Probation For Domestic Battery

A recent sanction reported on the April 2017 California Bar Journal

MICHAEL STEPHEN STEINER [#262189], 36, of San Diego, was placed on one year of probation and faces a one-year suspension if he fails to comply with the terms of his disciplinary probation. He was also ordered to take the MPRE. The order took effect Jan. 6, 2017.

In October 2014, Steiner pleaded guilty to domestic battery, a misdemeanor. The charge stemmed from an Aug. 9, 2014 fight that occurred between Steiner and his girlfriend at their home. The two got into an argument during which Steiner pushed the woman against the wall. She was breastfeeding the couple’s baby at the time and Steiner’s two older children were also present.

Steiner left the house with the two older children but returned a few minutes later and the argument resumed. He grabbed her by the arm, grabbed her throat and pushed her into a wall. She had scrapes on her right arm, neck and knees.

Steiner had no prior record of discipline, entered into a pretrial stipulation with the State Bar, provided eight character witnesses from a variety of backgrounds who attested to his good character, rehabilitation efforts and understanding of his misconduct. He has done community service and voluntarily enrolled and completed anger management and parenting classes.

(Mike Frisch)