Graves v. State

Jeffrey Graves appeals his conviction and sentence for one count of aggravated battery. He argues that the trial court erred in instructing the jury on self-defense, and by refusing to allow defense counsel to question the alleged victim about a civil suit filed against Graves as a result of the incident. We agree as to both points and reverse.

Graves resided with a friend named Christine Heap. On December 7, 2005, Graves and Heap were experiencing a plumbing problem and called a plumbing company to send someone out to their home. The company sent Eduardo Perez. A dispute developed between…