LAKE HAVASU CITY – His abuse of alcohol prompted a Lake Havasu City man to assault a woman last fall. Defense attorney Jonathan Robinson’s comments came at a January 5 sentencing hearing for Xavier Davila, 30.
Davila was arrested on October 18 when Lake Havasu City police officers responded to a delayed domestic violence call at a Barranca Drive residence. The victim told police that she had been choked, punched and headbutted by Davila.
“This defendant placed his hands around the victim’s neck and squeezed until she couldn’t breathe,” prosecutor Aaron Smith said.
Robinson said booze was behind the violence and that his client knows he needs help. “This is something he knows he’s going to have to get some alcohol counseling for.”
The victim was not identified, but Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen noted that an attack upon someone he cared about clearly reflected the defendant’s issues with alcohol.
Davila told the court he embraces probation as a tool to betterment.
“I’m anxious to get back out there so I can start rehabilitating,” Davila said. “I’m very humbled, very sorry for the things that I’ve done under the influence of alcohol and excited to get help through the courts.”
Judge Jantzen ordered 90 days jail, crediting Davila for 80 days already spent in custody. “I would give him more jail if there were not a cap in the plea,” Jantzen said.
Jantzen placed Davila on probation for three years.
