Television Evangelist Charged with Misdemeanor Battery (PCP 242-243)
The televangelist and Atlanta pastor Creflo Dollar was arrested last week on charges of misdemeanor battery and cruelty to a child. The Los Angeles Times reports that Dollar vehemently denied the charges in an address to his congregation on Sunday.
The allegations stem from an altercation between Rev. Dollar and his daughter over her desire to attend a party. What is agreed is that his 17-year-old argued that she wanted to go despite her father’s stern refusal to allow her to do so; an altercation resulted. The daughter’s story diverges from her father’s at this point.
The girl claims that Dollar ran toward her and proceeded to choke her. He then is alleged to have shoved her to the ground and begun punching her. Following this he allegedly removed his shoe and hit her with it repeatedly. Once the daughter managed to free herself, she ran off to call 911. The girl’s older sister, 19, corroborated this version of events.
Rev. Dollar admits that an altercation took place, but claims he merely “restrained” the girl when she became disrespectful. What specifically constitutes such restraint in Dollar’s mind is unclear.
If convicted, Dollar faces a fine and jail time. While the case falls under Georgia state laws, California penalizes a conviction for Misdemeanor Battery (PC 242-243) with up to a fine of $2,000 and six months in jail. The Cruelty to a Child charge would likely be made under PC 273(d). This penal code violation is a “wobbler,” meaning it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the case.
A conviction for battery, even as a misdemeanor, can severely impact your life. A six-month stay in jail can cost you your job and house, and will be very hard on your family. If you have been charged with battery, it is important that you hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who will work hard to help you keep your freedom and good name. The team of attorneys at Wallin & Klarich has spent over 40 years helping clients like you. Call us today at 1-888-749-0034.
