The oldest son of Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner was recently arrested and charged in connection with a domestic violence incident in Pasadena, the Los Angeles Times is reporting.
Pasadena criminal defense lawyers understand that domestic violence situations can be serious. However, sometimes allegations of violence are made without merit. When law enforcement is called to a home to investigate, it often turns into a he said/she said battle.
Unfortunately, in most cases, police will leave with an arrest, even though there is likely a conflict in the evidence. Police often will have a difficult time determining the true facts of a situation if the only witnesses are the couple themselves.
In this case, 21-year-old Marston Hefner was arrested by Pasadena police recently after a call came from his home, reporting alleged domestic violence. Police left with Hefner in handcuffs on a charge of suspicion of domestic violence.
Officers arrived at the house on West Del Mar Boulevard and after investigating determined that he had assaulted his girlfriend. He was held on the misdemeanor domestic violence charge and given a $20,000 bond, which he posted and was released later that night.
CBS News added that the alleged victim of the crime was the 2011 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Clair Sinclair.
That news outlet is reporting that she sought a temporary restraining order against the man following the incident. Hefner is being accused of kicking and punching the woman during a fight the couple had at the home.
Restraining orders can be useful tools for domestic violence incidents, but they can also be dangerous if granted without solid proof. A domestic violence victim can obtain a temporary restraining order without much effort.
The person must simply go to the courthouse, fill out paperwork, wait to see a judge and explain what they say happened. If the judge agrees, the "aggressor" then will be banned from contacting or being within a certain area of the "victim."
And all this happens without the benefit of a defense from the "aggressor." They can be kicked out of their house, kept from seeing their children and otherwise have their lives disrupted without being able to defend themselves.
Luckily, a temporary restraining order is just that -- temporary, usually only lasting a few days. Once that is granted, the defendant will receive notice of a hearing for a permanent order and that's when they can bring up points in their defense.
It is important to have an experienced Pasadena criminal defense attorney there with you in order to ensure that an order doesn't get granted with bad facts. A restraining order can not only disrupt a person's life, but ruin their reputation and cause significant stress in their life. Don't show up to a hearing unprepared. Be ready to fight for your rights.
If you are facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Ventura, Encino, Valencia or the Los Angeles area, contact the Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann, a Southern California Criminal Defense Firm. Call 888-744-7730 or contact us through this website for a free consultation.
Additional Resources:
Hugh Hefner's son arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, by Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times
