Our readers may have heard of Ross Mirkarimi, San Francisco's new sheriff who is currently embroiled in somewhat of a fiasco that has some calling for his resignation. According to sources, Mirkarimi-who took his oath of office on Sunday-was reportedly involved in a domestic incident with his wife on New Year's Eve.

Mirkarimi's wife is said to have approached a neighbor to reach out for help on the night of the incident. The neighbor reportedly took photographs of the bruised woman, who later denied that domestic violence occurred. She has also said that the situation had been "taken out of context."

Sources said that the District Attorney's office is still determining whether charges will be pursued in the case. Mirkarimi has responded to the incident by saying that it was "a private matter. A family matter." He has been criticized for this statement, which some feels shows an insensitivity and lack of understanding of the nature of domestic violence. But Mirkarimi's spokesman has said he was referring only to his situation, not domestic violence in general.

At present, Sheriff Mirkarimi has not been charged, but if he was charged and convicted with a felony, he would be removed from office.

Mirkarimi has blamed political opponents for making raising the issue, though the individual who first brought the incident to light has politically supported Mirkarimi in the past.

Defenders of Mr. Mirkarimi say the incident is completely out of character for him.

Regardless of what happens in the incident, the public attention it is getting is likely to cast a shadow over Mirkarimi's career.

Allegations of domestic violence, even when no charges are issued, can have a significant effect on one's life. This is another reason why the accused deserve the best defense possible.

Source: SF Gate, "Anti-domestic violence group asks sheriff to quit," January 12, 2012.