The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Donna M. Kashat for domestic violence against her husband, Mijo Dejanovic. The court ruled on June 15, 2026, that sufficient evidence supported the conviction, which stemmed from an incident on September 6, 2024. This ruling affects Kashat, who was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with 15 days suspended, and has implications for how domestic violence cases are evaluated in Ohio.
The case, State v. Kashat, was filed under docket number 2025-P-0054 in the Portage County Municipal Court. The court found that Kashat knowingly caused physical harm to Dejanovic by spraying him in the face and head with wasp spray during a domestic dispute. This case highlights the legal definitions of domestic violence and the evidence required to support such charges.
Kashat and Dejanovic were married in 2019 but lived apart, with Dejanovic residing in Ohio and Kashat in California. On the night of the incident, Kashat unexpectedly arrived at Dejanovic's home, seeking a package she had sent there. The couple had discussed moving in together, but their living arrangements had not yet changed. The situation escalated when Kashat took Dejanovic's phone, leading to a physical confrontation where she sprayed him with wasp spray.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence, including a video recorded by Dejanovic, that showed the confrontation. Dejanovic testified that Kashat sprayed him in the face and back of the head, prompting him to seek medical treatment for his injuries. Kashat, on the other hand, claimed she was acting in self-defense, stating that she felt threatened by Dejanovic's actions.
The court's ruling focused on several key points. First, it emphasized that the definition of a family or household member includes spouses who may not live together full-time but share a significant relationship. The court stated, "The crime of domestic violence arises out of the relationship itself, not the fact that the parties happen to share one address." This ruling affirms that emotional and financial connections can establish the basis for domestic violence charges.
Judge Eugene A. Lucci, who authored the opinion, noted that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient for a reasonable jury to find Kashat guilty. The court also addressed Kashat's claims regarding ineffective assistance of counsel, ruling that her attorney's performance did not fall below acceptable standards. The court stated that defense counsel's strategic decisions, including not pursuing a self-defense claim, were reasonable given the circumstances.
The impact of this ruling extends beyond Kashat's case. It reinforces the legal framework for domestic violence in Ohio, particularly how courts interpret relationships between spouses who may not reside together. The court's decision may influence future cases involving domestic violence, particularly those involving long-distance relationships.
Looking ahead, Kashat has the option to appeal the ruling, although details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in domestic violence cases and the importance of understanding the legal definitions that govern such disputes.