Posted by Arguments are set to get underway today in the assault trial of embattled Queens Senator Hiram Monserrate.
Monserrate has elected for a bench trial, instead of a jury trial.
The lawmaker was arrested in December after prosecutors say he slashed his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, in the face with a piece of broken glass.
Both claim it was an accident, but a judge denied a motion to dismiss the case.
If convicted, Monserrate faces up to seven years in prison and would lose his Senate seat.
Source: NY1
