Opinion ID: 2514469
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Testimony by Carlut and Guzman

Text: After the prosecution rested its case, Carlut gave his opening statement. He then called Officer Alconcel to testify for a second time. Following the officer's testimony, Carlut took the stand in his own behalf. He testified that the complainant had a history of violent behavior prior to the April 15, 2005 incident. She had a drinking problem and was on probation for assaulting her ex-husband and for drunk driving. One night, she came home at approximately 1:00 a.m., kicked Carlut out of bed, and yanked out the bed sheet. She pulled picture frames off the wall in the bedroom and threw them on the floor. She also threw her clothes and other belongings on the floor. Her conduct alarmed Carlut. He called the police because he was afraid for his safety, but declined to pursue charges because he knew that the complainant was still on probation and he felt sorry for her. Carlut testified that the complainant was drunk when she came home on April 15, 2005; he could smell alcohol on her breath. He demanded that she return his house key and that she vacate the premises because he believed that she would get crazy. The complainant became hostile and refused to return the key or leave. Carlut walked up to her and said, [G]ive me back my key, give me back my key, get out. The complainant again refused to return the key. She proceeded to push Carlut, saying, [N]o, you don't get the key, no. Carlut did not authorize or consent to her pushing him. He responded by slapping her once with his right hand so that he could take back the key. He grabbed her right wrist with his left hand and took the key from her hand. Carlut testified that he took the key because he was concerned for his safety. Guzman, the DPA who was initially assigned to the case, testified next. He stated that he took notes regarding his April 29, 2005 conversation with the complainant. The notes reflected that the complainant had stated that she wanted to withdraw the prosecution and that the markings on her arm were caused by mosquito bites.