WINNEMUCCA — The local man charged with beating his wife and leaving her unconscious on the floor of their home has accepted a negotiated settlement that will reduce the charges he’s facing.

Quinton Boyles, 35, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery and was sentenced in Union Township Justice Court on Friday (Dec. 2).  A second charge, felony battery causing substantial bodily harm, will be transferred to 6^th Judicial District Court for further proceedings.

As a result of the settlement, the charge of attempted murder will be dismissed.

The victim initially told her doctor she sustained injuries in a fall.  The doctor did not believe her and later told police the only way someone could get injuries that extensive in a fall is if she fell off a two-story building.  The victim later acknowledged to the hospital’s social worker she had been battered by her husband.

Boyles acknowledged in court that he battered his wife, breaking her collarbone, and kicked her legs, causing bruises.

The case was heard by Justice of the Peace Judge Edward Johnson, who said people just never know what goes on behind closed doors of someone’s home.

According to Deputy DA Roger Whomes, the victim’s ordeal did not end with the battery or the hospital stay.

Whomes said while Boyles was in custody his mother had the locks changed on the couple’s home, emptied the couple’s bank accounts so the victim wouldn’t have access to money, and had both the house phone and cell phone turned off.

Further, having been convicted of domestic battery Boyles can no longer own, possess, or carry firearms.  An effort was made to have all the firearms turned over to a third party, even to his mother, but that effort was blocked by Whomes who reminded the court all the firearms – in fact all the couple’s possessions – were community property. Turning them over to a third party would deny Mrs. Boyles access to that community property.

As regards the couple’s bank accounts, Judge Johnson informed the defendant he would remain financially responsible for his family.  An agreement was made that would give Mrs. Boyles access to money for herself and the couple’s two children.

Boyles told the court he was anxious to return to work and move on, but the DA’s Office and defense were far apart on the issue of bail.

At the time of his arrest, Boyles’ bail was set at $150,000 – cash.

At Friday’s hearing, the defendant’s attorney, Richard Davies, argued for bail to be set at $10,000 – bondable.  He said the defendant had taken responsibility for his actions, was not a flight risk, lived in the area, and worked in the area.  Boyles was also agreeable to an ankle bracelet with GPS that would track his movements; however, there was some discussion he would have to be released to go to Elko to get the ankle bracelet.

Stating the defendant was still a danger to Mrs. Boyles, Whomes argued against any reduction in bail.

Johnson set bail at $25,000 – bondable.  He further ordered that Boyles not be released from jail, that he not step out of the detention center, until the ankle bracelet was on.

For first-offense domestic battery Boyles was sentenced to 90 days in jail with 90 days stayed for one year; a fine of $500, which is to be jail time served at $75 a day; court fees of $162 to be paid by April 2, 2012; 48 hours of community service converted to 16 days credit for time served.

Felony battery causing substantial bodily harm is a category C felony.  Battery represents a possible 1-5 years in prison, but probation is also an option depending on multiple factors, including the defendant’s criminal history.  He will be sentenced on the substantial bodily harm enhancement at the court’s discretion.

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