| Inmate name: | Charles Paul Byrd |
| Charge description: | A jury convicted Charles Paul Byrd of Assault on June 26, 2013 after deliberating for only half an hour. The 26-year-old Humble man was arrested for knocking his victim out during an argument at a bar in May 2012. According to Assistant District Attorney Robert Clopton, an argument erupted between Charles Byrd and Frank Rangel over a broken beer bottle on May 17, 2012 at Jessies Icehouse in Rosenberg. As a result of the argument, the defendant punched Rangel once in the face rendering him unconscious. Rosenberg police quickly responded to the scene to find the defendant still at the scene. After speaking with witnesses and gathering evidence, they arrested Byrd for assault. Testimony offered at trial showed Byrd to be aggressive and looking for a fight that night while Rangel retreated. Bar fight cases are always tough due to the number of people at the bar, possible intoxication of those involved, and the lack of surveillance cameras in many bars, said Clopton. However, due to the thoroughness of the Rosenberg Police Department and the willingness of the witnesses from the bar to testify, we were able to see that justice was done. Byrd was tried in County Court at Law No. 1 before Presiding Judge Ben W. Bud Childers. Assault in this case is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine up to $4,000. Electing for the court to assess punishment, Byrd was sentenced two days later to a 24-month probation during which he must attend anger management classes, perform 80 hours of community service and have no contact with the victim. Byrd was also ordered to spend 30 days in jail as a condition of probation. Fort Bend County Assistant District Attorneys Robert Clopton and Melissa Gimenez prosecuted the case. Attorney Willis E. Smith represented the defendant. |
| Booking location: | Fort Bend County, TX |
