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An Aiea woman was charged Saturday under a new state law that makes domestic abuse a felony if committed in front of a child under 14.
Monica Shareen Nalani Pires, 38, is expected to make an initial appearance in court Tuesday for one count of felony abuse of a household or family member. Her bail was set at $30,000.
Police said Pires assaulted a 14-year-old boy in front of her other children who were under the age of 14 about 9 p.m. Aug. 23.
Pires was arrested Friday in Punaluu.
Under a new law that took effect June 20, domestic abuse is a Class C felony if it takes place in front of a child under the age of 14. The maximum penalty is 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Otherwise, domestic abuse is a misdemeanor for the first two offenses. Conviction for a first offense can result in 48 hours in jail and 30 days in jail for a second offense within one year. The suspect could be charged with a class c felony for a third or subsequent offense within two years.
