Michael Avenatti Avoids Felony Charge in Domestic Violence Case

Attorney for Stormy Daniels was arrested last week, and maintains his innocence

Michael Avenatti
Getty

Attorney Michael Avenatti won’t face a felony charge in the domestic violence case against him — but it remains to be seen if he will face a misdemeanor charge.

A week after Avenatti’s arrest on a domestic violence charge, the case has been referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.

According to the D.A.’s office, the case, which was presented by Los Angeles police, has been referred to the city attorney “for misdemeanor filing consideration.”

Avenatti has been accused by actress Mareli Miniutti, who was granted a temporary restraining order against Avenatti earlier this week. According to a declaration from Miniuitti, Avenatti, who had a “dating relationship” with the actress from October 2017 until Nov. 13, 2018, grabbed and dragged Miniutti after the couple argued about money on Nov. 13.

Avenatti has maintained his innocence. Earlier this week, the attorney said that he will be vindicated by video evidence.

“When the truth and the facts are fully disclosed, including the security camera footage, I will be vindicated and a lot of people and news organizations are going to owe me an apology as well as money. Completely bogus. Let’s start with TMZ’s reporting from last week,” Avenatti wrote.

In a statement Wednesday, Avenatti thanked the district attorney’s office for not filing charges against him.

“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,” the statement read. “I have maintained my innocence since the moment of my arrest. I 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.”

Avenatti is best known for representing Stephanie Clifford, aka Stormy Daniels, in her legal fight with President Trump. She has said she will drop Avenatti as her attorney if he is proven guilty of the accusations.

Comments