As Garden Grove domestic violence criminal defense attorneys, we appreciate that the ongoing coverage of actor Mel Gibson's legal woes shine a light on domestic violence prosecutions. As the Los Angeles Times reported Jan. 19, Los Angeles County prosecutors met recently with Gibson's attorneys to discuss possible charges against him. Gibson's latest legal troubles stem from a series of phone messages recorded by his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. The messages are angry and threatening, and Grigorieva has also claimed Gibson hit her on at least two occasions and threatened her with a handgun. Those allegations are the basis of the investigation by the District Attorney's office.
Prosecutors have not yet made a decision about whether to charge Gibson. They cautioned the media not to believe any charges exist unless they say so. Unnamed sources told the newspaper that prosecutors don't intend to file charges until after they resolve the allegations by Gibson that Grigorieva or someone close to her was attempting to extort him with the tapes. The tapes show Gibson threatening and insulting Grigorieva, and in one instance using a racial slur. However, the allegations being investigated are more serious. Grigorieva claims Gibson hit her while she was holding their daughter, born in October of 2009, and on another occasion hit her hard enough to knock out a dental veneer. She also claims he threatened her with a gun. He has said he never punched her, but slapped her once to "shock her so she would stop screaming."
As Chino Hills domestic violence criminal defense lawyers, we're pleased that prosecutors are taking the time to fully investigate this case. Because it involves a celebrity behaving badly, this case has gotten a lot of media attention, much of it critical of Gibson. The "court of public opinion" can make snap judgments, but in a court of law, everyone is innocent until proven guilty -- including people who may not be well liked. Regardless of what Gibson said on tape, the tapes do not prove that he physically abused Grigorieva. As with all domestic violence cases, that will have to be proven with physical evidence, witness testimony and other objective evidence. It's also worth mentioning that the two are fighting for custody of their daughter, which could create a motivation to lie.
Especially if you're not wealthy or a celebrity, you should call Howard Law, P.C. as soon as you're charged with domestic violence, or realize you may be. Domestic battery, domestic assault and related charges frequently pit one person's word against another's, which means arrests and even convictions can be made on the basis of who the officer thinks is more credible. To make matters worse, domestic violence charges can affect defendants' lives long before a conviction, by allowing a restraining order keeping you away from your home and family. If there is a conviction, defendants face jail or prison, compulsory classes, firearms restrictions, child custody problems and more. Our Mission Viejo domestic violence criminal defense attorneys defend clients vigorously from these accusations, using evidence and witness statements to fight baseless innuendos.
If you're accused of domestic violence in California, you should contact Howard Law, P.C. right away. For a free, confidential case evaluation, call us today at 1-800-872-5925 or send us a message online.
