Opinion
2013-12-27
In the Matter of Amanda R. DIETZMAN, Petitioner–Respondent, v. Jason E. DIETZMAN, Respondent–Appellant.
Fares A. Rumi, Rochester, for Respondent–Appellant. Charles J. Greenberg, Amherst, for Petitioner–Respondent.
Fares A. Rumi, Rochester, for Respondent–Appellant. Charles J. Greenberg, Amherst, for Petitioner–Respondent.
Linda M. Jones, Attorney for the Children, Batavia.
PRESENT: SMITH, J.P., FAHEY, LINDLEY, VALENTINO, and WHALEN, JJ.
MEMORANDUM:
In this proceeding pursuant to article 8 of the Family Court Act, respondent, the former husband of petitioner and the father of her two children, appeals from an order of protection directing him, inter alia, to stay away from petitioner. Contrary to respondent's contention, Family Court's finding that he committed the family offenses of assault in the third degree (Penal Law § 120.00[1] ), harassment in the second degree (§ 240.26[1] ), and disorderly conduct (§ 240.20[1] ) is supported by a preponderance of the evidence ( see Matter of Marquardt v. Marquardt, 97 A.D.3d 1112, 1113, 948 N.Y.S.2d 484; see generally Family Ct. Act § 812[1] ). The testimony presented at the fact-finding hearing established that respondent kicked petitioner in the face, resulting in bruises, swelling, and a cut lip requiring stitches, and that while on top of petitioner he put his hands around her neck to prevent her from breathing. The court's determination that respondent was not acting in self-defense is supported by the record and will not be disturbed ( see Matter of Medranda v. Mondelli, 74 A.D.3d 972, 972, 901 N.Y.S.2d 867). We reject respondent's further contention that he was denied effective assistance of counsel ( see Matter of Amodea D., 112 A.D.3d 1367, 978 N.Y.S.2d 513 [2013] ).
It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously affirmed without costs.