Our Dallas readers may be interested in the recent domestic violence allegations against San Francisco's new Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. News sources are buzzing with details about the Sheriff's troubles, which stem from a New Year's Eve fight between him and his wife, Eliana Lopez.

According to sources, the couple became embroiled in a dispute on New Year's Eve over Lopez' plan to take their son on a trip to Venezuela, her home country. At some point during the argument, Lopez left the couple's house, ran into the street and showed a neighbor a bruise on her arm, which she claimed the Sheriff inflicted upon her.

The neighbor apparently made a video of the injury and later provided it to police over the objections of Lopez. Following the incident, Mirkarimi commented that the incident was a private matter, which raised criticism over his ability to serve as Sheriff.

Last Thursday, Mirkarimi pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor counts of domestic violence battery, child endangerment and dissuading a witness. The Sheriff's wife has quite vocally opposed the prosecution of her husband since he was charged.

The judge in charge of the case has ordered Mirkarimi to stay away from both his wife and their 2-year-old son. Lopez has opposed that order, but the judge has refused to lift it.

There are also questions being raised about the Sheriff's parenting skills, though nothing definitive has come forward yet. At this point, it isn't clear whether Mirkarimi will be stepping down from his position, but he has commented that it may be a possibility as things move forward.

Cases like this are a good reminder of the kinds of consequences domestic violence charges can have.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, "Judge refuses to life Mirkarimi stay-away order," Jaxon Van Derbeken, January 27, 2012.