. It can come with penalties of up to five years in prison, up to five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.

This is Ruggs’ first offense DUI. In Florida, penalties may be higher if the person is a repeat offender.

In Florida, gun possession can also lead to consequences. Being in possession of a loaded firearm without a proper license is a third-degree felony with punishments of up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.

The mix of charges against Ruggs means he will be facing strict consequences in Nevada. Under Nevada law, the charges presented mean Ruggs could face more than 40 years in prison.

Related: What To Do About a DUI License Suspension in Florida 

DUI Charges Are Serious. Get Legal Assistance Right Away.

Ruggs was driving at an incredibly high speed, his blood alcohol was more than double the legal limit, he was in possession of a gun, his girlfriend was injured, and a woman and her pet died as a result of his action. He faces serious charges for serious crimes and will likely spend many years in prison.

While no person has the right to drive recklessly while impaired, everyone deserves fair due process of the law when facing charges against them related to DUI.

If you have been charged with a DUI, whether it involves someone being injured or not, talk to a DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal system right away. The legal process can be complex, but it is much easier to manage with a trusted attorney by your side. If you have questions about a DUI case, contact TJ Grimaldi today. We’re here to help you through your case and lead you to the most fair outcome. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

Hollywood movies frequently feature gunfights and shootings that we see as happening in a land of make believe. But recently, we were reminded that these scenes are filmed in real life and with real guns.

Halyna Hutchins was on the set of the movie “Rust” when a prop gun discharged and shot and killed her.

What went wrong, and what potential charges could the shooter, well-known actor Alec Baldwin, face for being the person who shot the “prop” gun?

What Do We Know About the Shooting?

In a desert outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico, crew gathered on set to film scenes for the movie “Rust.” Baldwin, who is also a producer for the movie, was getting ready to film a scene when assistant director Dave Hall took one of three guns from a cart and handed it to him. Hall reportedly told Baldwin the gun was “cold,” meaning it was safe to discharge. But, it wasn’t.

Baldwin took the gun and moved to practice a cross-draw firing technique he would need for the scene. He went through the movement, pointing the gun at the camera, and it went off.

The gun discharged a live round and hit Hutchins, the movie’s cinematographer and Joel Souza, the movie’s director. Hutchins died from the injury.

While we don’t know all of the details of why there was a live round in a prop gun on a movie set, we do know that Baldwin was the one holding the gun when it went off. Does that make him responsible for the tragic incident?

Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect

Could Baldwin Be Criminally Charged?

The shooting occurred in Santa Fe so it will be investigated and ruled by New Mexico laws.

If the story is true that Baldwin had no reason to believe the gun was dangerous and he was acting within reason, it is likely that he won’t face criminal charges.

If the story evolves to show that Baldwin was acting recklessly with the gun, it could change things. If it can be proven that Baldwin was handling the gun irresponsibly, he could be charged with criminal negligence.

Criminal negligence, which is also referred to as culpable negligence, is defined in Florida Statute 784.05 as someone who, “through culpable negligence, inflicts actual personal injury.”

It is unlikely that Baldwin will face criminal negligence in New Mexico if the current details of the case remain consistent. But, that doesn’t mean Baldwin will get out of this without legal challenges.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

Could Baldwin (and Others) Be Sued in Civil Court?

While it is currently unlikely that Baldwin will face criminal charges, the situation may still lead him and others associated with the movie to court. There is some probability that the case could end up in civil court if the family of Hutchins sues for wrongful death.

Baldwin was the one who pulled the trigger. But, that isn’t the only reason he could find himself in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Baldwin is one of the movie’s producers. Employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe. It is their responsibility to prevent workplace accidents. In this situation, the company responsible for the production and the people in charge could potentially face civil lawsuits.

At this time, Baldwin is fully cooperating with authorities as they investigate this terrible tragedy. It remains to be seen if details will show that Baldwin or others on the set engaged in such negligence that they will face criminal courts, civil courts, or both.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Case? 

Get Expert Legal Advice For Difficult Cases

The lines in many legal cases are blurry. In this case, it is unlikely that Baldwin will be arrested for a crime, but it is likely that he is already consulting with a criminal defense attorney to get prepared for all potential scenarios. On the other side of the case, it is likely that the family of Hutchins is talking with a personal injury attorney to see if they have the merits to bring forth a wrongful death case.

Based on the story we know so far, this is a terrible accident that no one intended to happen. But, that doesn’t mean there won’t be legal ramifications.

If you find yourself in a legal situation and you don’t know what to expect, it’s important to have a trusted lawyer by your side who can help you navigate your situation and protect your rights. If you are in legal need, TJ Grimaldi is here to help. Schedule your free call with TJ to see how he can assist you on your case. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

It’s been more than a year since two Tampa residents went out to protest the police and found themselves behind bars. They’ve been fighting their charges ever since — often with the public by their side — and it appears that their work has finally paid off.

Hillsborough County prosecutors recently dropped the major charges against the two Tampa protesters.

What led to the initial charges, and how did protesters get out of facing up to five years in prison?

One Protest and Two Arrests

On the Fourth of July in 2020, around 100 people in a Black Lives Matter protest took to the street on North Dale Mabry Highway near the intersection of Spruce Street in Tampa. They headed down the street toward Columbus Drive, blocking traffic and protesting systemic racism, the police, and the murder of George Floyd.

Among the crowd were Jamie Bullock, 22,  and Chukwudi Uche, 23.

What happened when police intervened with the crowd has been debated for months and was set to be heard before an upcoming trial.

Police say Bullock slapped a lieutenant in the arm and that Uche threw a water bottle at an officer before running away into a car that had a gun in it.

Bullock and Uche say these accusations were overblown and unfair. They claim they were unfairly treated by the police. There was public support for their case as supporters often showed up to their court dates and protested outside of the courthouse.

But even with the public support, both Bullock and Uche were going to need to prove their case in court — that was until additional video evidence surfaced.

Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

Video Evidence Changes the Story

Bullock and Uche were facing serious charges and potential jail time.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, both faced charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, which is a third-degree felony with a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

Uche also faced charges for carrying a concealed firearm, which is a felony, and resisting arrest without violence, which is a misdemeanor.

Both were fighting the charges and set to go to trial. Jury selection was about to begin. But, then their defense attorneys discovered new video evidence that worked in the protesters’ favor. The videos show that the story against Bullock and Uche wasn’t cut and dry.

Maria Pavlidis, one of Bullock’s attorneys said, “If you watch those videos, it’s clear they used excessive force on her. That just shows they were lying from the beginning.”

It appears that Pavlidis wasn’t alone in her interpretation of the new video evidence.

In a statement reported by the Tampa Bay Times, State Attorney’s spokesperson Grayson Kamm said, “We received new evidence in the past few days — including bodycam video and interviews with defense witnesses — that had a direct impact on the State’s ability to prove all the required elements.”

Prosecutors with the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office announced they would drop the charges of battery on a law enforcement officer for both Bullock and Uche.

Related: The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Have These 7 Qualities

Case Closes with Dropped Charges

Because of the video evidence, the most serious charges facing Bullock and Uche were dropped. It also prompted their other charges to be resolved through separate diversion programs.

Uche agreed to a pre-trial intervention program. As part of the deal, he agreed to community service, giving up the gun in his possession at the time of the arrest, writing a letter of apology, and regularly checking in with the Florida Department of Corrections.

Bullock agreed to a misdemeanor intervention program. She will have to do 24 hours of community service and pay roughly $350 for costs associated with the program.

If Bullock and Uche complete their program and are not arrested before completion of their programs, they will have their remaining charges dismissed.

After more than a year, the pair will no longer have the case — and potential jail time — looming over their future.

Get a Defense Attorney Who Fights for You

Anyone charged with a crime is entitled to fair due process of the law. You are innocent until proven guilty, and you deserve a criminal defense attorney who will fight to bring the truth to light in your case.

As you can see in this case, it’s important to have an attorney who will help you get the fairest and most just outcome possible. In some cases, you will need to fight for the truth. Work with an attorney who won’t stop until the truth is told. If you’re facing criminal charges, talk to an attorney who has your back.

Call today to talk to TJ Grimaldi to see how our team can support your case. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.

Anyone who is following the death of 22-year-old Gabby Petito has a lot of questions. What happened to her? Where is her fiance, Brian Laundrie? Why wasn’t more done to help her? And of course, shouldn’t Laundrie’s parents be in trouble?

Looking at the case from the news, it can be easy to assume that Laundrie’s parents have done something wrong by not talking to the police about both Petito’s and their son’s disappearance.

But, it’s more complicated than that.

The Gabby Petito Timeline

To understand what legal trouble Laundrie’s parents may or may not be in, let’s look at the timeline of events leading up to Petito’s death as documented by CNN.

June 2021: Landrie and Petito, who lived with Laundrie and his parents in North Port, Florida, head out in a white Ford van to travel across the country. Petito keeps in close contact with her parents during the trip and regularly posts about the trip on social media.

August 12: Laundrie and Petito have an encounter with police in Moab, Utah.

August 24: Petito Facetimes with her mom. This is the last time Peitito’s mother says she saw and talked to her daughter.

August 25-27: Petito shares texts with her mom that her mother says seem odd. Petito stops sharing content on social media.

August 30: Petito’s mother gets a final text from her daughter’s number that says, “No service in Yosemite.” The family doesn’t believe Petito sent the text.

September 1: Laundrie shows up at his parent’s house in North Port, Florida with the van but no Petito.

September 6-8: Records show that Laundrie’s mother checked into Fort De Soto campground in Tierra Verde, Florida, on September 6th. Lawyers say Laundrie, his mother, and his father arrived together and then left together on September 8th.

This later led to Dog the Bounty Hunter conducting a search at the campground, which didn’t appear to turn up any evidence.

September 11: Petito’s family in New York officially report her missing. Investigators go to the Laundrie’s home. Police are turned away and told to talk to the family’s lawyer.

September 14: On this day, Laundrie’s parents say Laundrie told them he was going camping in the Carlton Reserve, a 25,000-acre nature preserve.

September 17: Laundrie’s parents request police to come to their home because they can’t find their son. They said he did not take his cell phone so they have had no communication with him.

September 19: Gabby Petito is found dead in Grand Teton National Park. Her death is ruled a homicide.

September 20: Laundrie’s parents are questioned by the FBI then escorted from their home as federal agents execute a search warrant. The warrant says there was “probable cause for issuance” as a result of the item potentially containing evidence that a felony had been committed.

September 22: A federal arrest warrant is issued for Laundrie.

This is the moment when things changed for Laundrie’s parents.

Related: Dealing With the Media During a High-Profile Case: What to Expect

What Changes with the Arrest Warrant?

It’s worth noting that Laundrie’s warrant isn’t for the murder of Petito. It is for credit card fraud.

A Wyoming grand jury indicted Laundrie on charges of unauthorized use of a credit card for purchases over $1,000. He is said to have used the card between August 30th and September 1st. The documents released by the FBI do not say who the card belonged to, but it is believed to belong to Petito according to Insider.

The warrant helps police access resources to find Laundrie even though he hasn’t been officially charged in Petito’s case — and it changes things for his parents.

Now that there is an arrest warrant for Laundrie, anyone in contact with Laundrie or anyone who attempts to help him could face the federal charge of aiding and abetting a fugitive. 

His parents weren’t breaking the law by being in contact with Laundrie before the warrant was issued on September 22. They were within their legal rights to refuse to talk to police, and they did nothing wrong by traveling with their son.

But now that the warrant has been issued, they can no longer legally communicate with him.  

Related: What Does It Take to Be an Attorney for a High-Profile Case? 

So, What Could Happen to Laundrie’s Parents?

Right now, there are no legal issues facing Laundrie’s parents.

The fifth amendment, which protects an individual’s right to avoid self-incrimination, protects their right to remain silent. But, there are a few scenarios that could lead them to legal trouble.

If Laundie were to contact his parents now, his parents could be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive if they didn’t notify the FBI.

If Laundrie is caught and charged with murder, his parents could be in trouble:

• If there is sufficient evidence to prove that they previously provided misleading information to the FBI.
• If they helped him get away by providing money or means, as that is a case of obstruction of justice.

But by staying silent this far, Laundrie’s parents haven’t committed a crime.

Know Your Rights

The law can be complicated. Whether or not Laundrie’s parents did the morally right thing by staying silent is debatable. But what is not debatable is getting due process of the law. Having an attorney to advise you on legal matters will always be the best way to ensure that your rights aren’t being violated.

If you have questions about a pending legal matter, talk to a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your unique case and the potential consequences of your actions. Talk to TJ Grimaldi today. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.