A San Diego criminal defense attorney, and former employee of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, appeared in court today as the defendant. He faces felony charges in a domestic violence case, marking a dramatic reversal from his previous role in the legal system.

San Diego

A criminal defense attorney and former employee of the San Diego City Attorney's Office has been charged with two felonies—burglary and injury to a spouse or roommate—as well as a misdemeanor vandalism charge. The charges stem from an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, in which he is accused of forcing entry into her home, physically assaulting her, and causing property damage.

Court documents and a temporary restraining order detail allegations of physical abuse, including strangulation and destruction of property. The attorney, who now works at a private law firm, appeared briefly in court, but the hearing was postponed. Hearings for both the criminal case and the restraining order are scheduled for September. The attorney's legal representative declined to comment on the case.

Criminal defense attorney faces felony domestic violence charges

A criminal defense attorney and former employee of the San Diego City Attorney's Office was in court today, this time as the defendant himself. He faces several charges. ABC 10 News reporter Laura Acevedo was in the courtroom today where the defendant briefly appeared in front of a judge. And two of the most egregious cases. This is Mark Skeels, seen here from previous coverage of cases he's worked on that ABC 10 News has covered. Now, according to court documents, we've learned he's facing two felonies, burglary and injury to a spouse or roommate. He's also facing a misdemeanor vandalism charge, all relating to an incident in late June involving Skeels and an ex-girlfriend. Skeels now works at a private law firm, but worked for the City Attorney's Office for years and also for the District Attorney. Skeels was in court Wednesday to face the criminal charges, but the hearing was moved to early September. The judge denied our request to film. A temporary domestic violence restraining order obtained by ABC 10 News details several instances of alleged abuse. Most recently, Skeels is accused of forcing his way into his ex-girlfriend's house during an argument between the pair that started over the phone. The accuser says Skeels showed up unexpectedly, grabbing her by the neck, strangling her and pushing her against the door, lifting her heels off the ground while yelling at her to give him the phone. She managed to run away and get help from a neighbor who called 911. The attorney is accused of kicking in the door to the woman's guest house where he thought she was hiding. These pictures of what appear to be bruises and a damaged door are used as evidence in the restraining order request. The accuser also claims Skeels took her phone and laptop during the incident and wiped it of evidence of the abuse. Hearings for both the criminal case and restraining order are set for September. After Wednesday's hearing, his attorney declined to comment on the allegations in the case. In Vista, Laura Acevedo, ABC 10 News.

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Breakdown