The Sheriff Pleads Guilty

San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi agreed to a plea bargain on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge and two related charges that began with a New Year’s Day argument during which Mirkarimi allegedly bruised his wife’s arm. The district attorney dropped the three original charges; Mirkarimi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor false imprisonment. His sentence includes three years’ probation, one year of domestic violence classes, plus family counseling, community service and fines. I’d add another item; Mirkarimi should tell San Francisco voters what happened.

Public defender Jeff Adachi summed up the deal: “The district attorney gave in by not insisting that the sheriff plea to a domestic violence charge. At the same time, the district attorney got the sheriff to agree to one year of domestic violence counseling.” (Hence, the sheriff should be able to carry a gun.)

Is it a good deal for the city? I don’t think voters will know until Mirkarimi levels with the public. Defense attorney Lidia Stiglich tells me he will do so after Monday’s sentencing.

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