'Rick And Morty' Co-Creator Charged With Felony Domestic Violence

Justin Roiland, the star and co-creator of the animated comedy series "Rick and Morty," was charged with felony domestic violence in Orange County, California, concerning an incident that happened in 2020.

Roiland appeared in court Thursday for the pre-trial hearing. He reportedly faces charges related to a complaint filed in May 2020 by the Orange County District Attorney, according to a criminal complaint obtained by NBC News.

The incident allegedly happened on Jan. 19, 2020, and involved a woman identified as "Jane Doe," whom Roiland was dating at the time. Roiland was charged in May 2020. He was arrested and released on a $50,000 bond in August 2020 and arraigned in October 2020, the outlet noted.

Roiland faces charges of one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit.

He reportedly pleaded not guilty to both charges in October 2020.

"We look forward to clearing Justin's name and helping him move forward as swiftly as possible," attorney T. Edward Welbourn wrote.

Roiland's attorney confirmed during the hearing that there was a plea offer available to the voice actor. A hearing is scheduled for April 27, Fox 11 reported.

The woman took out a restraining order against Roiland in October 2020, ordering him to turn in any guns in his possession and requiring him not to harass, threaten or surveil her.

Since Roiland pleaded not guilty to both charges, the case has been the subject of more than a dozen court hearings, including pre-trial hearings.

Roiland is prohibited from going within 100 feet of the person, according to the order, which also instructed him to turn in any firearms he owned or possessed. The order lasts until October 2023, and it is still unknown who submitted the request for the order.

The voice actor of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith in the "Rick and Morty" series and also the co-creator of Hulu's "Solar Opposites" won an Emmy for "Rick and Morty" in 2020 and a Hollywood Critics Choice Association TV award for the show in 2022.