New York Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate is facing New York felony assault charges after a Queens County grand jury indictment on March 23, 2009. The indictment charges that on December 19 of last year, Mr. Monserrate assaulted his girlfriend Karla Girardo with a drinking glass, causing a gash that required 20 stitches to close.
Both Monserrate and Girardo have denied the charges, claiming that the incident occurred when Mr. Monserrate fell while bringing Girardo a glass of water. Monserrate alleges that the charges of New York assault are politically motivated due to a “vendetta” that Queens District Attorney Richard Brown has against him. The A.D.A. prosecuting the case pointed to a video showing Ms. Girardo coming out of an apartment with a towel to her face and Monserrate yanking her away as she tries to hold onto a banister as proof that the injury was not an accident. Further, prosecutors stated that Ms. Girardo told hospital personnel that Monserrate had struck her with a broken glass. If convicted on the felony assault charges, Mr. Monserrate faces up to seven years in prison.
Contact the White Plains criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 if you or a loved one have been charged with a crime for a free consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.