Jockey Robby Albarado has been charged with domestic violence a second time, and has been suspended from racing, as reported by the Courier-Journal from Louisville, KY.
Albarado was arrested on the morning of May 4 and pleaded not guilty on May 8.
Albarado did not attend the arraignment, which is not mandatory for the misdemeanor charge. The jury trial is scheduled for July 18. In the interim, Albarado is forbidden to contact the prosecution witness.
Scott Barton, Albarado's attorney, said, "We're trying to get the quickest jury trial date we can get. I think once the facts come out, everyone will see that he is absolutely not guilty of these charges…He's not happy. Basically he just wants everything to come out. I think everyone's jumping to conclusions on this, and if everyone just holds back and we wait till July 18, and a jury has an opportunity to hear all the facts, he'll be exonerated of all this."
Albarado has been suspended indefinitely by the Churchill Downs stewards. On May 16 he will have the opportunity to face the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's review committee – and he must do so before he can ride again.
In regards to the suspension Barton said, "I'm not directly handling that. My understanding is that he is not entitled to a stay at this point."
In his last domestic violence charge, in an event involving his wife, Albarado was permitted to ride again. The agreement read, "Albarado agrees that violation of any of the foregoing conditions shall constitute sufficient grounds for immediate disciplinary action."
The current arrest occurred in his home on Aiken Road. The warrant alleged fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, and was the result of a petition made by his current live-in girlfriend, C.C.M.
C.C.M. alleged that the two wrestled over Albarado's cellular phone while arguing about their relationship. She claimed that she was trying to break off with him after finding out he had been unfaithful.
While using his phone to call her family, according to C.C.M., Albarado began yelling at her so she went into a bathroom. He then began kicking at the door and eventually was able to push his way through it. Once inside he grabbed her and tried to get his phone back.
Smelling alcohol on his breath she threw the phone at him. By the end of the assault she had crawled into a fetal position and tried to use her feet to shove him away from her.
C.C.M. has been treated at Jewish Hospital for bruising, a dislocated right collarbone and possible torn ligaments. Hospital staff urged C.C.M. to contact the police.
An emergency protective order was signed by a judge on May 4.
Albarado had been charged for assaulting his wife, K.A., last year. The charges, of domestic assault and wanton endangerment, were dismissed. He pleaded guilty to a Class A misdemeanor, of interfering with a witness, instead.
Being hurt once in a domestic violence attack is enough for a criminal charge, don't wait for a second threat; contact a family law attorney for help today!