LA City Attorney Reviewing Domestic Violence Case Against Michael Avenatti
Nov. 21 2018, Published 8:27 p.m. ET
Stormy Daniels’ combative lawyer’s future rests in the hands of the justice system.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office will decide whether or not misdemeanor charges will be filed against attorney Michael Avenatti after an actress filed a restraining order against him earlier this week.
The Los Angeles Police Department presented their case to the city attorney's office on Wednesday, Nov. 21, in connection to an alleged incident between Avenatti and actress Marieli Miniutti that led to his arrest on Nov. 14, the office said in a statement.
Since the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to press felony charges, the L.A. City's Attorney's Office will now review the case to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge the attorney with misdemeanor charges.
Avenatti responded by posting this statement on Twitter:
"I am thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has rejected filing any charges against me after a fair, careful and thorough investigation. I have maintained my innocence since the money of my arrest. U wish to thank my supporters, friends, family, attorneys, and clients for the outpouring of support they provided. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for justice."
According to Miniutti's declaration, which was included in her request for a temporary restraining order against Avenatti, she and the attorney have been having an affair and had a "dating relationship" that began a year ago that ended with an explosive fight on Nov. 13.
Miniutti said on that night, she was in a bedroom of the apartment she shared with Avenatti when they started arguing.
"We began arguing about money, and Respondent called me an 'ungrateful, f**king b**ch' and began to berate me," Miniutti said in the affidavit. "I left the apartment's master bedroom and went to the guest bedroom to sleep alone. Respondent eventually followed me to the guest bedroom, getting very close to me in a threatening manner and made me afraid."
Miniutti claimed Avenatti tried to pull her off the bed and grabbed her cell phone when she was trying to text her friend.
"Respondent then grabbed my right arm and dragged me out of the bed," Miniutti continued. "He dragged me on the floor of the apartment towards and out of the door into the public hallway. I was wearing only my underwear and a T-shirt, and suffered scratches to the bare skin on my side and leg."
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Avenatti is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 10, according to court records.
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