Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "Domestic cases like this are very difficult because they're packed with emotion." Defense attorney Paul Cambria discussed the domestic violence allegations facing Buffalo Bills push rusher Von Miller in Dallas, Texas.
In a 9-1-1 call obtained by WFAA in Dallas, a woman is heard saying, "my boyfriend was choking me, hitting me, pulling my hair. I have bruises all over me. My hair's out." Hours later, the woman texted the TV station saying that the couple is fine and that things have been blown out of proportion and that the whole thing is outrageous.
"That is the nature of domestic cases," Cambria said. "We see it all the time and it's not to indicate that they're all false. But it's difficult to separate the false from the exaggerated."
He said these types of cases are laced with emotion and they're the toughest ones as far as prosecutors are concerned.
The next move will be up to the District Attorney to decide whether to go forward with the case or whether to resolve it with the parties and
order counseling for the couple.
Miller is charged with third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman, which is punishable by two to ten years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine.
"This is normally a misdemeanor level offense, but because the woman is pregnant, it elevates this to a felony, so it's obviously very serious" said Cambria.
High profile sports figures, he noted, are often targets for publicity and accusations
"There will be scrutiny by both prosecutors and by the National Football League. The NFL has a very detailed investigation process. I've represented Bills players, hockey players and others. We've gone through the process with the league where they investigate it themselves and decide how they're going to handle it." He added that the league has a lot of discretion.
Cambria thinks the league will be influenced by the prosecutors decision. "In a case where we immediately have inconsistent statements, it just makes you
back up and say wait a minute. Let's not get caught up in the hype."
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