"Family Ties" Actor Accused of Violating Probation
Former child actor Brian Bonsall is set to appear in court today after violating the conditions of his probation by missing daily breathalyzer tests, failing to pay for a class in a domestic violence, and submitting a positive breath test.
Best known for his appearance as Michael J. Fox's kid brother Andy on "Family Ties," Bonsall was charged and sentenced in 2007 for assaulting his girlfriend. She claimed that the 26 year old Boulder resident poured alcohol on her face as she slept and put her in a choke hold when she tried to leave. Police arrested him on March 28, 2007. Bonsall unsuccessfully pleaded self-defense and was sentenced to two years of probation. At the time, He told the court he was in rehab and had been clean for five months.
According to the probation-violation complaint, Bonsall received several warnings that he needed to pay for the court-ordered domestic violence classes. Last month his doctor placed Bonsall on a "financial freeze" so that he would only receive credit for the classes after he paid for them. Bonsall signed a contract saying he would pay for the classes by June 10 to comply with his probation. On June 12, Bonsall had not paid for the classes and submitted a positive breath test with blood alcohol content at 0.04 percent.
Bonsall has had several interactions with law enforcement in the past. He was suspected of drunk driving and stopped by police in 2001 and 2004, and he's been ticketed for underage drinking in two different counties.
Violating probation may require you to appear in court or land you in jail. If you've violated the terms of your probation, then you'll want a legal expert who can help you understand the differences between summary probation and formal probation and can explain your legal options. Your freedom is important, so contact Attorney Victor Orsatti.
'Family Ties' star Brian Bonsall accused of violating probation, DailyCamera.com, July 15, 2008
Brian Bonsall violates probation, Celebrity.RightPundits.com, July 15, 2008
