Felony and misdemeanor charges aren't the only legal troubles that could face St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith. Robert Couvillon, the man who says Smith ambushed him in a Madisonville restaurant, could seek significant civil penalties, too.
"Basically a personal injury suit," said Doug Sunseri, attorney and host of All Things Legal on WWL.
"You know, it's two components of it. He could be personally liable for any injuries and damages to Mr. Couvillon, or St. Tammany Parish could be on the hook," Sunseri explained.
Sunseri says even if the sheriff wasn't acting in his official capacity, it could be argued that a high-ranking official like a sheriff is always working.
"St. Tammany could be liable also for injuries under basically a civil rights statute," Sunseri said.
Sunseri says Couvillon could also seek a civil case against Gregory Saurage, who is charged as a principal to second degree battery in the case. The state attorney general's office says Saurage may have encouraged the assault.
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