Have you ever seen video of a rock concert featuring the destruction of a guitar? Scores of artists — including Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Garth Brooks, Pete Townshend, Kurt Cobain, and even Billy Joel — have all smashed a guitar or two on stage as thousands of fans watched.

What about amateur and hobbyist guitarists? Do they ever weaponize a Fender? Not so much. However, one Derry Township man decided that the jagged remnants of his instrument would work just fine for assaulting his girlfriend.

When reasoning takes a back seat, and rage goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds, the result can be broken guitars, broken promises, broken relationships, and broken bones. Whatever the outcome of a domestic violence (DV) incident, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will be an invaluable ally as you begin to make amends. Learn more by calling 888.535.3686 or by filling out this contact form.

An Unusual Weapon In An All-Too-Common Altercation

Kevin James Gaudino, 59, is accused of attacking his romantic partner (whom police have declined to identify) first by hitting her in the face with his six-string, then stabbing her with a jagged piece of wood from the instrument's broken neck.

Gaudino had allegedly been drinking vodka for several hours in the lead-up to the attack. Court documents quoted the victim as saying Gaudino "went crazy about his past" while she was cooking dinner.

Luckily, the victim suffered only superficial injuries and did not require medical attention beyond that of the EMTs who evaluated her at the site.

As for Gaudino, he's facing numerous criminal charges related to his alleged violent actions.

Pennsylvania's Definition of "Weapon"

Title 18, § 912 of the PA General Assembly states that "a weapon is defined as any object, device, or instrument that can inflict serious bodily harm or threaten someone." There are several clear-cut examples, such as firearms, knives, pepper spray, and other chemical agents. Other items, like laser pointers, fireworks, and toy weapons, have legitimate, non-weapon-related

Of course, the latter category is much larger than the former. There are untold numbers of objects that can be used as a weapon, either with or without modification — including guitars.

The First Step for Those Facing Domestic Violence Charges

Whether or not a weapon was involved, any accusation of domestic violence holds tremendous weight. Even if the charges end up being dropped or the accused goes to trial and is acquitted, the stigma attached to DV allegations can be difficult to deal with, let alone overcome.

Let the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team help. We're committed to the fundamental American principle of due process, and we work hard to make sure our clients are treated fairly by the legal system. Call 888.535.3686 or click here.