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California professor convicted of domestic violence and torture

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jan 9, 2017 | Domestic Violence |

“Torture” isn’t a criminal charge that you hear about very often, even in cases where it probably applies. However, California law specifically introduced a provision in its penal code to address this form of violence in an effort to get tougher on crime. While legislators probably were thinking more about gang violence and drug dealers at the time, the law can also be applied to domestic violence situations.

When it is, it can have serious ramifications for the defendant who is convicted of torturing his or her spouse—which is the unfortunate lesson that one University of California professor is now learning.

The UC Riverside psychology professor was just sentenced to a term of nine years to life for a combination of crimes against his spouse, including spousal abuse, criminal threats and torture causing great bodily harm. He was apparently upset that she had gone to Temecula with friends without telling him first.

After verbally berating her, he followed his wife into their bedroom. Sensing the danger, the wife had the foresight to turn on the recording device on her smartphone, to have evidence of what happened next.

Forcing her face down in a pillow, the professor choked his wife several times over the course of twenty minutes. He also threatened to break bones and bent her fingers back, causing her extreme pain.

She eventually broke free, escaped and hid until she could get to someplace to call 911. She was left with extreme bruising and swelling on her face for a month, and she couldn’t consume solid food for a week due to the injuries to her throat.

California’s penal codes describe torture as an intentional act, designed to inflict cruel or extreme pain and suffering on the victim for just about any purpose. It also has to inflict “great bodily injury,” which would include things like the ongoing headaches, memory loss and vocal problems that the victim still suffers.

While no domestic violence charge should ever be taken lightly, anyone charged with torture in connection with domestic violence should seek immediate legal representation. The torture charge automatically carries the possibility of a life sentence—which is far more than the usual punishment faced during normal domestic violence cases, which are more likely to involve mandatory counseling, minimal jail time and fines instead.

Source: Temecula Patch, “UCR Professor Beat, Tortured Wife After She Visited Temecula: Trial Testimony,” Patch CA (Patch Staff), Dec. 28, 2016

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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