State of Georgia v. A.D.H. (2024)

State Court of Gwinnett County; Accusation #: 21-D-02871-4

Not Guilty verdict on battery and simple battery charges after asserting self-defense at jury trial.

Summary: This case originated from a June 21, 2021 incident at a restaurant located in Buford, Georgia. A.D.H. was alleged to have intentionally caused visible bodily harm, bruising and scratches, to a security guard employed at the restaurant by striking him in the face. When police arrived at the subject location, the alleged victim, the security guard at the subject location, and another security guard were physically restraining A.D.H. on the ground. Through speaking with witnesses, police were provided with allegations from staff at the incident location that A.D.H. was involved in a verbal dispute with another patron at the restaurant. As a result, A.D.H. was allegedly told to leave the restaurant before a physical altercation between the security and A.D.H. took place. The security guard alleged, after being told to leave, A.D.H. suddenly and without provocation, punched him in the face. According to the alleged victim, the physical spilled outside and ultimately ended after security guards were able to take A.D.H. to the ground. The alleged victim also accused A.D.H. of attempting to gouge his eye during the altercation. A.D.H. was arrested and ultimately charged with Battery and Simple Battery.

At trial, Attorney Dominko Rumph was able to prove that A.D.H. was justified in using force against the alleged victim because A.D.H. was acting in self-defense. Evidence was presented to show that the altercation between A.D.H. took place on a property the security guard was not authorized to secure. There was also evidence that the alleged victim pursued A.D.H. to the other property prior to any physical contact taking place. The jury returned a “Not Guilty” verdict on both charges within thirty (30) minutes of beginning their deliberations.