Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
The criminal defense attorney for Shawne Merriman, the star linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, says that the domestic violence allegations against his client are unmerited. Merriman, 25, was arrested early yesterday on suspicion of restraining and choking Tila Tequila, the former MTV star of the popular reality dating series “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila.”
Police reportedly were responding to a call by a woman who said she’d been choked and restrained. The woman, who identified herself as Tila Nguyen (Tila Tequila), identified Merriman as the person who choked her when she tried to leave his home.
Nguyen, 27, signed a citizen’s arrest, and Merriman was brought in on suspicion of false imprisonment and battery. Even though police did not see any injuries on her, she asked to be taken to a hospital.
Merriman’s attorney, however, says that Merriman was in fact trying to protect Tequila, who was very “intoxicated and inebriated,” from leaving. The NFL football player wanted to make arrangements so that she could get home safely. The lawyer says that Merriman never assaulted the reality star and did not restrain her against her will. Merriman’s attorney says that there were witnesses at the football player’s home who can corroborate his client’s account of the incident. Later Sunday, Merriman was released from jail.
Meantime, Nguyen posted on her Twitter page that she was not drunk and is actually allergic to alcohol despite her famous celebrity name.
Domestic Violence
Allegations of domestic violence disputes are taken very seriously in the state of Massachusetts. You don’t have to be a husband or the wife to be charged with a domestic violence crime. People in domestic partnerships, boyfriend-girlfriend relationships, former spouses, and family members can be arrested for domestic violence involving alleged physical assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, and other forms of violence.
Boston police must arrest anyone accused of Massachusetts domestic violence. Even if you are not guilty, becoming a suspect of domestic violence can taint your reputation and cause damage to your career or personal life.
Merriman Denies Allegations, Washington Post, September 7, 2009
Tila Tequila denies being drunk during Merriman incident, CNN, September 7, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts Law About Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence, Justia
Contact our Boston criminal defense law firm today.
