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Breaking: L.A. County reveals decision on domestic violence charges against Michael Avenatti
Michael Avenatti is celebrating the refusal of Los Angeles County to press felony charges of domestic violence against him Wednesday. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Breaking: L.A. County reveals decision on domestic violence charges against Michael Avenatti

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office revealed on Wednesday that they would not be seeking felony charges against Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film worker Stormy Daniels.

Here's what happened

The official account for the L.A. County Attorney's Office tweeted the decision Wednesday afternoon.

"A case presented today by #LosAngeles police involving attorney Michael Avenatti has been referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for misdemeanor filing consideration, the #LACounty District Attorney’s Office announced," the tweet read.

Avenatti rose to prominence while feuding with the president over his client's accusations that they had an extramarital affair before the became president. Daniels sued the president when he denied reports that he paid her off to keep quiet before the 2016 election, which his former lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to later.

TMZ first reported the domestic violence charges against Avenatti, but incorrectly said that it was his estranged wife that filed the accusations. It was later ascertained that a former girlfriend of the attorney had made the accusations instead.

Mareli Miniutti accused Avenatti of physically and verbally assaulting her in an altercation at an apartment they shared. She says she has bruises as a result of the fight. Avenatti absolutely denies all the accusations of abuse.

He is not off the hook

Despite the D.A.'s office refusing to bring felony charges against Avenatti, they have referred him to the Los Angeles City Attorney General's Office for the possibility of misdemeanor charges, which would be far less serious.

Avenatti responded positively to the statement from the attorney general's office in a statement he posted on his social media account.

"I am thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney General's Office has rejected filing any charges against me after a fair, careful and thorough investigation," he said in the statement. "I have maintained my innocence since the moment of my arrest. I wish to thank my supporters, friends, family, attorneys, and clients for the outpouring of support they provided."

"This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for justice," he concluded.

Here's the latest in the allegations against Avenatti:

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