How long Raja Jackson could spend in jail if guilty as charges prepared over wrestler attack

Raja Jackson will face criminal charges following his attack on professional wrestler Stuart 'Syko Stu' Smith earlier this year.

The 25-year-old will be charged with one count of felony battery that caused serious bodily injury, and one count of misdemeanor battery, according to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

It comes after Jackson, son of former UFC champ Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, attacked Smith during an independent wrestling event in Los Angeles, following an altercation outside the venue.

Disturbing footage captured the incident, showing the moment Jackson stormed the ring and slammed 39-year-old on the ground, before punching him repeatedly while he lay there unconscious and covered in blood.

Smith sustained a serious head injury during the attack, as well as 'trauma to both the upper and lower jaws, a laceration to his upper lip, and a fracture to the maxilla bone, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of several teeth', according to a statement posted by his family.

The LA Times report that prosecutors will seek a sentencing enhancement based on the severity of the wrestler's injuries.

Last month, Jackson was arrested by LA police on suspicion of a felony assault, and was later released on $50,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court for an arraignment later this week.

How long Raja Jackson could spend in jail if guilty

If Jackson pleads guilty to the offences he is charged with, or is found guilty following a trial, he could be looking at a lengthy jail sentence.

When a battery results in serious bodily injury, like a tooth lost up to its root, a loss of consciousness, broken bones etc, it will be charged as a felony, as is the case with Jackson. While the punishment does vary from state to state, under California law it can carry a maximum prison sentence of four years, and a maximum fine of $10,000. However, the sentence can increase up to six years if the victim's injuries qualify as 'great bodily injuries'.

Meanwhile, misdemeanor battery carries a maximum jail sentence of one year in the vast majority of states in the US, however, it can also receive a shorter sentence of six months depending on the circumstances. A misdemeanor charge will usually be charged when the damage is comparatively minor, with no use of a weapon or causing serious injuries.

However, prosecutors are seeking what is known as an 'enhancement', which allows prison sentences to be increased due to a number of considerations, such as the severity of the injuries, if any weapons were involved or if there are any prior convictions.

Due to the seriousness of Smith's injuries, Jackson could spend between four and six years in jail if he is found guilty of the offences.