Hollywood, CA — News stories about criminal cases often focus on their more sensational or humorous aspects. Although that might help to draw public attention to an important issue or to genuinely newsworthy event; for the people who are involved, the events and their consequences are all too real.
On Tuesday, Muhammet Bilik, 35, was convicted of battery for a brawl that was captured on video in October of last year. Bilik, who was one of the many costumed individuals who take photos with tourists near the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, is seen in the video punching a woman and throwing her onto the ground. Bilik is dressed as the character of Mr Incredible from the Pixar animated feature The Incredibles, the woman in the video is dressed as Batgirl.
For his battery conviction, Bilik will be required to serve one day in prison followed by three years of probation. He must also complete 20 days of work with Caltrans and attend 36 anger management classes. Additionally, the judge has restricted Bilik from entering the so-called Entertainment District in Hollywood during his probation. This is one of several incidents of costumed characters on Hollywood Boulevard engaging in violent behavior in recent years.
Assault and battery are often lumped together and thought of as a single crime, but the truth is that they both consist of different actions. Assault is the act of attacking or appearing to attack another person, however, a conviction for assault does not require actual physical contact. It’s somewhat similar to making threats, in that there doesn’t need to be intent to actually carry out an attack for a conviction. Battery on the other hand is defined as actual physical violence. Both of these charges can be applied singly or together.
Assault and battery and other violent crimes charges can result in years or even life in prison depending on aggravating factors. And under the three strikes law, violent offenses can yield even longer sentences for repeat offenders. If you’ve been charged with a serious violent crime in Southern California, the most important thing you can do is retain the services of a criminal defense attorney.
At the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we’ve been practicing criminal law in Orange County’s state and federal courts for over 16 years. In that time we’ve built up an impressive record of having the charges against our clients reduced or dismissed. We’ve successfully defended clients against charges like murder, assault, fraud, forgery, sexual assault and domestic violence. Our team of seasoned legal professionals has the knowledge and experience you’ll need to defend yourself against any criminal charge.
It’s frightening when you or a loved one is the subject of a police investigation or has been charged with a crime. Nobody wants to have a criminal record and in the meantime the rest of your life can’t just be put on hold. We can help you tackle your legal issues so that you can focus on keeping the rest of your life on track.
From the start, our firm has been dedicated to serving Orange County’s diverse communities. With offices in Garden Grove, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, and Irvine, we’re able to provide convenient services for Orange County’s major court districts. We also offer foreign language assistance to our clients who have need of it.
So when you need help fighting criminal charges anywhere in Southern California, call the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti at (714) 707-2797 for a free consultation or click on the “Contact Us” link above.
Sources:
Serna, Joseph. “Mr. Incredible convicted in Hollywood Boulevard brawl with Batgirl.” http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-mr-incredible-hollywood-attack-batgirl-20150127-story.html. Los Angeles Times. 27 January 2015.
