There are many different types of relationships. While some couples are relatively calm and remain so even when they disagree, others are somewhat more volatile. Despite this passion, few couples resort to violence during a dispute. However, police in California arrested and accused actor Tom Sizemore of domestic violence.
The incident that led to his arrest happened in July. Police claim that he and his significant other become involved in some sort of altercation one morning. According to police, the alleged victim suffered minor injuries. It is unclear what sparked the altercation.
Sizemore was taken into custody at the time and released on $50,000 bail. Because the office of the district attorney chose not to file felony charges, Sizemore is accused of three misdemeanors including battery, abuse and making terroristic threats. If convicted of all charges, he could spend up to three years in prison.
Accusations of domestic violence must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. However, to gain a conviction of charges as a result of such accusations, there must be sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In cases that hinge on one person’s word against another’s, this standard of proof is often difficult to meet. In cases involving criminal charges, defendants who likely have little experience with the criminal justice system are left to make difficult decisions that will likely have a major impact on the rest of their life. Because of the importance of these decisions, many in California often hire a defense attorney to guide them through the process.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Tom Sizemore charged with three misdemeanors in July domestic violence arrest“, Joseph Serna, Sept. 1, 2016