LIHUE — A Lihue man convicted of family abuse received 60 days jail and a year of probation on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Leonard Dondi Cabinatan, 40, was arrested for abuse of a family or household member on Dec.
LIHUE — A Lihue man convicted of family abuse received 60 days jail and a year of probation on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Leonard Dondi Cabinatan, 40, was arrested for abuse of a family or household member on Dec. 6, 2013.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney George White said the terms of the no-contest agreement on Aug. 21 were to amend the charge to misdemeanor third-degree assault. In light of the defendant’s progressive actions to address his addiction, the state would recommend probation and time already served with an alternatives to domestic violence class.
“I am an alcoholic,” Cabinatan said in his statement to the court. “My life hit rock bottom on my last relapse.”
Cabinatan went on to say he feels better and more confident moving forward after completing his treatment programs.
“I will work really hard not to take that first drink again,” he added. “I am sorry for my actions.”
Court-appointed defense attorney Shauna Lee Cahill said that prior to sentencing, Cabinatan has already completed “Love the Journey” and the “Rebecca Reed” treatment programs. He was re-hired to the position he held prior to his relapse and has a sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
“He has made quite a turnaround from last year,” Cahill said.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said the court acknowledged the efforts of the defendant but added that after two prior family abuse cases, Cabinatan should have sought help before winding up back in the criminal justice system.
“The question is, why not earlier?” Valenciano added.
