Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted of domestic violence.
Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland is in legal turmoil. The screenwriter faces incarceration and a substantial sentence following charges of domestic violence.
Deadline reports that the case didn’t go public until January 12. Justin Roiland has been charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with multiple counts including assault, forcible confinement by threat, violence, fraud and/or deception. The identity of the victim is not revealed but it would be a woman with whom Roiland would have had a relationship.
The incident in question allegedly happened in January 2020, according to a complaint filed in May of the same year. According to California sentencing guidelines, that means Justin Roiland — who in addition to being a co-creator is the voice of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith — could spend up to seven years behind bars and be handed prison sentences. heavy fines if found guilty.
However, no trial date has yet been set. Having pleaded not guilty to these charges in October 2020, Justin Roiland was present at the hearing on Thursday. And he is required to attend another hearing scheduled for April 27.
“To be clear, not only is Justin innocent, but we also expect this case to be on the verge of being dismissed once the DA’s office completes its methodical review of the evidence,” T. Edward said. Welbourn, Roiland’s attorney, to Deadline. “We look forward to clearing Justin’s name and helping him move forward as quickly as possible.”
Representatives for Adult Swim declined to comment on the charges or the case.
After posting $50,000 bond in August 2020, Roiland was issued a protective order later that year requiring him to stay at least 30 meters away from the person he allegedly assaulted. In addition, he must not have any contact with this person. The three-year protection order expires in October this year.
In addition to the huge success of Rick and Morty, Justin Roiland co-created and stars in the Solar Opposites series (available on Disney+), which was renewed for a fifth season last October. Roiland also lends his voice to the character of Chad Wagon in the Koala Man series, created by Michael Cusack, and available on Disney+ since this week.