Slava Voynov Update 2.0 – Not Guilty Plea – Charges Filed
Los Angeles Kings defensemen Slava Voynov has officially been charged with felony domestic violence assault charges.
Today was his arraignment in Los Angeles County, Torrance courtroom. Voynov pleaded Not Guilty to one count of felony domestic violence. Voynov’s attorney Craig Renetzky tweeted out today:
Mr. Voynov has entered a plea of not guilty. His preliminary hearing will be on Dec 15 at the Torrance court .
— Craig Renetzky (@losangeleslegal) December 1, 2014
Los Angeles Times reporter Lisa Dillman broke the story on Thursday morning that Voynov had been formally charged. Charges were filed on November 20th.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office charged Voynov with one count of felony corporal injury to a spouse with great bodily injury.
The quote released from the District Attorney’s office stated: “During an argument in their Redondo Beach home on October 19th, Voynov caused his wife to suffer injuries to her eyebrow, cheek, and neck, prosecutors said. The injuries were serious and required medical attention at a local hospital where the defendant was arrested, prosecutors added.”
Voynov expressed his disappointment through his attorney, Craig Renetzky:
My. Voynov is extremely disappointed that the District Attorney's office elected to file charges.
— Craig Renetzky (@losangeleslegal) November 20, 2014
Voynov’s wife has not filed charges. Issues of domestic violence are considered crimes against the state in California. Therefore, it is up to the District Attorney’s office whether or not charges are filed, and the case is pursued.
Voynov is currently free on $50,000 bail. Voynov’s wife Marta Varlamova does not want charges filed against her husband. She has stuck by his side throughout the entire ordeal. The couple is still living together. Marta Varlamova did not attend this morning’s court proceeding.
After the morning’s arraignment Voynov had no comment for the media. However, the less than reputable celebrity news site, TMZ, is reporting that Voynov claims this incident has stemmed from a misunderstanding. Police mistook Marta’s statement that she fell down for being assaulted, because Marta only speaks Russian.
Either way, Larry Altman, a crime reporter at the Daily Breeze, was at this morning’s arraignment and tweeted:
Prosecution sought protective order to keep #SlavaVoynov away from wife....
— Larry Altman (@LarryAltman) December 1, 2014
...but her atty submitted paperwork saying she doesnt fear him
— Larry Altman (@LarryAltman) December 1, 2014
LA Kings Slava Voynov added atty Pamela Robillard Mackey to his defense team today. She's known for representing #Lakers #KobeBryant
— Larry Altman (@LarryAltman) December 1, 2014
Voynov is lawyering up, while the outcome of his future still hangs in the balance.
The 24-year-old two time Stanley Cup champion is in jeopardy of missing the rest of 2014-2015 season, and could potentially face jail time. Felony charges for domestic violence in California could, depending on the facts of the case and the situation, result in 2-4 years in jail. What’s worse, Voynov could face deportation as he is a legal immigrant from Russia.
Deportation would bar Voynov from re-entry into the United States, ending his career in the NHL.
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More information will be released as the proceedings unfold, but it’s looking more and more like this is going to be a lengthy process.
While everyone, from the family, to the Kings organization, to Kings fans – KingsNation, and all fans of Hockey; want to see a full and thorough investigation that gets down to the truthful events of the situation, this has every indication that it’s going to be messy.
Voynov’s lawyering-up is only more of a suggestion that hints in this direction.
Let’s be honest, more attorneys in any situation is not good sign. And lawyers are paid by the hour, so this won’t be resolved any time soon.
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The Kings miss Voynov’s presence on the ice, but continue on without him. Though, not without struggles. After a series of injuries, resulting in games where the Kings could only suit up 17 skaters, L.A. got the ‘ok’ from the National Hockey League Commission and the National Hockey League Players Association to place Voynov on Not Active status, giving the Kings cap-space relief from Voynov’s contract while retaining his rights.
Voynov was suspended with pay by the NHL from all Kings activities on October 20th. Voynov played six games for L.A. this season.
While Voynov fights his tough battle with the legal system, the Kings will march on without his services, focused on fighting a tough battle for a chance to defend their title in the playoffs.
The Kings next game is Tuesday, December 2nd, when they host the Boston Bruins at Staples Center.
Voynov’s next courtroom appointment is a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 15th.
Sep 27, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov looks to pass the puck during an NHL exhibition game against the New York Rangers at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Kings won the game 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports