Generally questions about whether a victim was under the influence of drugs is only admissible where if the Defendant intends to claim self defense toward a drug crazed assailant-victim. Otherwise, such questions are usually irrelevant, not admissible and may not be asked. It is unclear what relevance asking the victim about an incident with his father since that would not appear to be relevant unless the Defendant was trying to show he was acting in self defense and the victim had a propensity for violence.

Mr. Wahadi’s only possible defenses to this case are that it simply did not happen or that he was acting in self defense or defense of others. Notably, self defense usually only permits like force with like force to be applied. So if Mr. Murillo was using his fist and Mr. Wahadi used a knife that may not qualify as self defense.

Irvine is generally considered one of the safest places in America and is consistently on top 10 lists for American cities with little crime. For such a serious crime to have been committed there has been a shock to the locals. If convicted Mr. Wahadi could face life in prison. See Penal Code Sections 664-187, 245(a) (1).

Domestic violence is frequently in the news, recently the movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo chronicled the affects of domestic violence, and for the past 30 years The Take Back the Night Foundation has existed to end domestic violence. Each incident has its own set of facts, but what if the violence is mutual? Read what one client says:

“I was arrested for Domestic Violence under Penal Code Section 273.5(a) as a felony for an incident that occurred with my spouse in Orange County, California. My bail was set at $50,000.00. For the crime I was arrested for I faced a maximum of three years in prison. After I bailed out of jail I went to speak to Attorney William Bruzzo whom I understood to be a very effective attorney and very familiar with the judges and the District Attorneys in Orange County. Mr. Bruzzo told me that he would start working on my case even before my court date and that he would try to persuade the District Attorney NOT TO FILE the case against me which would mean there would never actually be a court case. Mr. Bruzzo told me it appeared that at a minimum both parties had engaged equally in the physical altercation. He also told me that the law says if both parties engage in mutual combat then the case can be dismissed. He made several phone calls to the District Attorney and then submitted a letter to the District Attorney which provided additional information about the incident that was helpful to me. Two days after I hired Mr. Bruzzo and before I even had to appear in court he informed me that the District Attorney had REJECTED the case and decided not to file against me. I NEVER HAD TO APPEAR IN COURT AND I HAVE NO CONVICTION. I am very grateful to Mr. Bruzzo for his efforts and I would enthusiastically recommend him for an Domestic Violence or Criminal matter.” ~~ CL 05/2010