Slava Voynov – New Information and Update

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On Monday more information was released regarding Los Angeles Kings defensemen Slava Voynov and his pending domestic violence charges.

Voynov was arrested a week ago, on Monday October 20th in the early morning hours, following a game played against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday afternoon.  Voynov was taken into custody at a Torrence California hospital after taking his wife, Marta Varlamova, for treatment following a dispute.

On Monday, October 27th, Irvine attorney Michael J. Walsh, who is representing Marta Varlamova, said Marta did not want her husband arrested, nor does she want to press charges.

Whether Marta wants to or not is of little consequence.  Under California Penal Code 273.5 (a) Corporal Injury on an Intimate Partner, the alleged offense Voynov could be charged with, is a crime against the state.  That means it is up to the Los Angeles County District Attorney to decide whether or not to press charges and prosecute the case.

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Currently the District Attorney’s office and the Redondo Beach Police Department, the department that arrested Voynov, are reviewing evidence.  The next step is unclear.

Rolland Hedges, Voynov’s agent, has let it be known that Voynov is skating and working out independently to stay in shape, should he be reinstated.

Voynov was suspended from the NHL and all Kings activities indefinately the morning the story broke.  It is assumed that Voynov’s status will change depending on the findings of the investigation and the ensuing litigation process.  Only time will tell.

It is possible that Voynov could be cleared of the charges and still not receive reinstatement into the NHL.  If the League feels Voynov’s actions are reprehensible, and damaging to the NHL’s image he could stay suspended.  It’s part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement all players sign, and the League’s front office would most likely issue a statement that it’s a privilege to play in the NHL.  Though, more likely than not, Voynov would appeal that decision.  However, that’s a long way down the line.

The first step is the evidence and getting the story straight.

Walsh was able to confirm what Voynov’s attorney, Craig Renetzky told ESPN.com last week: Voynov did not strick Marta.

“I’m not sure how I’d want to phrase that.  There was an incident that led up to it.  Both of them [Slava and Marta] are characterizing it as an accident and that’s probably all I want to say at this point,” Walsh said.

Voynov’s next court date is tentatively scheduled for Monday, December 1st.

The Kings continue on in the Life without Slava Saga.  The Kings face-off against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, at 7:00 p.m. EST, 4:00 p.m. PST.  The game against the Flyers kicks off a five game road trip for the Kings.

May 12, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov (26) during game five of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. The Ducks defeated the Kings 4-3 to take a 3-2 series lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports