LA Kings defenseman Slava Voynov has pleaded not guilty to felony domestic assault.
Domestic Violence Allegations
According to the Los Angeles County district attorney, Voynov, 24, allegedly attacked his wife on October 19 at their home in Redondo Beach, California. He was arrested at the hospital where his wife was being treated for the injuries she sustained during the argument. He was charged with one count of corporal injury to spouse with great bodily injury. If convicted of the charges, the Russian player faces up to a nine year sentence in state prison.
According to the district attorney, Voynov’s wife sustained injuries to her eyebrow, cheek, and neck during the altercation.
NHL Suspension and Domestic Violence in Sports
Since his arrest on October 20, the player has been on indefinite paid suspension by the National Hockey League. The LA Kings have been in agreement with how the NHL has handled Voynov’s indefinite suspension. Voynow is currently in the second year of a six year contract that pays $4.16 annually, for a total of $25 million over the six years. These allegations, along with Voynov’s arrest and suspension, came just on the heels of public outcry surrounding Roger Goodell’s handling of domestic violence allegations within the NFL.
Working with a Domestic Violence Attorney
If you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, you should immediately contact a domestic violence defense attorney. These charges come with very serious penalties for conviction. If convicted of domestic violence, the minimum sentence is three years of probation. You might also face a $400 fine, as well as other penalties, such as protective orders. No two cases are alike, and so all options must be carefully considered before a litigation strategy is put into place.
Source: Reuters, LA Kings’ Voynov pleads not guilty in domestic violence case, December 1, 2014
