Our Cypress domestic violence criminal defense attorneys were interested to see a recent item about the arrest of the adult daughter of Huntington Beach's police chief. Jennifer Sue Small, 31, was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff's Department for stabbing her husband, 33, in the chest at a hotel. The wound is not considered life-threatening. The sheriff's department declined to name the husband because he is a victim of domestic violence. Small is the daughter of Chief Ken Small of the Huntington Beach police department, who said his family has struggled with his daughter's domestic violence history for many years. He told the Orange County Register May 25 that he expects no special treatment for his daughter.
The arrest of the younger Small came after deputies responded to a call about domestic violence at a Midway City hotel early Monday. No charges have yet been filed, but Small was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and inflicting injury. They are the latest in a list of legal problems Small has faced in the past five years. Between 2005 and 2009, she pleaded guilty to public intoxication three times, trespassing twice, one DUI and one count of battery of a peace officer. Other charges against her did not result in a guilty plea. In 2006, a court dismissed two charges of misdemeanor child abuse and endangerment against Small, as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance. Also in 2006, Small pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor corporeal injury on a spouse and misdemeanor vandalism. Those charges were later dismissed.
As Yorba Linda domestic violence criminal defense lawyers, we're interested in this case in part because it turns the usual assumptions about domestic abuse and gender upside down. We're not exactly happy that both men and women can be charged with domestic violence, but we do believe it's a point worth repeating, because many people don't believe women are ever charged. In fact, that was true in many states until fairly recently. These days, when the couple presents conflicting stories, some officers still automatically take the woman's side, despite the fact that the law is officially neutral. In this case, however, it's difficult to imagine deputies ignoring a chest stabbing. Small's history of legal problems, including spousal abuse and child abuse charges, may also have been a factor.
Even if they can't call on law enforcement connections, people accused of domestic violence in California should get help from an experienced attorney. HOWARD | NASSIRI PC represents people of all genders and backgrounds who are accused of spousal abuse, child abuse and other family violence crimes. Many people don't realize this until after an arrest, but accusers can get temporary restraining orders keeping them defendants away from their homes, children and belongings right away -- sometimes before the defendant is even released from jail. If convicted, defendants may be subject to a permanent restraining order, jail or prison time, anger management or alcohol classes, restrictions on their right to own a firearm and more. Our Los Angeles County domestic violence criminal defense lawyers help defendants protect their legal rights right away, and can mount a strong defense when it's time to go to court.
HOWARD | NASSIRI offers free consultations, allowing you to speak with us about your case at no further obligation or cost. To set one up, please send us an email or call 1-800-872-5925 today.
