Update: Rod Stewart and Son Plead Guilty to Simple Battery From 2019 New Year’s Eve Incident | Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers Whittel & Melton

December 29, 2021

Singer Sir Rod Stewart and his son, Sean Roderick Stewart, both entered a guilty plea to one count of simple battery Friday stemming from a New Year’s Eve 2019 incident outside a south Florida hotel.

Police claim that Stewart hit a security guard at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach on New Year’s Eve after his son got in the guard’s face and allegedly shoved him.

Hotel camera footage apparently showed that Stewart and his son were the aggressors in the incident leading to their arrests, according to an affidavit obtained by CNN.

The Stewarts did not appear in court Friday and pleaded guilty “in absentia,” according to court documents.

They were also order to pay $675 each in court fines.

Neither Stewart or his son were convicted of the crime or sentenced to jail or probation.

Under Florida Statutes Section 784.03, there are three types of battery: 1. Simple battery, 2. Aggravated battery, and 3. Felony battery. Battery happens when another person physically touches or strikes another person without their consent, or intentionally inflicts physical violence on another person.

While simple battery is the least serious of battery charges, these are still serious criminal charges that must be fought. Simple battery is a first-degree misdemeanor that involves physical contact that has resulted in minor injuries. If convicted, this crime carries penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Simple battery charges will be treated by police as serious crimes and the prosecution will examine various types of evidence to determine the strength of their case, such as:

• Photos of any injuries
• Photos of the scene where the alleged simple battery occurred
• Statements (written or verbal) made by the alleged victim
• Police reports from the scene
• Medical records if the alleged victim sought medical care
• Any 911 recordings from the alleged incident
• Any witness statements
• All other facts and circumstances leading up to the alleged act of simple battery

A simple battery charge can quickly turn into a situation that can ruin your life. If you are currently employed or seeking employment, then these charges could result in your termination and/or make it difficult for you to secure a new position. Our Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are former prosecutors that know how these cases work and what needs to be done to establish the best possible defense. If you are facing battery charges of any kind, then you must fight back and protect yourself. We can help you understand the charges you are facing and what is needed to build a successful case. You want to secure legal representation right away. Call us now at 561-367-8777 or contact us online for a free consultation so that we can answer all of your questions. If a plea deal is in your best interest, then we can negotiate on your behalf. We prepare every case with an eye towards trial and can help you make the best decisions regarding your future.