Assault Charges Against Hope Solo Dropped

13 Jan, 2015

 U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo had domestic violence assault charges against her dismissed Tuesday, ending what she called “one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life.”

Now, she can turn her attention fully to World Cup preparations.

The U.S. Soccer Federation had resisted pressure from some to suspend Solo after she was charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree assault stemming from an altercation with her half-sister and 17-year-old nephew at a party in June. The case had been set for trial in a week in suburban Seattle.

“Today’s decision brings closure to what has been one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life,” Solo said in a statement, which she posted on Facebook and received 275 primarily supportive comments in the first 55 minutes.

“I always had faith that once the facts of the case were presented, I would be cleared of all charges and I am so happy and relieved to finally have it all behind me.”

Solo, who also plays for the Seattle Reign, did not appear at Tuesday’s hearing when Kirkland Municipal Court Judge Michael Lambo dismissed the charges.

Solo’s lawyer, Todd Maybrown, sought to have the charges dismissed on the grounds that the alleged victims refused to be interviewed about the case.

“We are gratified that, after considering all of the facts and circumstances of this case, the judge has dismissed all charges against Hope Stevens (Solo),” Maybrown said in a statement. “From the beginning, I’ve stated that Hope was the victim of an assault in this case. With a careful review of the facts surrounding these matters, it is clear that Hope never should have faced charges in the first place.”

“Hope is very happy and relieved that she can now put this matter behind her. She looks forward to focusing her energies on the game she loves.”

At a hearing last week, the judge renewed an order for a deposition after Solo’s nephew and half-sister failed to appear for interviews. Prosecutors had said the pair didn’t appear because they weren’t served with subpoenas and there wasn’t adequate time to notify them, given the New Year’s Day holiday.

In court documents, Solo said she was defending herself against her nephew, who is 6-foot-9 and weighs 280 pounds. She claims she was hit over the head with a broom handle.

Solo’s relatives claimed she attacked first. Messages left with prosecutors and a lawyer representing Solo’s half-sister were not immediately returned Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Solo has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s national team.

In her last appearance with the Americans, Solo started and had a save in a scoreless draw with host Brazil on Dec. 21 in the championship of the 2014 International Tournament of Brasilia.

The U.S. women’s national team is in the tough Group D for the expanded 24-team Women’s World Cup from June 6-July 5 in Canada.

AP

Image AP

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