Former Orange County Mayor Arrested for Domestic Violence
By Randy Collins
Mar. 15, 2014 5:20p
A former mayor of Fullerton and California assemblymen, Chris Norby, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and child endangerment, says the Fullerton police department. On March 12, 2013, officers responded to a call in Fullerton and, based upon the allegations, detained him on the spot. Officers involved stated that state law restricts them from providing detailed information about the case, but that the charge did involve him as well as one of his past or current relationships.
Norby was brought to the Police Department where he was booked, arrested, and released on $10,000 bond. He has not been formally charged as of yet, but if prosecutors choose to do so, they could also charge him with abuse against a minor.
Due to the lack of information, determining whether or not prosecutors will charge him is impossible, but we can evaluate what penalties he may face if they do. He was arrested under suspicion of committing child endangerment and domestic violence, both of which carry severe consequences.
In California, a person who commits violent acts against their spouse or loved one could be charged with a variety of different penal code violations. Also, courts are quick to implement domestic violence protective orders to help promote safe communication between the alleged victim and defendant. The more common abuse penal codes are PC 243(e)(1), PC 273D, and PC 273.5, all of which carry different penalties.
243(e)(1) violations can be committed even if there was no physical contact involved. A misdemeanor offense, this can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, as well as three yrs of informal probation.
Those who violate 273D are often facing charges for committing child abuse. If he hit a minor in a way that left a mark or used a belt to teach discipline, he may be convicted. If he is, he could be ordered to serve a year in jail (misdemeanor), or six years in prison (felony).
273.5 can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the specifics of the defendant's case as well as their criminal history. While a lesser offense can result in a year in jail, three years in prison, and $6,000 in fines, some defendants are ordered to serve four years in prison for this type of crime.
Although Norby will likely have a competent legal team to defend him throughout the duration of his court proceedings, many others are not so lucky. If you or your loved one are facing any type of charges, speaking with an experienced attorney may be in your best interest. Call (888) 250-2865 and you will receive a free case evaluation from one of our experienced legal professionals with no obligation to retain our services.
