WCDA Trial Result

Misdemeanor Domestic Battery Trial Results in Guilty Verdict

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks has announced that a guilty verdict has been secured in a recent misdemeanor domestic battery trial. Austin Michael James Martin, age 27, Reno was convicted on one count of misdemeanor domestic battery stemming from a May 9, 2021 arrest. Sentencing is set for April 19, 2022 in Reno Justice Court and Martin faces up to 6 months in jail.  

Martin was arrested by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) after they responded to a call of a reported domestic dispute at a Lemmon Valley address. Once on scene, WCSO deputies determined that Martin and the victim, who is his former girlfriend, had gotten into a dispute when the girlfriend was in the process of moving from the residence. During the dispute, Martin battered the victim, who called 911. Martin was ultimately arrested and pled not guilty. The case proceeded to a jury trial due to a Nevada State Supreme Court decision providing defendant’s accused of domestic violence with the right to a jury trial due to the possibility of losing their right to own or possess a firearm if convicted.

The two-day trial was conducted in Reno Justice Court and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Lindsay Liddell. DDA Liddell argued that Martin lost control during a verbal dispute and became physically violent. Evidence presented at trial included photographs of the victim’s injuries and torn clothing, testimony from the victim, and testimony regarding the victim’s medical treatment. After brief deliberations, the 12-person jury convicted Martin of misdemeanor battery constituting domestic violence.