As if the details of Charlie Sheen’s “accidental overdose,” or possibly cocaine use, New York City antics were not enough, details continue to leak (click here for more details).  The woman that Sheen was with was not necessarily an escort, rather she is a porn star named Capri Anderson (aka Christina Walsh), and is apparently going to try to press charges against Sheen.  Additionally, it is now being reported that Sheen was upset over a missing watch, part of his incredibly expensive collection of watches valued at over $5million dollars. 

 What Claims Does Anderson have?

Anderson is claiming that she ended up locked in Sheen’s hotel room (according to TMZ).  After Sheen repeatedly punched the door, she called the hotel security because she was afraid of Sheen.  Now, the question is, what type of civil claim could Anderson bring against Sheen?

 First, Anderson would actually have to file some sort of suit against Sheen.  The type of suit to be filed would depend on facts that we don’t have yet.  Assuming that she felt that she was trapped in the bathroom and feared for her life without any way to escape, she might be able to sue Sheen under a theory of false imprisonment.  False imprisonment is usually defined as restraining a person in a bounded area without justification or consent.  Here, Anderson was “trapped” in the bathroom of the hotel and afraid to leave the bathroom for fear that Sheen would do something to her. 

 Another potential claim Anderson could have is for an assault.  An assault is an act that causes another to apprehend an immediate harmful contact.  However, there doesn’t need to be any actual contact. If there is contact, then there might be a claim for battery.  Here, Anderson was incredibly afraid of Sheen.  However, it remains unclear if she was afraid of some type of physical or immediate harmful contact from him.  Assuming she was afraid he would physically hurt her, she probably has a claim for assault against Sheen. 

 Finally, TMZ is reporting that Anderson wants to continue to press charges against Sheen in a criminal setting.  Under criminal law, only a state or the government can bring criminal proceedings against a person.  However, the state usually requires someone to press charges against a person in order to proceed with a case.  If nothing else, the state will usually need a person to somewhat cooperate with an investigation.  The reason for this is that the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person is guilty.  This is a much higher standard than in a civil case. 

 What do you think?  Is Anderson just seeking attention?  Would a person on a drug high who has you locked in a bathroom scare you?