Justyn Ross arrest: Everything we know so far

On Monday afternoon, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross was arrested on October 23, 2023, in Shawnee, Kansas. Let's take a look at what we do know so far.

What is Justyn Ross being charged with?

According to multiple outlets, Justyn Ross has been charged with 2 counts: (1) Domestic Battery with no priors; and (2) Criminal Damage less than $1,000.

Domestic Battery is defined as "(1) Knowingly or recklessly causing bodily harm by a family or household member against a family or household member; or (2) knowingly causing physical contact with a family or household member by a family or household member when done in a rude, insulting or angry manner." K.S.A. 21-5414(a).

In essence, this means that the prosecutors are alleging Ross caused bodily harm to a household member. News outlets have reported that it was Ross's girlfriend that called 911 and told dispatchers he had torn up the house and broken her cell phone. In theory, and based on the charges, it appears he may have also injured her as some are reporting she told dispatchers he was dragging her through their home.

He has also been charged with criminal damage of less than $1000. We can safely assume that this accounts for the broken cell phone, damage to a laptop, computer monitor, gold bracelet, and car key. Initial reports had this amount as greater than $25,000, but that appears to have been incorrect.

What is next in the legal process for Justyn Ross?

Ross appeared, via Zoom, in Court on October 24, 2023.  At this hearing, the charges were read to him and he pleaded Not Guilty.  This is standard as the parties work to determine if they will proceed to trial or a plea agreement will be reached.  Additionally, the court set bond at $2500, which, when posted, allows him to be released from incarceration.  His next court appearance is scheduled for December 4.  Presumably, as part of his bond, there are stipulations that he is not to commit any other crimes, and he is likely required to stay away from his girlfriend.

What are the possible outcomes here for Justyn Ross?

As a first offender, it appears that this is a Class B misdemeanor. The statute states that "the offender shall be sentenced to not less than 48 consecutive hours nor more than six months' imprisonment and fined not less than $200, nor more than $500 or in the court's discretion the court may enter an order which requires the offender to undergo a domestic violence offender assessment conducted by a certified batterer intervention program and follow all recommendations made by such program." K.S.A. 21-5414(b)(1).

This means that it is possible Ross could face time in jail; however, the more likely scenario is a plea agreement wherein he agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a period of probation, treatment, and restitution.

What have the Kansas City Chiefs said about Ross's arrest?

To this point, the Chiefs have declined to make any official statement. That's common for any team at this point in the legal process. Ross remains on the Chiefs' roster, but his future with the team is certainly something we will be watching with interest.