in Virginia, domestic violence charges can have a major effect on your career, reputation and future, especially if you are in the public eye. However, many people facing criminal charges did not commit the crime they are accused of committing. Domestic violence charges in particular can stem from false accusations from an alleged victim or incorrect interpretation of events by officers responding to the scene.
All-Star pitcher for the New York Mets, Jeurys Familia, was recently charged with domestic violence after an alleged altercation with the mother of his child. Officers arrived at the apartment and saw the woman with a scratch on her chest and a bruise on her right cheek.
Familia was charged with simple assault. He was later released on $1,500 bail and a no-contact order was issued. The order has since been dropped at the request of the woman involved, but the provisions prohibiting firearm possession and further acts of domestic violence are still in effect.
The woman has refused to press charges but the state has decided to move forward with the case and has charged Familia with domestic violence. Familia has pleaded not guilty and his next hearing is set for mid-December. If he is found guilty, Familia could face jail time or deportation. The Mets organization has yet to take disciplinary action, but they may do so in the future.
Domestic violence charges should be taken seriously as they can have a serious impact on your entire life. Your attorney can help you come up with an effective strategy to defend against the charges and give yourself the best chance at avoiding severe consequences.
Source: CBS News, “Mets pitcher pleads not guilty to domestic violence charges,” Nov. 10, 2016
