When all the facts relating to a situation are not known, it is easy for outside parties to make assumptions. For example, when a person is arrested for allegedly committing a crime, the information provided to the public can seem as if the individual is immediately guilty. Fortunately, the criminal justice system formally presumes that accused individuals are innocent unless and until proven guilty in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. Fortunately, this means that someone facing a felony charge is fully entitled to maintain his or her innocence as the case moves forward.
A professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves will likely be exploring his defense options after recently being taken into custody. Marcell Ozuna, an outfielder for the Georgia MLB team, was arrested after police arrived at his home after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. After arriving, officers reportedly heard screaming from the house and entered the residence.
According to reports, police witnessed the following actions upon entering the home:
- Ozuna purportedly grabbed the victim — who was reported as being his wife — by the neck.
- He reportedly threw the woman against a wall.
- He allegedly struck her with his arm, which was in a cast due to a baseball-related injury.
Officers stated that the victim had visible injuries, but she was not taken to a hospital for treatment. At the time of the report, Ozuna had been charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor battery. To address the felony charge and other allegation, he will undoubtedly want to ensure that he understands his legal rights and defense options available under Georgia law.