V.L. v. State

WELLS, Judge.

Based on a brawl between acquaintances, V.L. was found guilty of simple battery, a first degree misdemeanor, and placed on probation for one year. V.L. appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in precluding the testimony of his cousin, Christian Lopez, who was present at the time of the incident. The State concedes the trial court erred in prohibiting Lopez’s testimony, but argues that in light of an admission V.L. made at the time of the incident, the error was harmless. We disagree and reverse.

A petition for delinquency was filed against V.L. for an aggravated battery…