Henry Ruggs lawyer presents motion to have blood alcohol content evidence thrown out
The lawyers for former Las Vegas wide receiver Henry Ruggs III are asking a judge to throw out some critical evidence in the case, according to a recent report from the Associated Press. They want the evidence thrown out that showed that Ruggs had a blood alcohol content of more than twice the legal limit while he was allegedly speeding at 156 mph on a Las Vegas highway before being involved in a deadly crash that killed a woman last November.
In a recent court filing, Ruggs’ defense team argued that police did not have a legal reason to ask a judge to authorize a warrant to obtain Ruggs’ blood.
“True probable cause did not exist” attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld said in a document submitted on May 23rd to Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Ann Zimmerman. The document continues, “The mere fact of Mr. Rugg’s involvement in a fatal vehicle collision does not, in itself, give rise to probable cause to believe he was driving under the influence of alcohol,” according to the Associated Press via ESPN.
Zimmerman pushed back the date of a preliminary hearing to Sept. 7 to determine whether or not Ruggs will stand trial in state court on felony driving under the influence charges and reckless driving charges. It should also be noted that she’s scheduled a July 12th hearing on the BAC evidence, according to the Associated Press via ESPN.
For more on the case, check out the in-depth article below from On3’s Stephen Samra and Nikki Chavanelle.
Recent ruling in the case regarding medical records
A recent ruling was made regarding the Henry Ruggs III case, as a Nevada judge ruled that prosecutors can access medical records pertaining to the injuries that the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver’s girlfriend, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, suffered in the high-speed crash that killed a woman last November, according to the Associated Press, via ESPN.
Additionally, the AP added that attorney Peter Christiansen didn’t respond to messages regarding a possible appeal, and the Nevada judge issued to ruling on April 27. The process has been a drawn-out one, as Ruggs’ legal team has had the hearing of evidence in the case moved multiple times.
“In court filings, Christiansen has argued that Kilgo-Washington is not charged with a crime and her health information is protected by federal and state doctor-patient confidentiality laws,” wrote the AP. “Clark County District Court Judge Tara Clark Newberry ruled that disclosure of the records is permitted under exceptions to state law about protected health information.”
As you can see, the legal process is still working regarding the future of the Henry Ruggs III case. The football world will keep a keen eye on what happens next in the events following the tragedy.
Former Alabama star Henry Ruggs III facing up to 50 years in prison
A former first-round pick for the Las Vegas Raiders, Henry Ruggs III was formally charged with five counts in the DUI crash that killed a 23-year-old woman and her dog.
As a result, Ruggs faces two felony counts of DUI causing death/substantial bodily harm, two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death/substantial bodily harm, and a misdemeanor for possession of a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The additional counts added are for Ruggs’ girlfriend who was injured in the crash.
If the court finds Ruggs guilty of all the charges, the former Alabama wide receiver faces up to 50 years in prison.
On3’s Nikki Chavanelle and Stephen Samra also contributed to this article.