Below is legal analysis of Jordan Hill’s predicament according to a local criminal defense attorney, Joel Hayter:
The charge that Jordan Hill faces, like any felony, is serious. However, all we know thus far is the girlfriend’s accusations through the media. It was a good move for Hill on his part for not commenting, other than to say he is saddened by the allegations and is cooperating with authorities. Until more evidence is gathered, there are many questions a criminal defense lawyer might ask. Are these pictures of her alleged bruises legitimate? Did she see a doctor who can vouch for her alleged injuries? Does she have a motive to falsely accuse Hill—perhaps not being happy with his response when asked about their future together? Anyway, I will let Hill’s lawyers sort that out.
Interestingly, if the girlfriend did not claim that Hill choked her but only hit or kicked her, he would likely only be charged with a Class A misdemeanor assault and face a maximum jail sentence of one year. In 2009, the Texas legislature made it a third degree felony to choke a family member or dating partner. This recent change in the law is why Hill faces up to 10 years in prison rather than a maximum of one year in jail.
Joel Hayter, Criminal Defense Attorney, The Schaffer Firm, Houston Texas, [email protected]
