New York fans of the rock band Journey may be aware that Deen Castronovo has been the focus of both positive and negative media stories in recent years. The 50-year-old drummer was lauded by the press for donating $10,000 to a high school in 2015, but he was criticized in 2012 after being involved in an altercation with a woman. Castronovo became the subject of media attention once again on June 14 when he was taken into custody by Oregon police following an encounter that left a woman injured.
According to a police report, officers in Salem took Castronovo into custody after an encounter that was described as amounting to domestic violence. The drummer was subsequently charged with menacing and assault. Castronovo was released from custody after posting bail in the amount of $20,000. He is scheduled to appear in court again for a plea hearing on June 30.
A diversion agreement reached after the 2012 incident required that Castronovo perform community service and attend mandatory anger management sessions. He had been facing charges including reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. The drummer joined Journey in 1998 after Steve Smith left the band.
Allegations of domestic abuse are treated seriously by authorities, and those accused of violent behavior often suffer serious consequences. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be familiar with domestic violence allegations that have been made maliciously or as part of a divorce or child custody strategy, and they may scrutinize the evidence in these cases closely to determine whether or not claims of violent behavior can be substantiated. An attorney could also argue against custodial sentences for individuals charged with acts of domestic violence, and they may urge prosecutors to consider alternative sanctions such as substance abuse treatment, marriage counseling or anger management therapy.