Kobe Bryant Church Battery Case Sent to San Diego Prosecutors
San Diego police have referred the Kobe Bryant church battery case to prosecutors, reports TMZ.
For those who don't recall the August incident, Kobe allegedly wrenched a cell phone from the hands of a church patron. Bryant believed that the man had taken photos of him and his wife during Sunday services.
That man then claimed serious injuries, reporting the incident to police.
No photos were ever found.
Police reportedly told the gossip site that, if anything, the case will be filed as a misdemeanor battery. If convicted, he could spend up to 6 months in jail.
But don't worry Lakers fans, Kobe isn't likely to end up behind bars.
First, the case was only referred to prosecutors. This means that police found some evidence of potential wrongdoing. Prosecutors must now decide whether it is enough evidence to convict. And whether pursuing such a conviction is worth the city's time and expense.
And second, California's prisons are severely overcrowded. Misdemeanor batteries involving minimal violence thus rarely end in jail time. If anything, a convicted Kobe would be fined, placed on probation, or sentenced to community service.
Also don't forget about the basketball star's financial resources. He has the means to wage a very sophisticated defense.
So before you even start thinking about the potential impact on the (hopefully) upcoming season, remember that the Kobe Bryant church battery case is still in its preliminary stages. Prosecutors could choose not to file charges, making the entire incident go away.
Related Resources:
- Kobe Bryant Battery Investigation Moves Forward (San Diego 6)
- Misdemeanors (FindLaw)
- Did Kobe Injure Man at San Diego Church? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)