PC 243.7: Battery on a Juror

Legal Definition:

PC 243.7: “Any person who is a party to a civil or criminal action in which a jury has been selected to try the case and who, while the legal action is pending or after the conclusion of the trial commits a battery against any juror or alternate juror who was selected and sworn in that legal action shall be punished…”

For a person to be convicted of a violation of PC 243.7 the prosecution must show that:

1. You committed a battery on a juror;
2. At the time of the offense, the juror was engaged in the performance of his or her duties;

AND

3. You knew or reasonably should have known that the victim was engaged in the performance of his or her duties.

What does this mean?

A juror is a person that is picked to sit on a Jury Trial, in order to decide judgment in a civil case or conviction and acquittals in criminal court. This charge also requires that you are a party to the action. For example, if you are the accused or the Defendant in a criminal case, and commit battery against a juror on your jury, you can be charged with this criminal offense.

A battery is in general a non-consensual touching, even if in this circumstance, you are not putting your hands on another person.

Penalties

A battery on a juror is a wobbler offense. That means this can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor offense. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense depends on the specific facts of your case as well as your criminal history. A felony conviction of this charge can send you to State Prison for upwards of 16 months, 2 or 3 years. If you are convicted of this charge as a misdemeanor, you can be sentenced to up to one year in County Jail. You would be required to serve at least 50% of that time in custody. If sentenced to State Prison, you would not be subjected to split sentencing under PC 1170(h), and therefore would actually serve your sentence in State Prison, not in County Jail Prison.

PC 243.7 is a not strike offense under the Three Strikes Law and is not a charge requiring Sex Registration under PC 290. You would likely face a loss, suspension, or revocation of your professional license. You could also face immigration consequences if you are a non-US Citizen living in the United States, since this may be considered an aggravated felony under Federal Law.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Insufficient Evidence
3. Violation of Rights
4. False Allegations

In order to be found guilty, the elements of the crime must be met. This charge can be fought by your Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney by arguing that you either did not commit a battery or that you did not know you were committing a battery against a juror in the performance of their own duties. Failing to show the elements of the crime would mean there is insufficient evidence to prove you guilty of this charge.

False accusations are not technically considered a “defense” in criminal law. In essence, the defense of false accusations comes from a person who falsely blames you for a crime you did not commit. So in essence, there is a witness that is blaming you for the crime, and you are claiming you are innocent. In many other defenses under California law, you are guilty of the crime, but there is a technical defense that prevents a conviction, different than here. A juror may not like you based on the evidence against you in your pending Jury Trial after hearing the Prosecutor’s evidence against you. They may complain that you attacked them in order to get you in further trouble. Here, you’d argue that the allegations are false, and you are being falsely accused of the crime.

Call Today

Facing criminal charges is an ordeal that can unsettle your present and future, casting long shadows over your life’s prospects. Particularly, allegations under PC 243.7, which involve serious battery offenses, necessitate the intervention of a seasoned legal professional who understands the gravity of the situation and the nuanced defenses required to navigate such charges.

Inland Empire Criminal Defense, located in Ontario, CA, specializes in defending individuals accused of battery and other criminal offenses under PC 243.7. Our dedicated attorney has a commendable track record of successfully defending hundreds within the Inland Empire, leveraging extensive legal expertise to protect clients’ rights and futures.

Why Trust Inland Empire Criminal Defense for PC 243.7 Defense?

• Proven Expertise: Our PC 243.7 Ontario attorney’s successful defense of numerous clients attests to our firm’s capability to handle complex criminal cases effectively.
• Dedicated Support: Recognizing the significant impact a criminal charge can have, we offer personalized legal strategies and 24/7 availability to ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
• Free Initial Consultation: We provide a no-cost consultation to discuss your case in detail, allowing you to understand your legal options and how we can assist without any upfront financial commitment.

Facing PC 243.7 Charges? Inland Empire Criminal Defense Can Help

The journey through the legal system can be daunting, but with Inland Empire Criminal Defense, you’re not alone. Our commitment to defending your rights and securing the best possible outcome is unwavering.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one is dealing with charges under PC 243.7, time is of the essence. Reach out to Inland Empire Criminal Defense at 909-939-7126 to start the conversation about your defense. Our office in Ontario, CA, is strategically positioned to serve you, offering the robust legal representation needed to navigate this challenging period. Let our expertise and dedication work for you.