Mark Sullivan/Getty ImagesTurns out Gerard Butler may have had to do more research than we thought for his role in the upcoming Law Abiding Citizen.
The Scottish actor was charged Wednesday with battery for allegedly beating up a paparazzo last year following a premiere party for the Guy Ritchie-directed caper flick RocknRolla.
Butler isn't required to attend his June 10 arraignment because the charge is a misdemeanor, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office spokesman Frank Mateljan tells E! News. "If he is convicted, he could face up to six months in jail and/or pay a $2,000 fine," Mateljan said.
The smackdown reportedly occurred outside of L.A. hot spot Crown Bar Oct. 7 at around 2 a.m., as Butler was leaving the RocknRolla party and was about to hop into his limo.
A rep for the 300 star has not yet responded to a request for comment.